Genomic analysis of a novel isolate Vreelandella Titanicae sp. Zn11_249 from the chaotropic environment Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia).

BACKGROUND

This article describes the isolation of Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 from the Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia). The genome of the bacterium is described and new information about the species Vreelandella titanicae is added to the database. However, the aim is not only to present this information, but also to provide the ecological approach of the isolate to the extreme ecosystem in which it develops and genes sequences that could improve the biotechnological capacities around this strain.

RESULTS

Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 was isolated from samples of a whirlpool from the Salar de Uyuni. The nucleotide sequence of the genome has been determined and analysed. The genome contains 5,575,580 bp and has a G + C content of 54.61%. This analysis identified 4,995 coding sequences, 62 tRNA genes, 1 tmRNA gene, 12 rRNA, 1 CRSPR region and 1 repeat region. Annotation of the Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 genome found the metabolic genes necessary for the correct functioning of the bacterium in the niche it inhabits. On the one hand, the metabolic pathways found are related to the assimilation of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur. The assimilation of these compounds for an adequate development of the bacteria was related to the ecological role of Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 to understand its possible function and importance in the Salar de Uyuni. On the other hand, sequences encoding resistance genes were identified, possibly due to the stresses the bacteria are subjected to in this ecosystem. The sequences found included heavy metal resistance genes, genes related to oxidative stress response or to osmotic stress among others.

CONCLUSIONS

The genes involved in the metabolism of Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249 enable it to live on in the extreme conditions of Salar de Uyuni. This bacterium plays a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. Its metabolic adaptability allows them to thrive under high salinity and harsh conditions, making it a key player in the transformation and mobility of essential elements. Although based on a single genome, this primally study provides a solid foundational framework for future transcriptomic, proteomic, and experimental investigations into the ecological role and biotechnological potential of Vreelandella titanicae Zn11_249. The authors confirm all supporting data, code, and protocols have been provided within the article or through Supporting Information data files.