Comparative genomics of Exiguobacterium reveals what makes a cosmopolitan bacterium

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlthough the adaptation strategies of bacteria to specific environmental conditions are widely reported, fewer studies have addressed how microbe with cosmopolitan distribution adapted to diverse habitats. Exiguobacterium is a versatile genus whose members have been commonly found in great variety of habitats. To understand the mechanism behind the universally of Exiguobacterium, we isolated 103 strains from diverse environments, and performed large-scale metabolic and adaptive ability tests. We found that the capacities of survival in a wide range of temperature, salinity and pH are common for most Exiguobacterium members. According to the core genome based phylogeny and ANI analysis, 26 putative species including 13 putative new ones were identified and two genetic groups were classified as Group I and II. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that Exiguobacterium members can not only utilize a variety of complex polysaccharides and proteins that are ubiquitous in both terrestrial and marine environments, but also have a number of chaperonins and transporters which could support them to survive in different extreme environments. In addition, we found that the species from Group I can be found in more diverse environments with larger genome size compared to those of Group II. Twenty-five transporter families involved in transport of organic or inorganic substrates and environments stresses resistance were predicted to be enriched in Group I strains. This study provided the comprehensive insight into general genetic basis of the cosmopolitan distribution of a bacteria genus and deciphered putative determinants behind the ecological difference of different groups belonging to the same genus.IMPORTANCEThe wide distribution characteristics make Exiguobacterium a valuable model for studying adaptive strategy of bacteria adapted to multiple habitats. In this study, we found that comprehensive capacity of diverse polysaccharides utilization and environmental stress resistance is the important basis for survival, and selective expansion of transporters is an evolution and adaptation strategy for extensive distribution. Our findings are significant for understanding the adaptation and evolution mechanisms of cosmopolitan bacteria and explaining the vital genomic traits that facilitate niches adaptation.