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Metagenomic investigation of the geologically unique H ellenic V olcanic A rc reveals a distinctive ecosystem with unexpected physiology
Author(s) -
Oulas Anastasis,
Polymenakou Paraskevi N.,
Seshadri Rekha,
Tripp H. James,
Mandalakis Manolis,
PaezEspino A. David,
Pati Amrita,
Chain Patrick,
Nomikou Paraskevi,
Carey Steven,
Kilias Stephanos,
Christakis Christos,
Kotoulas Georgios,
Magoulas Antonios,
Ivanova Natalia N.,
Kyrpides Nikos C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.13095
Subject(s) - chemosynthesis , biology , hydrothermal vent , ecosystem , microbial mat , metagenomics , ecology , volcano , hydrothermal circulation , cyanobacteria , bacteria , paleontology , gene , biochemistry
Summary Hydrothermal vents represent a deep, hot, aphotic biosphere where chemosynthetic primary producers, fuelled by chemicals from Earth's subsurface, form the basis of life. In this study, we examined microbial mats from two distinct volcanic sites within the H ellenic V olcanic A rc ( HVA ). The HVA is geologically and ecologically unique, with reported emissions of CO 2 ‐saturated fluids at temperatures up to 220° C and a notable absence of macrofauna. Metagenomic data reveals highly complex prokaryotic communities composed of chemolithoautotrophs, some methanotrophs, and to our surprise, heterotrophs capable of anaerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Our data suggest that aromatic hydrocarbons may indeed be a significant source of carbon in these sites, and instigate additional research into the nature and origin of these compounds in the HVA . Novel physiology was assigned to several uncultured prokaryotic lineages; most notably, a SAR 406 representative is attributed with a role in anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation. This dataset, the largest to date from submarine volcanic ecosystems, constitutes a significant resource of novel genes and pathways with potential biotechnological applications.