Genomic analysis of Marinomonas algicola SM1966T reveals its role in marine sulfur cycling

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a ubiquitous organosulfur molecule in marine environments with important roles in global sulfur and nutrient cycling, which is mainly produced by marine phytoplankton and macroalgae. Marinomonas algicola SM1966^T, a Gram-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from the surface of Ulva pertusa (Chlorophyta) algal sample collected off the coastal areas of Rongcheng, China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain SM1966^T and its genomic characteristics to utilize DMSP, which may be produced by Ulva pertusa. The genome of strain SM1966^T contains one circular chromosome (4.3 Mbp) and one circular plasmid (149,271 bp). Genomic analysis showed that strain SM1966^T possesses a set of genes involved in DMSP transport, DMSP cleavage and the catabolism of acrylate, one product of DMSP cleavage. The results indicated that strain SM1966^T has the capacity to utilize DMSP and produce dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a volatile infochemical with important roles in global sulfur cycling. This study provides genetic insights into DMSP catabolism by algae-associated bacteria.