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The genome of a subterrestrial nematode reveals adaptations to heat

Author

Listed:
  • Deborah J. Weinstein

    (American University)

  • Sarah E. Allen

    (American University
    Cornell University)

  • Maggie C. Y. Lau

    (Princeton University
    Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Mariana Erasmus

    (University of the Free State)

  • Kathryn C. Asalone

    (American University)

  • Kathryn Walters-Conte

    (American University)

  • Gintaras Deikus

    (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

  • Robert Sebra

    (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

  • Gaetan Borgonie

    (Extreme Life Isyensya)

  • Esta Heerden

    (University of the Free State
    North West University)

  • Tullis C. Onstott

    (Princeton University)

  • John R. Bracht

    (American University)

Abstract

The nematode Halicephalobus mephisto was originally discovered inhabiting a deep terrestrial aquifer 1.3 km underground. H. mephisto can thrive under conditions of abiotic stress including heat and minimal oxygen, where it feeds on a community of both chemolithotrophic and heterotrophic prokaryotes in an unusual ecosystem isolated from the surface biosphere. Here we report the comprehensive genome and transcriptome of this organism, identifying a signature of adaptation: an expanded repertoire of 70 kilodalton heat-shock proteins (Hsp70) and avrRpt2 induced gene 1 (AIG1) proteins. The expanded Hsp70 genes are transcriptionally induced upon growth under heat stress, and we find that positive selection is detectable in several members of this family. We further show that AIG1 may have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from a rhizobial fungus. Over one-third of the genes of H. mephisto are novel, highlighting the divergence of this nematode from other sequenced organisms. This work sheds light on the genomic basis of heat tolerance in a complete subterrestrial eukaryotic genome.

Suggested Citation

  • Deborah J. Weinstein & Sarah E. Allen & Maggie C. Y. Lau & Mariana Erasmus & Kathryn C. Asalone & Kathryn Walters-Conte & Gintaras Deikus & Robert Sebra & Gaetan Borgonie & Esta Heerden & Tullis C. On, 2019. "The genome of a subterrestrial nematode reveals adaptations to heat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-13245-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13245-8
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