Transcriptomic analyses on Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 in iron induction conditions

Thermococcales, sulfur-reducing archaea inhabiting the hottest parts of hydrothermal vents, have evolved to thrive in environments rich in iron and sulfide species. In this study, using experimental analogues of sulfur-rich hydrothermal chimneys, we confirm previous suggestions that the precipitation of iron sulfide minerals promoted by Thermococcales contributes to a population-wide adaptation to reactive species induced by the presence of high levels of iron. To determine how iron influences gene expression profiles, transcriptomic analyses were conducted on Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1cultures after iron induction, both immediately after (5 minutes corresponding to T0) and after 72 hours of mineralization (corresponding to T72), as well as on control condition (cultures without iron addition).