Genomic characteristics of nine Nitrospirota metagenome-assembled genomes in deep-sea sediments from East Pacific polymetallic nodules zone

Abstract

Previously studies have reported that MAGs (Metagenome-assembled genomes) belong to “Candidatus Manganitrophaceae” of phylum Nitrospirota with chemolithoautotrophic manganese oxidation potential exist in freshwater and hydrothermal environments. However, Nitrospirota members with chemolithoautotrophic manganese oxidation potential have not been reported in other marine environments. Through metagenomic sequencing, assembly and binning, nine metagenome-assembled genomes belonging to Nitrospirota are recovered from sediment of different depths in the polymetallic nodule area. Through the key functional genes annotation results, we find that these Nitrospirota have limited potential to oxidize organic carbon because of incomplete tricarboxylic acid cycle and most of them (6/9) have carbon dioxide fixation potential through different pathway (rTCA, WL or CBB). One MAG belongs to order Nitrospirales has the potential to use manganese oxidation to obtain energy for carbon fixation. In addition to manganese ions, the oxidation of inorganic nitrogen, sulfur, hydrogen and carbon monoxide may also provide energy for the growth of these Nitrospirota. In addition, different metal ion transport systems can help those Nitrospirota to resist heavy metal in sediment. Our work expands the understanding of the metabolic potential of Nitrospirota in sediment of polymetallic nodule region and may contributes to promoting the study of chemolithoautotrophic manganese oxidation.