HGTree

HGTree catalogs horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events across prokaryotic genomes to enable analysis of microbial evolution and the dissemination of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance.

Key Features:

• Extensive Genome Coverage: Contains 20,536 completely sequenced non-redundant prokaryotic genomes.
• Curated HGT Data: Includes 6,361,199 putative horizontally transferred genes integrated with KEGG pathway annotations, virulence factor information, and antimicrobial resistance profiles.
• Enhanced Reliability: Applies curation steps to improve the accuracy of HGT event data.

Scientific Applications:

• Microbial Evolution: Facilitates studies of how HGT contributes to genetic diversity and adaptability among prokaryotes.
• Pathogenicity Research: Supports investigation of HGT-driven dissemination of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes.
• Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Enables exploration of integration of horizontally acquired genes into metabolic networks using KEGG annotations.

Methodology:

HGTree employs the tree-reconciliation method, comparing phylogenetic trees derived from different gene sequences and reconciling discrepancies that indicate horizontal transfer rather than vertical inheritance.