Bacteria are important dimethylsulfoniopropionate producers in marine aphotic and high-pressure environments

Yanfen Zheng, Jinyan Wang, Shun Zhou, Yunhui Zhang, Ji Liu, Chun-Xu Xue, Beth T. Williams, Xiuxiu Zhao, Li Zhao, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Chuang Sun, Hong-Hai Zhang, Tian Xiao, Gui-Peng Yang, Jonathan D. Todd () and Xiao-Hua Zhang ()
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Yanfen Zheng: Ocean University of China
Jinyan Wang: Ocean University of China
Shun Zhou: Ocean University of China
Yunhui Zhang: Ocean University of China
Ji Liu: Ocean University of China
Chun-Xu Xue: Ocean University of China
Beth T. Williams: University of East Anglia
Xiuxiu Zhao: Ocean University of China
Li Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiao-Yu Zhu: Ocean University of China
Chuang Sun: Ocean University of China
Hong-Hai Zhang: Ocean University of China
Tian Xiao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Gui-Peng Yang: Ocean University of China
Jonathan D. Todd: University of East Anglia
Xiao-Hua Zhang: Ocean University of China

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an important marine osmolyte. Aphotic environments are only recently being considered as potential contributors to global DMSP production. Here, our Mariana Trench study reveals a typical seawater DMSP/dimethylsulfide (DMS) profile, with highest concentrations in the euphotic zone and decreased but consistent levels below. The genetic potential for bacterial DMSP synthesis via the dsyB gene and its transcription is greater in the deep ocean, and is highest in the sediment.s DMSP catabolic potential is present throughout the trench waters, but is less prominent below 8000 m, perhaps indicating a preference to store DMSP in the deep for stress protection. Deep ocean bacterial isolates show enhanced DMSP production under increased hydrostatic pressure. Furthermore, bacterial dsyB mutants are less tolerant of deep ocean pressures than wild-type strains. Thus, we propose a physiological function for DMSP in hydrostatic pressure protection, and that bacteria are key DMSP producers in deep seawater and sediment.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18434-4

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