Complete genome sequence of the endosymbiont Blattabacterium from the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (Blattodea: Blaberidae)

• We sequenced the complete genome of a bacterial endosymbiont from a cockroach.
• The endosymbiont genome consists of 582 genes and 4 additional genes on a plasmid.
• Genes for DNA replication, transcription, and translation are in the genome.
• The endosymbiont has genes for complete or partial synthesis of 17 amino acids.
• This genome highlights the similarities and differences among insect endosymbionts.

All cockroaches, with the exception of one cave-dwelling genus, harbor endosymbiotic bacteria, Blattabacterium. After much confusion concerning their function, recent genomic studies indicate that Blattabacterium synthesize amino acids, vitamins, and other compounds. However, the Blattabacterium genomes sequenced so far suggest that the endosymbionts are variable in their genome size, gene composition, and compounds they synthesize. Therefore, there is a need for sequencing additional Blattabacterium genomes to fully comprehend their evolution. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Blattabacterium (BNCIN) harbored by the host Nauphoeta cinerea (Blaberidae). The BNCIN genome is 622,952 bp long and consists of 581 protein coding regions and 627 genes of putative function. The genome of BNCIN is comparable, with a few structural and functional differences, to the genomes of the other sequenced Blattabacterium. The endosymbiont is involved in complete or partial synthesis of 15 amino acids.