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Comparative Genomics and Phylogenomics of Novel Radiation-Resistant Bacterium Paracoccus qomolangmaensis sp. nov. S3-43T, Showing Pyrethroid Degradation

Summary

Scientists discovered a new type of bacteria called Paracoccus qomolangmaensis living on Mount Everest at extreme altitude where radiation is 10-20 times stronger than at sea level. This remarkable bacterium can survive intense radiation, oxidative stress, and can degrade harmful pesticides called pyrethroids. The bacteria’s genome contains special genes for repairing DNA damage and protecting itself from oxidative stress, making it a valuable resource for understanding how life survives in extreme conditions and potentially cleaning up pesticide contamination.

Background

Paracoccus species are oligotrophic bacteria found in various environments with known capabilities for antioxidation, radiation-resistance, and pollutant degradation. Mount Everest presents an extreme environment with high altitude, intense radiation, low temperatures, and oligotrophic conditions. Few Paracoccus strains have been isolated from glacial environments, and radiation-resistant species from such habitats remain underexplored.

Objective

To describe a novel Paracoccus species isolated from Mount Everest moraine and characterize its radiation resistance, antioxidant capacity, and pyrethroid degradation potential through polyphasic taxonomy and comparative genomics analysis.

Results

Strain S3-43T was identified as a novel Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile bacterium with exceptional radiation resistance exceeding Deinococcus radiodurans R1T under UV-C and heavy-ion irradiation. The genome contains abundant DNA repair genes (vsr, mutL, mutS, ruvC, radA, addA, recA, recN, recO) and antioxidant-related genes. Strain S3-43T degraded 76.2% of cyhalothrin within 5 days and contained pyrethroid degradation genes including cytochrome P450, monooxygenase, and aminopeptidase. ANI, dDDH, and AAI values confirmed classification as a novel species.

Conclusion

Paracoccus qomolangmaensis sp. nov. is proposed as a novel species combining radiation resistance, antioxidant capacity, and pyrethroid degradation potential. The strain’s genomic features reveal multifunctional adaptive mechanisms for extreme environments. These findings expand understanding of Paracoccus diversity and provide genomic resources for studying radiation resistance mechanisms and developing bioremediation applications.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic characterization with comparative genomics,
  • Source: PMID: 41304127, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13112441
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