Complete genome sequence of Tsukamurella sp. MH1: A wide-chain length alkane-degrading actinomycete.

Tsukamurella sp. strain MH1, capable to use a wide range of n-alkanes as the only carbon source, was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil (Pitești, Romania) and its complete genome was sequenced. The 4,922,396 bp genome contains only one circular chromosome with a G + C content of 71.12%, much higher than the type strains of this genus (68.4%). Based on the 16S rRNA genes sequence similarity, strain MH1 was taxonomically identified as Tsukamurella carboxydivorans. Genome analyses revealed that strain MH1 is harboring only one gene encoding for the alkB-like hydroxylase, arranged in a complete alkane monooxygenase operon. This is the first complete genome of the specie T. carboxydivorans, which will provide insights into the potential of Tsukamurella sp. MH1 and related strains for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons-contaminated sites and into the environmental role of these bacteria.