Metagenomic analysis of phototrophic microbialite mat from Great Salt Lake, Utah

Microbial mat communities are associated with extensive (~700 km2) and morphologically variable carbonate reef structures, termed microbialites, in the hypersaline Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah. However, whether the composition of GSL mat communities co-varies with microbialite morphology is unknown. Moreover, the potential adaptations that allow the establishment of these extensive mat communities at high salinity (14-17%) are poorly understood. Genome resolved metagenomic analyses were conducted to evaluate the functional metabolic diversity within the mat communities.