Single-cell assembled genomes and cell enrichment metagenome-assembled genomes from PaintPots, Kootenay National Park, BC, Canada Genome sequencing and assembly

The project describes and characterizes of bacteria belonging to an uncultured phylum (WPS-2 or Eremiobacteraeota), using a combination of methods including community analysis, quantitative PCR of environmental samples, single-cell genomics and metagenomics. We qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed communities in a large sample set taken across different microhabitats of an area affected by iron-sulfur springs. The data revealed a preference of WPS-2 and its associated community network to bare rather than vegetated soils. We then assembled genomes using both SAG and MAG techniques. Cross-referencing of SAGs and MAGs increased the reliability of genomic inferences. We propose that most WPS-2 bacteria in our site are efficient heterotrophic scavengers. These bacteria are therefore physiologically distinct from previously described members of the WPS-2 phylum, which have been proposed to be lithoautotrophs and photoautotrophs. In combination with previous studies, these data suggest that phylum WPS-2 includes bacteria with diverse metabolic capabilities. Our combination of ecogeographic community analysis and genome inference provides a detailed analysis for a member of this uncultured bacterial phylum.