Diversity of RuBisCO gene responsible for CO2 fixation in an Antarctic moss pillar

Antarctic moss pillars are lake-bottom biocenoses that are primarily comprised of aquatic mosses. The pillars consist of distinct redox-affected sections: oxidative exteriors and reductive interiors. Batteries of SSU rRNA genotypes of eukaryotes, eubacteria, and cyanobacteria, but no archaea, have been identified in these pillars. However, rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis provides limited information on metabolic capabilities. To investigate the microorganisms that have the potential for CO2 fixation in the pillars, we studied the genetic diversity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO, EC 4.1.1.39)-an enzyme involved in CO2 fixation. PCR clone libraries targeting all forms of the RuBisCO large subunit-encoding gene were constructed and 1,092 clones were randomly sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that proteobacterial form IA operational RuBisCO units (ORUs) were detected at the same frequency as the cyanobacterial form IB ORUs. Surprisingly, the form IA ORU, which was closely related to the sequences from deep-sea environments, was detected from all moss pillar sections. The form IB ORU related to Bryophyta, considered to be derived from moss, was identical to the sequence of Leptobryum sp. isolated from Lake Hotoke-Ike where the pillars were found. Moreover, certain cyanobacterial ORUs were found exclusively in the exterior of the pillar, whereas form II ORUs related to chemolithoautotrophic sulfur oxidizers and purple sulfur bacteria were found exclusively in the interior. No forms IC, ID, or III RuBisCO genes were detected. This is the first report demonstrating that bacteria with the potential for CO2 fixation and chemoautotrophy are present in the Antarctic moss pillar ecosystem.