Metagenome-Assembled Genome of Cyanocohniella sp. LLY From the Cyanosphere of Llayta, an Edible Andean Cyanobacterial Macrocolony

Abstract

Cyanobacterial macrocolonies known as Llayta are found at Andean wetlands and consumed since pre-Columbian times in South America. Macrocolonies of filamentous cyanobacteria are niches for colonization by other microorganisms; however, the microbiome of edible Llayta has not been explored. Based on a culture-independent approach, we report the presence, identification and metagenomic genome reconstruction of Cyanocohniella sp. LLY associated to Llayta trichomes. The assembled genome of strain LLY is now available for further inquiries, and may be instrumental for taxonomic advances on this genus. All known members of the Cyanocohniella genus have been isolated from salty European habitats. A biogeographic gap for the Cyanocohniella genus is partially filled by the existence of strain LLY at Andes Mountains wetlands in South America as a new habitat. This is the first genome available for members of this genus. Genes involved in primary and secondary metabolism are described providing new insights on the putative metabolic capabilities of Cyanocohniella sp. LLY. The reconstructed genome of strain LLY is now available and instrumental for further inquiries and taxonomic advances on the genus Cyanocohniella.

Spatial self-segregation of pioneer cyanobacterial species drives microbiome organization in biocrusts

“…In addition, microbial interactions can also be at play. Microbial interactions between various heterotrophic bacteria and oxygenic phototrophs (from cyanobacteria to algae and plants) are an example of the latter, wherein specific heterotrophs assemble within the phototroph's 'sphere of influence' [6], in communities often designated as cyanospheres [7][8][9], algal spheres [10,11] or the much better studied rhizospheres. While studying such interactions can be challenging due to the species and functional complexity of microbiomes, in some cases the interactions are mediated by specific molecules in the organismal exometabolome [12,13].…”