Complete Genome Sequence of the Representative γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane-Degrading Bacterium Sphingobium japonicum UT26

Sphingobium japonicum strain UT26 utilizes gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH), a man-made chlorinated pesticide that causes serious environmental problems due to its toxicity and long persistence, as a sole source of carbon and energy. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of UT26, which consists of two chromosomes and three plasmids. The 15 lin genes involved in gamma-HCH degradation are dispersed on the two chromosomes and one of the three plasmids.