Insights into archaeal evolution and symbiosis from the genomes of a nanoarchaeon and its inferred crenarchaeal host from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park

Researchers have uncovered significant insights into the evolution and symbiosis of archaea by analyzing the genomes of a terrestrial hyperthermophilic nanoarchaeon (Nst1) from Yellowstone National Park's Obsidian Pool and its inferred crenarchaeal host. The study reveals that both Nst1 and Nanoarchaeum equitans, a marine counterpart, lack most biosynthetic capabilities but share a deep-branching archaeal lineage. Notably, Nst1 exhibits a larger genome with a complete gluconeogenesis pathway and flagellum proteins, suggesting less severe genome reduction compared to N. equitans. This implies that the compact genomes and split genes in Nanoarchaeota are derived traits linked to their symbiotic or parasitic lifestyle rather than ancestral characters. The inferred host's streamlined genome hints at autotrophy, providing novel perspectives on archaeal symbiosis mechanisms.

Podar, M., Makarova, K. S., Graham, D. E., Wolf, Y. I., Koonin, E. V., & Reysenbach, A.-L. (2013). Insights into archaeal evolution and symbiosis from the genomes of a nanoarchaeon and its inferred crenarchaeal host from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park. Biology Direct, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6150-8-9