Genome-resolved metagenomics revealed novel microbial taxa with ancient metabolism from macroscopic microbial mat structures inhabiting anoxic deep reefs of a Maldivian Blue Hole.

ABSTRACT: Blue holes are vertical water-filled openings in carbonate rock that exhibit complex morphology, ecology, and water chemistry. In this study, macroscopic microbial mat structures found in complete anoxic conditions in the Faanu Mudugau Blue Hole (Maldives) were studied by metagenomic methods. Such communities have likely been evolutionary isolated from the surrounding marine environment for more than 10,000 years since the Blue Hole formation during the last Ice Age. A total of 48 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered, predominantly composed of the phyla Chloroflexota, Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota. None of these MAGs have been classified to species level (<95% ANI), suggesting the discovery of several new microbial taxa. In particular, MAGs belonging to nov

SUBMITTER: Doni L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11392830 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature