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Opening a next-generation black box: ecological trends for hundreds of species-like taxa uncovered within a single bacterial >99% 16S rRNA operational taxonomic unit
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  • Martin Hahn,
  • Andrea Huemer,
  • Alexandra Pitt,
  • Matthias Hoetzinger
Martin Hahn
University of Innsbruck

Corresponding Author:martin.hahn@uibk.ac.at

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Andrea Huemer
University of Innsbruck
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Alexandra Pitt
University of Innsbruck
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Matthias Hoetzinger
University of Innsbruck
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Abstract

Current knowledge on environmental distribution and taxon richness of free-living bacteria is mainly based on cultivation-independent investigations employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing methods. Yet, 16S rRNA genes are evolutionarily rather conserved, resulting in limited taxonomic and ecological resolutions provided by this marker. We used a faster evolving protein-encoding marker to reveal ecological patterns hidden within a single OTU defined by >99% 16S rRNA sequence similarity. The studied taxon, subcluster PnecC of the genus Polynucleobacter, represents a ubiquitous group of planktonic freshwater bacteria with cosmopolitan distribution, which is very frequently detected by diversity surveys of freshwater systems. Based on genome taxonomy and a large set of genome sequences, a sequence similarity threshold for delineation of species-like taxa could be established. In total, 600 species-like taxa were detected in 99 freshwater habitats scattered across three regions representing a latitudinal range of 3400 km (42°N to 71°N) and a pH gradient of 4.2 to 8.6. Besides the unexpectedly high richness, the increased taxonomic resolution revealed structuring of Polynucleobacter communities by a couple of macroecological trends, which was previously only demonstrated for phylogenetically much broader groups of bacteria. A unexpected pattern was the almost complete compositional separation of Polynucleobacter communities of Ca2+-rich and Ca2+-poor habitats, which strongly resembled the vicariance of plant species on silicate and limestone soils. The presented new cultivation-independent approach opened a window to an incredible, previously unseen diversity, and enables investigations aiming on deeper understanding of how environmental conditions shape bacterial communities and drive evolution of free-living bacteria.
12 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
12 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
18 Feb 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Apr 20211st Revision Received
23 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 May 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 May 20212nd Revision Received
03 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Oct 2021Published in Molecular Ecology Resources volume 21 issue 7 on pages 2471-2485. 10.1111/1755-0998.13444