The Complete Genome Sequence of Thermococcus Onnurineus NA1 Reveals a Mixed Heterotrophic and Carboxydotrophic Metabolism

TitleThe Complete Genome Sequence of Thermococcus Onnurineus NA1 Reveals a Mixed Heterotrophic and Carboxydotrophic Metabolism
Publication TypeJournal Articles
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsLee H S, Kang S G, Bae S S, Lim J K, Cho Y, Kim Y J, Jeon J H, Cha S-S, Kwon K K, Kim H-T, Park C-J, Lee H-W, Kim S I, Chun J, Colwell RR, Kim S-J, Lee J-H
JournalJournal of BacteriologyJ. Bacteriol.
Volume190
Issue22
Pagination7491 - 7499
Date Published2008/11/15/
ISBN Number0021-9193, 1098-5530
Abstract

Members of the genus Thermococcus, sulfur-reducing hyperthermophilic archaea, are ubiquitously present in various deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems and are considered to play a significant role in the microbial consortia. We present the complete genome sequence and feature analysis of Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent area, which reveal clues to its physiology. Based on results of genomic analysis, T. onnurineus NA1 possesses the metabolic pathways for organotrophic growth on peptides, amino acids, or sugars. More interesting was the discovery that the genome encoded unique proteins that are involved in carboxydotrophy to generate energy by oxidation of CO to CO2, thereby providing a mechanistic basis for growth with CO as a substrate. This lithotrophic feature in combination with carbon fixation via RuBisCO (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) introduces a new strategy with a complementing energy supply for T. onnurineus NA1 potentially allowing it to cope with nutrient stress in the surrounding of hydrothermal vents, providing the first genomic evidence for the carboxydotrophy in Thermococcus.

URLhttp://jb.asm.org/content/190/22/7491
DOI10.1128/JB.00746-08