Genome sequencing of high Arctic hypersaline spring derived sulfur oxidizing bacteria

Recently, multi-omics analysis of Lost Hammer and Gypsum Hill spring sediment samples uncovered an active predominantly lithoautotrophic microbial community driven largely by sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) amid low oxygen, sub-zero and hypersaline conditions. While sulfur oxidation is thought to drive primary production in these environments and is considered a possible Mars relevant metabolism very few SOB have been successfully isolated from cold Arctic hypersaline environments. Metagenomic sequencing approaches have allowed for culture-independent profiling of these communities, but their metabolic and physiological traits remain largely uncharacterized due to fastidious growth requirements. Overcoming this barrier, multi-omics informed metabolic predictions coupled with traditional enrichment techniques have the potential to enable cultivation of previously uncharacterized polar SOB. This strategy can ultimately help to uncover the cold adapted bioenergetic capabilities of novel cryophilic SOB as well as traits that could allow analogous life in extraterrestrial environments.