Abstract
Investigating microorganisms in metal-enriched environments holds the potential to revolutionize the sustainable recovery of critical metals such as lanthanides (Ln3+). We observe Hyphomicrobium spp. as part of a Fe2+/Mn2+-oxidizing consortia native to the ferruginous bottom waters of a Ln3+-enriched lake in Czechia. Notably, one species shows similarities to recently discovered bacteria expressing proteins with picomolar Ln3+ affinity. This finding was substantiated by developing an in-silico ionic competition model and recombinant expression of a homolog protein (Hm-LanM) from Hyphomicrobium methylovorum. Biochemical assays validate Hm-LanM preference for lighter Ln3+ ions (from lanthanum to gadolinium). This is comparable to established prototypes. Bioinformatics analyses further uncover additional H. methylovorum metabolic biomolecules in genomic proximity to Hm-LanM analogously dependent on Ln3+, including an outer membrane receptor that binds Ln3+-chelating siderophores. These combined observations underscore the remarkable strategy of Hyphomicrobium spp. for thriving in relatively Ln3+ enriched zones of metal-polluted environments.
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