Fungi are overlooked dimethylsulfoniopropionate degraders in marine environments.

Many marine fungi, especially Pezizomycotina, possess a previously unrecognized DMSP lyase, DddF, enabling them to significantly contribute to DMS production in marine environments.

• Why it matters: Understanding all microbial contributors to DMSP degradation is crucial for accurate modeling of global sulfur cycling and climate-active gas emissions, yet fungi have been largely overlooked.
• What they did: The study identified diverse fungi, including Aureobasidium melanogenum, that import DMSP for osmoprotection and utilize a novel cytoplasmic DMSP lyase, DddF, with widespread presence across marine fungal classes.
• The result: Fungal DMSP catabolism is more prevalent than previously thought, suggesting fungi may play a substantial role in marine sulfur cycling and DMS emissions.