Comparative genomics of Paracoccus sp. SM22M-07 isolated from coral mucus: insights into bacteria-host interactions

One of the main goals of coral microbiology is to understand the ways in which coral-bacteria associations are established and maintained. This work describes the sequencing of the genome of Paracoccus sp. SM22M-07 isolated from the mucus of the endemic Brazilian coral species Mussismilia hispida. Comparative analysis was used to identify unique genomic features of SM22M-07 that might be involved in its adaptation to the marine ecosystem and the nutrient-rich environment provided by coral mucus, as well as in the establishment and strengthening of the interaction with the host. These features included genes related to the type IV protein secretion system, erythritol catabolism, and succinoglycan biosynthesis. We experimentally confirmed the production of succinoglycan by Paracoccus sp. SM22M-07 and we hypothesize that it may be involved in the association of the bacterium with coral surfaces.