Closing unclosable genomes: A new approach combining single-cell Illumina & ONT sequencing

Genomics of marine nematode symbionts

  • Laxus oneistus and Robbea hypermnestrae, two free-living nematodes (subfamily Stilbonematinae) live in a binary symbiotic association with chemoautotrophic, S-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria, Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti and Ca. T. hypermnestrae, respectively
  • Each symbiont is attached to the nematode cuticle by one pole as to ensheath its host

Goal: What genomic adaptations do animal-attached bacteria have?
Therefore, we want to unambiguously determine of the complete genetic repertoire.
Challenge: Based on Illumina-based genome drafts, there are repeats up to 7 kb.

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