Genome-guided prediction of acid resistance mechanisms in acidophilic methanotrophs of phylogenetically deep-rooted Verrucomicrobia isolated from geothermal environments.

ABSTRACT: Verrucomicrobia are a group of microorganisms that have been proposed to be deeply rooted in the Tree of Life. Some are methanotrophs that oxidize the potent greenhouse gas methane and are thus important in decreasing atmospheric concentrations of the gas, potentially ameliorating climate change. They are widespread in various environments including soil and fresh or marine waters. Recently, a clade of extremely acidophilic Verrucomicrobia, flourishing at pH < 3, were described from high-temperature geothermal ecosystems. This novel group could be of interest for studies about the emergence of life on Earth and to astrobiologists as homologs for possible extraterrestrial life. In this paper, we describe predicted mechanisms for survival of this clade at low pH and suggest its possible evol

SUBMITTER: Neira G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9543262 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature