Pseudomonas sp. AK6U Genome sequencing and assembly. Pseudomonas sp. AK6U

The Gram-negative genus Pseudomonas describes an environmentally widespread taxon. Members of the genus include metabolically diverse species being proficient at mineralizing a wide range of recalcitrant hydrocarbon compounds making them useful chassis for engineering whole cell catalysts. As a first stage in developing such whole cell catalysts for hydrocarbon-applications in a strain adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of the Arabian Peninsula, we present the complete chromosomal genome sequence of Pseudomonas strain AK6U. This strain was isolated from soil contaminated with lubricating oil, benzene and diesel in Fahaheel district, Kuwait. It produces rhamnolipid biosurfactants that support hydrocarbon catabolism and can desulfurize dibenzothiophene which is the sulfur-hydrocarbon species most resistant to removal by hydrotreatment.