Complete genome sequence of Spirosoma radiotolerans, a gamma-radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from rice field in South Korea.

Spirosoma radiotolerans is a Gram-negative, short rod-shaped and gamma-radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from rice field in South Korea (GPS; 37°34'30″N, 127°00'30″E). The complete genome of S. radiotolerans consists of a chromosome (7,029,352bp). From the genome sequence database, we have identified the cluster of genes responsible for DNA recovery from ionizing radiation. The key enzymes for the nucleotide excision repair (NER) were investigated and were identified, suggesting that S. radiotolerans DG5A use (NER) pathways for efficient removal of pyrimidine dimers which are the most abundant type of UV-induced damage. Complete genome information enables further studies on the DNA repair mechanisms during the ionizing radiation.