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- Title
Genome sequence of the ubiquitous hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis.
- Authors
Schneiker, Susanne; Martins dos Santos, Vítor A P; Bartels, Daniela; Bekel, Thomas; Brecht, Martina; Buhrmester, Jens; Chernikova, Tatyana N; Denaro, Renata; Ferrer, Manuel; Gertler, Christoph; Goesmann, Alexander; Golyshina, Olga V; Kaminski, Filip; Khachane, Amit N; Lang, Siegmund; Linke, Burkhard; McHardy, Alice C; Meyer, Folker; Nechitaylo, Taras; Pühler, Alfred; Regenhardt, Daniela; Rupp, Oliver; Sabirova, Julia S; Selbitschka, Werner; Yakimov, Michail M; Timmis, Kenneth N; Vorhölter, Frank-Jörg; Weidner, Stefan; Kaiser, Olaf; Golyshin, Peter N
- Abstract
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.
- Publication
Nature biotechnology, 2006, Vol 24, Issue 8, p997
- ISSN
1087-0156
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/nbt1232