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Hyderabad: Researchers at CCMB- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) have discovered novel biogeochemical functions in cyanobacterial genomes at Chilika lagoon in Odisha. Unique Expertences fine Dore Amazing Destinations

The Chilika lagoon study was carried out to assess aquatic biodiversity and understand ecosystem services using environmental DNA, which has yielded fascinating results.

“Cyanobacteria hold particular importance in the bacterial kingdom as they are the major nitrogen fixers and primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and the ultimate source of atmospheric oxygen, which has eventually shaped the conditions of our planet today,” researchers said.

“We filtered environmental DNA and assembled 83 cyanobacterial genomes, 76 novel at the species level. Intriguingly, seven of these genomes contained genes for novel functions, shedding new light on the adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria. One such gene, nirBD, encodes for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, facilitating the conversion of nitrate to ammonium, and providing a bioavailable nitrogen source for the future. Another gene, dsyB, encodes for dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis, which is crucial in synthesizing an organosulfur compound essential for global sulfur cycling,” they added.

The discovery of these novel genes in cyanobacteria has profound ecological implications. They contribute to nutrient recycling and support ecosystem services in aquatic environments. The study also provides insights into the evolution of these functions in cyanobacteria, revealing multiple instances of horizontal and vertical gene transfers in the bacterial kingdom. Researchers Govindhaswamy Umapathy, Manisha Ray. Shivakumara Manu Gurdeep Rastogi published the study in ‘Journal of Molecular Evolution’.