Genomic adaptations of novel halotolerant bacteria from extreme North Greenland

ABSTRACT Peary Land, northern-most Greenland, is a cold desert region whose soil microbiome remains underexplored. This is the first study to explore the halotolerant soil microbiome of this region with culture-dependent methods. Forty-nine taxonomically diverse bacterial isolates were obtained from dry biological soil crust, surface soil and permafrost soil. Nine isolates were selected for whole genome sequencing; these genomes showed adaptations to their cold, saline native environment, such as cold shock proteins and a large number of osmoprotectant transporters. The genomes also contained several biosynthetic gene clusters, including a large variety of clusters involved in the production of antimicrobial compounds. Furthermore, most of the sequenced genomes showed low digital DNA-DNA hybridisation to their closest relatives, suggesting that they represent novel species. Overall, this study demonstrates the unexplored potential of High Arctic deserts as a source of novel halotolerant bacteria and their secondary metabolites. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Footnotes Revised NaCl response data for a more thorough analysis. Revised list of genes for Fig. 4. Re-rendered some figures if data was revised or to improve readability. Added strain collection numbers to Table 2.