May act as a dimethylsulfonioproprionate (DMSP) in vitro, releasing dimethyl sulfide (DMS). DMS is the principal form by which sulfur is transported from oceans to the atmosphere (PubMed:20880330). The real activity of the protein is however subject to debate and it is unclear whether it constitutes a real dimethylsulfonioproprionate lyase in vivo (Probable). S,S-dimethyl-beta-propiothetin = acrylate + dimethyl sulfide + H(+) Zn(2+) probably constitutes the cofactor in vivo. Homodimer. Decreased dimethylsulfonioproprionate (DMSP) catabolism. Belongs to the non-heme iron-dependent dioxygenase family.