Genomic insights into organohalide respiration

► The first genomes for Dehalobacter (n = 7) and Dehalogenimonas (n = 1) genera have been sequenced. ► These genomes contain 10-39 reductive dehalogenases (RDases) - similar to the Dehalococcoides. ► Dehalococcoides genome-wide expression studies have been described by various laboratories. ► Intraspecies and interspecies transfer of RDase are common and are likely mediated by transposition events. ► Transcriptional regulators proximal to RDases include NirR, MarR, CRP/FNR, and HK/RR type systems.