Comparative Genomic Analysis of Arctic Permafrost Bacterium Nesterenkonia sp. PF2B19 to Gain Insights into Its Cold Adaptation Tactic and Diverse Biotechnological Potential

Abstract

Nesterenkonia sp. PF2B19, a psychrophile was isolated from 44,800-year-old permafrost soil. This is the first report on comparative genomics of Nesterenkonia sp. isolated from Arctic. Genome of PF2B19 exhibited the presence of a vast array of genetic determinants involved in cold adaptation i.e., response to cold-associated general, osmotic, and oxidative stress. These genomic attributes proved to be valuable in unraveling the adaptive tactics employed by PF2B19 for survival in the cold permafrost soils of the Arctic. Genomic analysis of PF2B19 has given some valuable insight into the biotechnological potential of this strain, particularly as a source of cold-active enzymes, as a bioremediating agent and as plant growth-promoting bacteria.