The parasitic lifestyle of an archaeal symbiont

Joshua N. Hamm (), Yan Liao, Andriko Kügelgen, Nina Dombrowski, Evan Landers, Christopher Brownlee, Emma M. V. Johansson, Renee M. Whan, Matthew A. B. Baker, Buzz Baum, Tanmay A. M. Bharat, Iain G. Duggin, Anja Spang and Ricardo Cavicchioli
Additional contact information
Joshua N. Hamm: UNSW Sydney
Yan Liao: University of Technology Sydney
Andriko Kügelgen: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Nina Dombrowski: Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
Evan Landers: UNSW Sydney
Christopher Brownlee: University of New South Wales
Emma M. V. Johansson: University of New South Wales
Renee M. Whan: The University of New South Wales
Matthew A. B. Baker: UNSW Sydney
Buzz Baum: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Tanmay A. M. Bharat: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Iain G. Duggin: University of Technology Sydney
Anja Spang: Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
Ricardo Cavicchioli: UNSW Sydney

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract DPANN archaea are a diverse group of microorganisms characterised by small cells and reduced genomes. To date, all cultivated DPANN archaea are ectosymbionts that require direct cell contact with an archaeal host species for growth and survival. However, these interactions and their impact on the host species are poorly understood. Here, we show that a DPANN archaeon (Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus) engages in parasitic interactions with its host (Halorubrum lacusprofundi) that result in host cell lysis. During these interactions, the nanohaloarchaeon appears to enter, or be engulfed by, the host cell. Our results provide experimental evidence for a predatory-like lifestyle of an archaeon, suggesting that at least some DPANN archaea may have roles in controlling host populations and their ecology.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49962-y

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