Hikarchaeia demonstrate an intermediate stage in the methanogen-to-halophile transition

Joran Martijn, Max E. Schön, Anders E. Lind, Julian Vosseberg, Tom A. Williams, Anja Spang and Thijs J. G. Ettema ()
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Joran Martijn: Uppsala University
Max E. Schön: Uppsala University
Anders E. Lind: Uppsala University
Julian Vosseberg: Uppsala University
Tom A. Williams: University of Bristol
Anja Spang: Uppsala University
Thijs J. G. Ettema: Uppsala University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Halobacteria (henceforth: Haloarchaea) are predominantly aerobic halophiles that are thought to have evolved from anaerobic methanogens. This remarkable transformation most likely involved an extensive influx of bacterial genes. Whether it entailed a single massive transfer event or a gradual stream of transfers remains a matter of debate. To address this, genomes that descend from methanogen-to-halophile intermediates are necessary. Here, we present five such near-complete genomes of Marine Group IV archaea (Hikarchaeia), the closest known relatives of Haloarchaea. Their inclusion in gene tree-aware ancestral reconstructions reveals an intermediate stage that had already lost a large number of genes, including nearly all of those involved in methanogenesis and the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. In contrast, the last Haloarchaea common ancestor gained a large number of genes and expanded its aerobic respiration and salt/UV resistance gene repertoire. Our results suggest that complex and gradual patterns of gain and loss shaped the methanogen-to-halophile transition.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19200-2

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