Genomic analysis of a lignocellulose degrading strain from the underexplored genus Meridianimaribacter

The genus Meridianimaribacter is one of the least-studied genera within Cytophaga-Flavobacteria. To date, no genomic analysis of Meridianimaribacter has beenreported. In this study, Meridianimaribacter sp. strain CL38, a lignocellulosedegrading halophile was isolated from mangrove soil. The genome of strain CL38was sequenced and analyzed. The assembled genome contains 17 contigs with 3.33Mbp, a GC content of 33.13% and a total of 2982 genes predicted. Lignocellulosedegrading enzymes such as cellulases (GH3, 5, 9, 16, 74 and 144), xylanases (GH43and CE4) and mannanases (GH5, 26, 27 and 130) are encoded in the genome.Furthermore, strain CL38 demonstrated its ability to decompose empty fruit bunch, alignocellulosic waste residue arising from palm oil industry. The genome informationcoupled with experimental studies confirmed the ability of strain CL38 to degradelignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, Meridianimaribacter sp. strain CL38, with itshalotolerance, could be useful for seawater based lignocellulosic biorefining.