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Genomic and transcriptomic evidence for scavenging of diverse organic compounds by widespread deep-sea archaea

Author

Listed:
  • Meng Li

    (University of Michigan
    Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University)

  • Brett J. Baker

    (University of Michigan
    University of Texas Austin, Marine Science Institute)

  • Karthik Anantharaman

    (University of Michigan)

  • Sunit Jain

    (University of Michigan)

  • John A. Breier

    (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)

  • Gregory J. Dick

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan
    Center of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan)

Abstract

Microbial activity is one of the most important processes to mediate the flux of organic carbon from the ocean surface to the seafloor. However, little is known about the microorganisms that underpin this key step of the global carbon cycle in the deep oceans. Here we present genomic and transcriptomic evidence that five ubiquitous archaeal groups actively use proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids and lipids as sources of carbon and energy at depths ranging from 800 to 4,950 m in hydrothermal vent plumes and pelagic background seawater across three different ocean basins. Genome-enabled metabolic reconstructions and gene expression patterns show that these marine archaea are motile heterotrophs with extensive mechanisms for scavenging organic matter. Our results shed light on the ecological and physiological properties of ubiquitous marine archaea and highlight their versatile metabolic strategies in deep oceans that might play a critical role in global carbon cycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng Li & Brett J. Baker & Karthik Anantharaman & Sunit Jain & John A. Breier & Gregory J. Dick, 2015. "Genomic and transcriptomic evidence for scavenging of diverse organic compounds by widespread deep-sea archaea," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9933
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9933
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