CANT-HYD

CANT-HYD annotates hydrocarbon-degradation genes in microbial genomes and metagenomes using a curated set of 37 Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to detect marker genes involved in anaerobic and aerobic pathways for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation.

Key Features:

• Curated HMM collection: Comprises 37 Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) that target marker genes for anaerobic and aerobic degradation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Marker gene annotation: Identifies and annotates genes implicated in hydrocarbon degradation pathways across input sequences.
• Genome and metagenome compatibility: Applies HMM-based annotation to both microbial genomes and metagenomic datasets.
• High-throughput sequence support: Designed to analyze large metagenomic datasets and other high-throughput sequencing data.
• Broad taxonomic applicability: HMMs cover marker genes found across diverse microbial phyla.
• Database-driven approach: Uses a curated database of HMM profiles as the reference for annotation.

Scientific Applications:

• Microbial genomics: Enables identification of hydrocarbon-degradation capabilities and marker genes in isolate genomes.
• Metagenomics research: Supports prediction and analysis of hydrocarbon degradation pathways within complex environmental microbial communities.
• Environmental biotechnology and bioremediation: Facilitates assessment of microbial potential to degrade pollutants such as oil-derived aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Methodology:

CANT-HYD uses a database-driven approach employing Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to annotate genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation across genomes and metagenomes.