Complete genome sequence of the hyperthermophilic, piezophilic, heterotrophic, and carboxydotrophic archaeon Thermococcus barophilus MP.

Thermococcus barophilus is a hyperthermophilic, anaerobic, mixed heterotrophic, and carboxydotrophic euryarchaeon isolated from the deep sea hydrothermal vent Snakepit site on the mid-Atlantic ridge at a depth of 3,550 m. T. barophilus is the first true piezophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated, having an optimal growth at 40 MPa. Here we report the complete genome sequence of strain MP, the type strain of T. barophilus. The genome data reveal a close proximity with Thermococcus sibiricus, another Thermococcus isolated from the deep biosphere and a possible connection to life in the depths.