Pyrobaculum yellowstonensis Strain WP30 Respires on Elemental Sulfur and/or Arsenate in Circumneutral Sulfidic Geothermal Sediments of Yellowstone National Park

A newly isolated strain of Pyrobaculum yellowstonensis, WP30, from Yellowstone National Park's Joseph's Coat Hot Spring demonstrates a unique ability to respire on elemental sulfur and/or arsenate under circumneutral conditions (pH 6.1), contributing to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur and arsenic in high-temperature environments (>70°C). This chemoorganoheterotroph forms thioarsenates and polysulfides during growth, suggesting a significant role in local geochemistry. Genome sequencing revealed extensive metabolic pathways for carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid degradation, along with multiple genes encoding DMSO-MPT oxidoreductases, which facilitate sulfur and arsenic reduction. Comparative genomics confirmed that P. yellowstonensis is closely related to in situ populations, providing insights into the distribution and ecological function of these microorganisms within Yellowstone's geothermal sediments.

Jay, Z. J., Beam, J. P., Dohnalkova, A., Lohmayer, R., Bodle, B., Planer-Friedrich, B., Romine, M., & Inskeep, W. P. (2015). Pyrobaculum yellowstonensis Strain WP30 Respires on Elemental Sulfur and/or Arsenate in Circumneutral Sulfidic Geothermal Sediments of Yellowstone National Park. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81(17), 5907–5916. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01095-15