Genome analysis provides insights into crude oil degradation and biosurfactant production by extremely halotolerant Halomonas desertis G11 isolated from Chott El-Djerid salt-lake in Tunisian desert.

Here, we report the genomic features and the bioremediation potential of Halomonas desertis G11, a new halophilic species which uses crude oil as a carbon and energy source and displays intrinsic resistance to salt stress conditions (optimum growth at 10% NaCl). G11 genome (3.96 Mb) had a mean GC content of 57.82%, 3622 coding sequences, 480 subsystems and 64 RNA genes. Annotation predicted 38 genes involved in osmotic stress including the biosynthesis of osmoprotectants glycine-betaine, ectoine and osmoregulated periplasmic glucans. Genome analysis revealed also the versatility of the strain for emulsifying crude oil and metabolizing hydrocarbons. The ability of G11 to degrade crude oil components and to secrete a glycolipid biosurfactant with satisfying properties was experimentally confirmed and validated. Our results help to explain the exceptional capacity of G11 to survive at extreme desertic conditions, and highlight the metabolic features of this organism that has biotechnological and ecological potentialities.