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Roles of mobile genetic elements and biosynthetic gene clusters in environmental adaptation of acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma to extreme polluted environments

Summary

Scientists discovered how a special acid-loving microorganism called Ferroplasma survives and thrives in highly polluted mine drainage environments rich in dangerous heavy metals. The study revealed that these microorganisms use special genetic elements like jumping genes and metabolite-producing genes to adapt to these extreme conditions, enabling them to help clean up pollution. This discovery could lead to better biological methods for treating contaminated environments and making water safer near old mining sites.

Background

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contamination with heavy metals poses significant environmental challenges. The acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma plays important roles in AMD bioremediation through electron transfer and heavy metal immobilization. Understanding the genetic mechanisms enabling Ferroplasma’s survival in extreme acidic, metal-rich environments is crucial for optimizing bioremediation strategies.

Objective

To elucidate the environmental adaptation mechanisms of Ferroplasma acidiphilum ZJ isolated from the Zijinshan copper mine by conducting comprehensive genomic analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). The study aimed to identify how these genetic features enable adaptation to highly polluted AMD environments.

Results

Analysis identified 22 insertion sequences belonging to nine IS families in strain ZJ, with IS4 family elements preferentially located near heavy metal transporter genes and membrane biosynthesis components. Five genomic islands containing 159 genes were detected, including heavy metal resistance genes and CRISPR-associated proteins. Ferroplasma strains harbored over 10 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding antibiotics, exopolysaccharides, quorum sensing molecules, and the quorum sensing inhibitor falcarindiol.

Conclusion

MGEs and BGCs represent crucial evolutionary mechanisms enabling Ferroplasma’s adaptation to extreme AMD environments. IS4-mediated genomic restructuring enhances heavy metal transport and membrane integrity, while BGC-encoded secondary metabolites including exopolysaccharides and falcarindiol facilitate biofilm formation, heavy metal immobilization, and microbial community regulation for sustainable AMD bioremediation.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40822404, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1654373
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