Metagenomic analysis revealing metabolic characteristics of Bathrarchaeota B242

Abstract:

[Background] Approximately 2.9×1029 cells reside in marine sediments, roughly equal to the estimates of cell abundance in seawater. Due to the lack of cultivated representative species of these microbes in laboratories, their physiology and metabolic functions remain largely unknown. The members of Bathyarchaeota are typical sedimentary microorganisms and widely distributed in global marine sediments. [Objective] For further understanding of their metabolic potential and ecological roles that remain largely elusive. [Methods] Samples from Guaymas Basin hydrothermal sediment were analyzed by metagenomic technology, and a near-complete genome belonging to Bathyarchaeota B242 was obtained. [Results] Through comprehensive genomic analysis, Bathyarchaeota B242 was found having heterotrophic mode of life style mainly through protein fermentation, carbohydrate utilization as well as possess autotrophic acetogenic pathway that helps survive under energy deficient environments. [Conclusion] The heterotrophic and autotrophic metabolic mode together contributed to the adaptation in energy deficient marine sediments for Bathyarchaeota.