Comparative metagenomics highlights the habitat-related diversity in taxonomic composition and metabolic potential of deep-sea sediment microbiota

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39055
• Publication Date: 2024-10-09T19:49:56Z
• Authors: Rui Lu; Denghui Li; Yang Guo; Zhen Cui; Zhanfei Wei; Guangyi Fan; Weijia Zhang; Yinzhao Wang; Ying Gu; Mo Han; Shanshan Liu; Liang Meng
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle; Nitrogen Cycle; Cold seep; Sulfur Cycle; Microbial mat

Sediment plays a pivotal role in deep-sea ecosystems by providing habitats for diverse range of microorganisms and facilitates the cycling processes carbon, sulfur nitrogen. Beyond normal seafloor (NS), distinctive geographical features such as cold seeps (CS) hydrothermal vent (HV) are recognized life oases harboring highly microbial communities. A global atlas can reveal notable association between geological colonization. However, comprehensive understanding systematic comparison communities sediments across various regions worldwide their contributions to Earth's elemental cycles remains limited. Analyzing metagenomic data from 163 sediment samples 73 locations revealed that CS exhibited highest richness diversity, followed HV sediments, with NS showing lowest diversity. The were predominantly inhabited Nitrosopumilaceae, type ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). In contrast, CSs HVs dominated ANME-1, family anaerobic methane-oxidizing (ANME), Desulfofervidaceae, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), respectively. Microbial networks established each ecosystem analyze relationships interactions among different microorganisms. Additionally, we analyzed metabolic patterns sediments. Despite variations carbon fixation pathways oxygen concentrations, metabolism predominant biogeochemical cycle Benthic exhibit distinct potentials sulfate reduction, both assimilatory dissimilatory reduction (ASR DSR), response environmental conditions. presence nitrogen-fixing may influence nitrogen balance. this study, significant differences taxonomic composition functional potential inhabiting environments investigated. Our findings emphasize importance conducting comparative studies on complex interrelationships marine cycles.Graphical abstract