Limnospira (Cyanobacteria) chemical fingerprint reveals local molecular adaptation

Abstract

Limnospira are ubiquitous cyanobacteria with remarkable adaptive strategies allowing them to colonize and dominate a wide range of alkaline-saline environments worldwide. Phylogenomic analysis of Limnospira revealed two distinct major phylogenetic clades but failed to clearly segregate strains according to their habitats in terms of salinity or biogeography. We hypothesized that the genes found within this variable portion of the genome of these clades could be involved in the adaptation of Limnospira to local environmental conditions. In the present paper, we attempted to determine whether Limnospira displayed metabolic signatures specific to its different habitats. We also sought to understand the impact of the accessory gene repertoire on respective chemical adaptations.