Genetic Basis of Metal Resistance in <i>Acidiphilium</i> sp. DSM 27270 (Yenapatur)

Acidiphilium sp. DSM 27270 (Yenapatur) forms part of a microbial consortium isolated from copper mines in Chile, that is currently used in state of the art industrial-scale biotechnology. Its taxonomic assignment is still tentative and is metal resistance and homeostatic responses poorly characterized. Here we report the genomic taxonomy evaluation of the Yenapatur strain and the preliminary characterization of its metal resistance and homeostatic responses. The genome of Yenapatur was re-assembled, annotated and compared to other sequenced strains of the genus. Genomic signatures were derived to better define the taxonomy of the strain. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of diverse cations and anions (Cu (II), Fe (II), Mg (II), Mn (II), Zn (II), Al (III), As (III), Fe (III), chloride and nitrate) were determined. Known resistance determinants were profiled in the genome of Yenapatur and publically available sequenced Acidiphilium strains. Results are presented and discussed under the light of the operational conditions in which Yenapatur thrives.