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Nature Biotechnology 24, 997–1004 (1 August 2006) | doi:10.1038/nbt1232

Genome sequence of the ubiquitous hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis

Susanne Schneiker , V|[iacute]|tor AP Martins dos Santos , Daniela Bartels , Thomas Bekel , Martina Brecht , Jens Buhrmester , Tatyana N Chernikova , Renata Denaro , Manuel Ferrer , Christoph Gertler , Alexander Goesmann , Olga V Golyshina , Filip Kaminski , Amit N Khachane , Siegmund Lang , Burkhard Linke , Alice C McHardy , Folker Meyer , Taras Nechitaylo , Alfred P|[uuml]|hler , Daniela Regenhardt , Oliver Rupp , Julia S Sabirova , Werner Selbitschka , Michail M Yakimov , Kenneth N Timmis , Frank-J|[ouml]|rg Vorh|[ouml]|lter , Stefan Weidner , Olaf Kaiser & Peter N Golyshin

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.