Identification of genes of biotechnological interest from DNA purified from a crystallization pond of the salterns of Margherita di Savoia (Italy). Prokaryotic genes from the salterns of Margherita di Savoia

DNA purified from a crystallization pond (Cappella pond) of the salterns of Margherita di Savoia (Italy, 41°23'0.96'' N, 16°7'31.08'' E) was used as substrate for the PCR amplification of specific gene sequences. Gene presence was previously predicted by PICRUSt analysis of 16S rRNA genes distribution obtained by metabarcoding analysis. Salinibacter ruber M8 genes for a hypothetical protein (ENA accession n. CBH24832) and for a protein of the metallo-beta-lattamase superfamily (ENA accession n. CBH23493) were chosen to construct amplification primers. DNA was also used for the construction of fosmidic libraries to be screened for the identification of genes of interest.