Uncovering the Mechanisms of Halotolerance in the Extremely Acidophilic Members of the Genus Through Comparative Genome Analysis.

There are few naturally occurring environments where both acid and salinity stress exist together, consequently, there has been little evolutionary pressure for microorganisms to develop systems that enable them to deal with both stresses simultaneously. Members of the genus are iron- and sulfur-oxidizing, halotolerant acidophiles that have developed the ability to tolerate acid and saline stress and, therefore, have the potential to bioleach ores with brackish or saline process waters under acidic conditions. The genus consists of four members, DSM 5130, DSM 14174, F5 and "" DSM 14175. An in depth genome comparison was undertaken in order to provide a more comprehensive description of the mechanisms of halotolerance used by the different members of this genus. Pangenome analysis identified 29, 3 and 9 protein families related to halotolerance in the core, dispensable and unique genomes, respectively. The genes for halotolerance showed K/K ratios between 0 and 0.2, confirming that they are conserved and stabilized. All the genomes contained similar genes for the synthesis and transport of ectoine, which was recently found to be the dominant osmoprotectant in DSM 14174 and DSM 5130. Similarities also existed in genes encoding low affinity potassium pumps, however, DSM 14174 was also found to contain genes encoding high affinity potassium pumps. Furthermore, only DSM 5130 and "" DSM 14175 contained genes allowing the uptake of taurine as an osmoprotectant. Variations were also seen in genes encoding proteins involved in the synthesis and/or transport of periplasmic glucans, sucrose, proline, and glycine betaine. This suggests that versatility exists in the genus in terms of the mechanisms they can use for halotolerance. This information is useful for developing hypotheses for the search for life on exoplanets and moons.