Unique functional structure of the Yellowstone hot spring microbial mats revealed by multi-omics studies

The alkaline siliceous hot spring microbial mats of Yellowstone National Park are ideal model systems to study the geo-eco-evolutionary processes of microbial communities. The hot spring mats exhibits special community structures and functions, such as adaptation of closely related species to environmental conditions, fine-scale diversity, and extensive recombination events. However, the mats' structure on a community level is largely unknown. Using a multi-omics dataset, including metagenomic data of samples across various environmental parameters, metatranscriptomic data of full diel cycles, and single-cell sequencing data, we extensively studied the mats' community composition, genomic structure, and metabolic activities. We showed how environmental parameters determine community composition and gene content to facilitate nutrient cycling. Genomics studies showed genome diversity on a functional level across environmental conditions. Our results provide a unique example of how environments shape structure and function of microbial communities.