First Azospirillum genome from aquatic environments: Whole-genome sequence of Azospirillum thiophilum BV-ST, a novel diazotroph harboring a capacity of sulfur-chemolithotrophy from a sulfide spring

Azospirillum thiophilum BV-ST, isolated from a sulfide spring, is a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium harboring sulfur-lithotrophy. In order to identify genetic characteristics with habitat- and metabolic features contrasting to those from terrestrial Azospirillum species, we present here the genome sequence of a novel species A. thiophilum BV-ST, with a significance of first genome report in the aquatic Azospirillum species. The genome of strain BV-ST is comprised of 7.6 Mb chromosome with a GC content of 68.2%. This information will contribute to expand understandings of sulfur-oxidizer microbes that preserve inherencies as a diazotroph, and further it will provide insights into genome plasticity of the genus Azospirillum for niche specific adaptations.