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Draft genome sequence of three Glaciozyma watsonii strains isolated from near the Syowa station area, East Antarctica

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the genetic code of three strains of a special cold-loving yeast called Glaciozyma watsonii found in East Antarctica. This yeast can grow in extremely cold conditions, even at temperatures below freezing, which is remarkable. Understanding its genome may help scientists develop new medicines and discover enzymes that work in cold conditions.

Background

Glaciozyma watsonii is a psychrophilic yeast known for possessing ice-binding proteins and cold-active serine proteases. This yeast exhibits remarkable adaptation to extreme cold, capable of growing at subzero temperatures including -3°C and on frozen agar medium. Three strains were isolated from ice and snow samples in the Inhovde area of East Antarctica during the 56th JARE expedition.

Objective

To report the draft genome sequence of three Glaciozyma watsonii strains (B-4-2, 057-4-1, and 058-4-1) isolated from the Inhovde area near Syowa Station in East Antarctica. The genomic information is intended to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this yeast’s remarkable ability to thrive in frozen environments and identify potential pharmaceutical applications.

Results

The three strains yielded draft genomes with sizes ranging from 18.8 to 18.9 Mb and GC contents between 60.5 and 60.6%. Scaffold numbers ranged from 251 to 293, with N50 values between 268 and 306 kb. Coverage depths ranged from 235.6× to 316.4×, with accession numbers deposited in GenBank and DRA databases.

Conclusion

Complete draft genome sequences of three G. watsonii strains from East Antarctica have been successfully generated and deposited in public databases. This genomic data will facilitate investigation of the genetic basis for cold adaptation and may contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceutical compounds and cold-active enzymes.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genomic Sequencing Study,
  • Source: 10.1128/mra.00831-25, PMID: 41065411
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