AUTHOR=Hou Aiqin , Fu Huayi , Liu Leilei , Su Xiaomei , Zhang Shusheng , Lai Jiahou , Sun Faqian 

TITLE=Exploring the distribution and co-occurrence of rpf-like genes and nitrogen-cycling genes in water reservoir sediments

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1433046

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1433046

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Water reservoir sediments represent a distinct habitat that harbors diverse microbial resources crucial for nitrogen cycling processes. The discovery of resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf) has been recognized as a crucial development in understanding the potential of microbial populations. However, our understanding of the relationship between microorganisms containing <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes and nitrogen-cycling functional populations remains limited. The present study explored the distribution patterns of <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes and nitrogen-cycling genes in various water reservoir sediments, along with their correlation with environmental factors. Additionally, the co-occurrence of <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes with genes associated with the nitrogen cycle and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) formation was investigated. The findings indicated the ubiquitous occurrence of Rpf-like domains and their related genes in the examined reservoir sediments. Notably, <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes were predominantly associated with <italic>Bradyrhizobium</italic>, <italic>Nitrospira</italic>, and <italic>Anaeromyxobacter</italic>, with pH emerging as the primary influencing factor for their distribution. Genera such as <italic>Nitrospira</italic>, <italic>Bradyrhizobium</italic>, <italic>Anaeromyxobacter</italic>, and <italic>Dechloromonas</italic> harbor the majority of nitrogen-cycling functional genes, particularly denitrification genes. The distribution of nitrogen-cycling microbial communities in the reservoir sediments was mainly influenced by pH and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>. Notably, correlation network analysis revealed close connections between microorganisms containing <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes and nitrogen-cycling functional populations, as well as VBNC bacteria. These findings offer new insights into the prevalence of <italic>rpf</italic>-like genes in the water reservoir sediments and their correlation with nitrogen-cycling microbial communities, enhancing our understanding of the significant potential of microbial nitrogen cycling.</p>