Complete genome sequence of Sulfitobacter pontiacus WPMT18310, a dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) degradation bacterium isolated from the Mariana Trench.

Bacteria of the genus Sulfitobacter are widely distributed across various marine environments and play a vital role in the sulfur cycle. Sulfitobacter pontiacus WPMT18310 was isolated from water samples collected at a depth of 10,890 m in the Mariana Trench. In this study, we report the complete genome of S. pontiacus WPMT18310, which contained 3533 genes and a total length of 3,706,453 base pairs organized within a single chromosome. Additionally, the genome contains four plasmids, suggesting its significant capacity for gene transfer. S. pontiacus WPMT18310 is capable for synthesizing signaling molecules and degrading dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). The degradation product dimethyl sulfide (DMS) serves as a potential signaling molecule that can induce the settlement of marine invertebrates. This genomic information of S. pontiacus may provide valuable insights into elucidating the ecological significance of the sulfur cycle and assessing its impact on marine invertebrate settlement.