Thermophilic_CYANOBACTERIA

Extreme environments, such as thermal springs, host unique microorganisms. We analyzed genomes of thermophilic cyanobacteria, including newly isolated strains from Tajikistan, Greece, Iceland, and Poland. Some strains showed toxin genes, contrary to expectations, with Calothrix thermalis and Thermoleptolyngbya hindakii carrying microcystin and cylindrospermopsin clusters. Overall, thermophilic genomes had fewer secondary metabolite genes, but exceptions highlight the need to monitor potential toxin producers in thermal springs. Our findings also support known genomic adaptations to hot spring environments and contribute valuable genomic data to address the limited understanding of these extremophiles.