Whole genome analysis of carotenoid-producing bacteria
In this study, we characterized two Muricauda sp. strains, ORYM1 (NBRC115792) and ORYM2 (NBRC115793), that were isolated from the reef-building coral Galaxea fascicularis and its surrounding seawater in Okinawa, Japan. Muricauda spp., which are zooxanthellae-associated bacteria, are known to protect zooxanthellae from heat and light stress by producing carotenoids that reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and maintain photosynthetic activity of zooxanthellae under stress. We isolated a Muricauda sp. strain, ORYM2, from subtropical seawater and assessed carotenoid production using ORYM2, in addition to ORYM1, which was previously isolated from the reef-building coral.