Genomic characterization and proteomic analysis of the halotolerant Micrococcus luteus SA211 in response to the presence of lithium

MARTÍNEZ, FABIANA LILIAN; RAJAL, VERÓNICA BEATRIZ; IRAZUSTA, VERÓNICA PATRICIA

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2021

0048-9697

Micrococcus luteus SA211, isolated from the Salar del Hombre Muerto in Argentina, developed responses that allowed its survival and growth in presence of high concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl). Genomic analysis showed the potential and ability to colonize environments exposed to extreme conditions as high salinity and radiation. Through proteomic analysis we found differentially synthesized proteins in growth media without LiCl (DM) and with 10 (D10) and 30 g/L LiCl (D30). Bi-dimensional separation of total protein extracts allowed the identification of 17 over-synthetized spots when growth occurred in D30, five in D10, and six in both media with added LiCl. The results obtained showed different metabolic pathways involved in the ability of M. luteus SA211 to interact with lithium. These pathways include defense against oxidative stress, pigment and protein synthesis, energy production, and osmolytes biosynthesis and uptake. Furthermore, mono-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed differential protein synthesis at equivalent NaCl and LiCl concentrations, suggesting that this strain would be able to develop different responses depending on the nature of the ion. Moreover, the percentage of proteins with acidic pI predicted and observed was highlighted, indicating an adaptation to saline environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the relationship between protein synthesis and genome sequence analysis in response to lithium, showing the great biotechnological potential that native microorganisms present, especially those isolated from extreme environments