Metagenome of a versatile chemolithoautotroph from expanding oceanic dead zones.

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/19900896

Science 2009 Oct 23 326 5952 578-82

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Authors

Hallam SJ, Walsh DA, Song YC, Tringe SG, Howes CG, Tortell PD, Zaikova E, Wright JJ

Affiliation

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.

Abstract

Oxygen minimum zones, also known as oceanic "dead zones," are widespread oceanographic features currently expanding because of global warming. Although inhospitable to metazoan life, they support a cryptic microbiota whose metabolic activities affect nutrient and trace gas cycling within the global ocean. Here, we report metagenomic analyses of a ubiquitous and abundant but uncultivated oxygen minimum zone microbe (SUP05) related to chemoautotrophic gill symbionts of deep-sea clams and mussels. The SUP05 metagenome harbors a versatile repertoire of genes mediating autotrophic carbon assimilation, sulfur oxidation, and nitrate respiration responsive to a wide range of water-column redox states. Our analysis provides a genomic foundation for understanding the ecological and biogeochemical role of pelagic SUP05 in oxygen-deficient oceanic waters and its potential sensitivity to environmental changes.

PMID
19900896

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't