Stable isotope probing/metagenomics of terrestrial dimethylsulfide degrading microorganisms

Dimethylsulfide (DMS), a volatile sulfur compound, plays an important role in the global sulfur cycle and atmospheric chemistry. Microorganisms can use DMS as sole carbon, sulfur or energy source, contributing to the cycling of DMS in a wide variety of ecosystems. The diversity of microbial populations degrading DMS in terrestrial environments is poorly understood. Based on cultivation studies, it has been recognised that a wide range of bacteria isolated from terrestrial ecosystems are able to degrade DMS, yet it remains unknown whether any of these play important roles in situ. In this study we identified bacteria using DMS as a carbon and energy source in terrestrial environments, an agricultural soil and a lake sediment, by DNA stable isotope probing (SIP). Microbial communities involved in DMS degradation were analysed by high-throughput sequencing of SIP gradient fractions and metagenomic sequencing of phi29-amplified community DNA.