Genome sequence of the ubiquitous hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis.
Alcanivorax borkumensis is a cosmopolitan marine bacterium that uses oil hydrocarbons as its exclusive source of carbon and energy. Although barely detectable in unpolluted environments, A. borkumensis becomes the dominant microbe in oil-polluted waters. A. borkumensis SK2 has a streamlined genome with a paucity of mobile genetic elements and energy generation-related genes, but with a plethora of genes accounting for its wide hydrocarbon substrate range and efficient oil-degradation capabilities. The genome further specifies systems for scavenging of nutrients, particularly organic and inorganic nitrogen and oligo-elements, biofilm formation at the oil-water interface, biosurfactant production and niche-specific stress responses. The unique combination of these features provides A. borkumensis SK2 with a competitive edge in oil-polluted environments. This genome sequence provides the basis for the future design of strategies to mitigate the ecological damage caused by oil spills.
Schneiker
Susanne
S
Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Bielefeld, D-33594 Bielefeld, Germany.
Martins dos Santos
Vítor A P
VA
Bartels
Daniela
D
Bekel
Thomas
T
Brecht
Martina
M
Buhrmester
Jens
J
Chernikova
Tatyana N
TN
Denaro
Renata
R
Ferrer
Manuel
M
Gertler
Christoph
C
Goesmann
Alexander
A
Golyshina
Olga V
OV
Kaminski
Filip
F
Khachane
Amit N
AN
Lang
Siegmund
S
Linke
Burkhard
B
McHardy
Alice C
AC
Meyer
Folker
F
Nechitaylo
Taras
T
Pühler
Alfred
A
Regenhardt
Daniela
D
Rupp
Oliver
O
Sabirova
Julia S
JS
Selbitschka
Werner
W
Yakimov
Michail M
MM
Timmis
Kenneth N
KN
Vorhölter
Frank-Jörg
FJ
Weidner
Stefan
S
Kaiser
Olaf
O
Golyshin
Peter N
PN
D001483:Base Sequence; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002874:Chromosome Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D016680:Genome, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D044129:Halomonadaceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
D006838:Hydrocarbons