Phylogenetic and functional diverse ANME-1 thrive in Arctic hydrothermal vents

• Published in: FEMS Microbiology Ecology
• Main Authors: Vulcano, F, Hahn, C J, Roerdink, D, Dahle, H, Reeves, E P, Wegener, G, Steen, I H, Stokke, R
• Other Authors: Research Council of Norway, University of Bergen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2022
• Subjects: Arctic; Jan Mayen
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiac117; https://academic.oup.com/femsec/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/femsec/fiac117/46329540/fiac117.pdf; https://academic.oup.com/femsec/article-pdf/98/11/fiac117/47175633/fiac117.pdf

Abstract The methane-rich areas, the Loki's Castle vent field and the Jan Mayen vent field at the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridge (AMOR), host abundant niches for anaerobic methane-oxidizers, which are predominantly filled by members of the ANME-1. In this study, we used a metagenomic-based approach that revealed the presence of phylogenetic and functional different ANME-1 subgroups at AMOR, with heterogeneous distribution. Based on a common analysis of ANME-1 genomes from AMOR and other geographic locations, we observed that AMOR subgroups clustered with a vent-specific ANME-1 group that occurs solely at vents, and with a generalist ANME-1 group, with a mixed environmental origin. Generalist ANME-1 are enriched in genes coding for stress response and defense strategies, suggesting functional diversity among AMOR subgroups. ANME-1 encode a conserved energy metabolism, indicating strong adaptation to sulfate-methane-rich sediments in marine systems, which does not however prevent global dispersion. A deep branching family named Ca. Veteromethanophagaceae was identified. The basal position of vent-related ANME-1 in phylogenomic trees suggests that ANME-1 originated at hydrothermal vents. The heterogeneous and variable physicochemical conditions present in diffuse venting areas of hydrothermal fields could have favored the diversification of ANME-1 into lineages that can tolerate geochemical and environmental variations.