Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum
The ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are dominated by nutrient-poor mineral soil and rocky outcrops. The principal habitat for microorganisms is within rocks (endolithic). In this environment, microorganisms are provided with protection against sub-zero temperatures, rapid thermal fluctuat...
Published in: | Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
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Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372512 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10952385/ |
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ftpubmed:38372512 2024-06-09T07:40:39+00:00 Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum Williams, Timothy J Allen, Michelle A Ray, Angelique E Benaud, Nicole Chelliah, Devan S Albanese, Davide Donati, Claudio Selbmann, Laura Coleine, Claudia Ferrari, Belinda C 2024 Mar 20 https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372512 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10952385/ eng eng Atypon https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372512 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10952385/ Appl Environ Microbiol ISSN:1098-5336 Volume:90 Issue:3 Antarctica endolithic communities extremophiles metagenomics survival strategies Journal Article 2024 ftpubmed https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 2024-05-16T16:03:00Z The ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are dominated by nutrient-poor mineral soil and rocky outcrops. The principal habitat for microorganisms is within rocks (endolithic). In this environment, microorganisms are provided with protection against sub-zero temperatures, rapid thermal fluctuations, extreme dryness, and ultraviolet and solar radiation. Endolithic communities include lichen, algae, fungi, and a diverse array of bacteria. Chloroflexota is among the most abundant bacterial phyla present in these communities. Among the Chloroflexota are four novel classes of bacteria, here named Candidatus Spiritibacteria class. nov. (=UBA5177), Candidatus Martimicrobia class. nov. (=UBA4733), Candidatus Tarhunnaeia class. nov. (=UBA6077), and Candidatus Uliximicrobia class. nov. (=UBA2235). We retrieved 17 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that represent these four classes. Based on genome predictions, all these bacteria are inferred to be aerobic heterotrophs that encode enzymes for the catabolism of diverse sugars. These and other organic substrates are likely derived from lichen, algae, and fungi, as metabolites (including photosynthate), cell wall components, and extracellular matrix components. The majority of MAGs encode the capacity for trace gas oxidation using high-affinity uptake hydrogenases, which could provide energy and metabolic water required for survival and persistence. Furthermore, some MAGs encode the capacity to couple the energy generated from H2 and CO oxidation to support carbon fixation (atmospheric chemosynthesis). All encode mechanisms for the detoxification and efflux of heavy metals. Certain MAGs encode features that indicate possible interactions with other organisms, such as Tc-type toxin complexes, hemolysins, and macroglobulins.IMPORTANCEThe ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are the coldest and most hyperarid desert on Earth. It is, therefore, the closest analog to the surface of the planet Mars. Bacteria and other microorganisms survive by inhabiting airspaces within rocks (endolithic). We identify four novel classes of phylum Chloroflexota, and, based on interrogation of 17 metagenome-assembled genomes, we predict specific metabolic and physiological adaptations that facilitate the survival of these bacteria in this harsh environment-including oxidation of trace gases and the utilization of nutrients (including sugars) derived from lichen, algae, and fungi. We propose that such adaptations allow these endolithic bacteria to eke out an existence in this cold and extremely dry habitat. Article in Journal/Newspaper Antarc* Antarctica McMurdo Dry Valleys PubMed Central (PMC) McMurdo Dry Valleys Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
institution |
Open Polar |
collection |
PubMed Central (PMC) |
op_collection_id |
ftpubmed |
language |
English |
topic |
Antarctica endolithic communities extremophiles metagenomics survival strategies |
spellingShingle |
Antarctica endolithic communities extremophiles metagenomics survival strategies Williams, Timothy J Allen, Michelle A Ray, Angelique E Benaud, Nicole Chelliah, Devan S Albanese, Davide Donati, Claudio Selbmann, Laura Coleine, Claudia Ferrari, Belinda C Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
topic_facet |
Antarctica endolithic communities extremophiles metagenomics survival strategies |
description |
The ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are dominated by nutrient-poor mineral soil and rocky outcrops. The principal habitat for microorganisms is within rocks (endolithic). In this environment, microorganisms are provided with protection against sub-zero temperatures, rapid thermal fluctuations, extreme dryness, and ultraviolet and solar radiation. Endolithic communities include lichen, algae, fungi, and a diverse array of bacteria. Chloroflexota is among the most abundant bacterial phyla present in these communities. Among the Chloroflexota are four novel classes of bacteria, here named Candidatus Spiritibacteria class. nov. (=UBA5177), Candidatus Martimicrobia class. nov. (=UBA4733), Candidatus Tarhunnaeia class. nov. (=UBA6077), and Candidatus Uliximicrobia class. nov. (=UBA2235). We retrieved 17 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that represent these four classes. Based on genome predictions, all these bacteria are inferred to be aerobic heterotrophs that encode enzymes for the catabolism of diverse sugars. These and other organic substrates are likely derived from lichen, algae, and fungi, as metabolites (including photosynthate), cell wall components, and extracellular matrix components. The majority of MAGs encode the capacity for trace gas oxidation using high-affinity uptake hydrogenases, which could provide energy and metabolic water required for survival and persistence. Furthermore, some MAGs encode the capacity to couple the energy generated from H2 and CO oxidation to support carbon fixation (atmospheric chemosynthesis). All encode mechanisms for the detoxification and efflux of heavy metals. Certain MAGs encode features that indicate possible interactions with other organisms, such as Tc-type toxin complexes, hemolysins, and macroglobulins.IMPORTANCEThe ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are the coldest and most hyperarid desert on Earth. It is, therefore, the closest analog to the surface of the planet Mars. Bacteria and other microorganisms survive by inhabiting airspaces within rocks (endolithic). We identify four novel classes of phylum Chloroflexota, and, based on interrogation of 17 metagenome-assembled genomes, we predict specific metabolic and physiological adaptations that facilitate the survival of these bacteria in this harsh environment-including oxidation of trace gases and the utilization of nutrients (including sugars) derived from lichen, algae, and fungi. We propose that such adaptations allow these endolithic bacteria to eke out an existence in this cold and extremely dry habitat. |
format |
Article in Journal/Newspaper |
author |
Williams, Timothy J Allen, Michelle A Ray, Angelique E Benaud, Nicole Chelliah, Devan S Albanese, Davide Donati, Claudio Selbmann, Laura Coleine, Claudia Ferrari, Belinda C |
author_facet |
Williams, Timothy J Allen, Michelle A Ray, Angelique E Benaud, Nicole Chelliah, Devan S Albanese, Davide Donati, Claudio Selbmann, Laura Coleine, Claudia Ferrari, Belinda C |
author_sort |
Williams, Timothy J |
title |
Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
title_short |
Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
title_full |
Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
title_fullStr |
Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
title_full_unstemmed |
Novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
title_sort |
novel endolithic bacteria of phylum |
publisher |
Atypon |
publishDate |
2024 |
url |
https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372512 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10952385/ |
geographic |
McMurdo Dry Valleys |
geographic_facet |
McMurdo Dry Valleys |
genre |
Antarc* Antarctica McMurdo Dry Valleys |
genre_facet |
Antarc* Antarctica McMurdo Dry Valleys |
op_source |
Appl Environ Microbiol ISSN:1098-5336 Volume:90 Issue:3 |
op_relation |
https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372512 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10952385/ |
op_doi |
https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02264-23 |
container_title |
Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
_version_ |
1801384018374033408 |