Biocrusts are crucial components of Arctic ecosystems, playing significant roles in carbon and nitrogen cycling, especially in regions where plant growth is limited. However, the microbial communities within Arctic biocrusts and their strategies for surviving the harsh conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, the microbial profiles of Arctic biocrusts across different seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) were investigated in order to elucidate their survival strategies in extreme conditions. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses revealed significant differences in microbial community composition among the sites located in different elevations. The bacterial communities were dominated by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, while the fungal communities were mainly represented by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with lichenized and saprotrophic traits prevailing. Cyanobacteria were primarily composed of heterocystous cyanobacteria. Furthermore, the study identified molecular mechanisms underlying cold adaptation, including the expression of heat shock proteins and cold-inducible RNA helicases in cyanobacteria and fungi. Overall, the microbial communities appear to be permanently well adapted to the extreme environment.

Department of Biology Botanical Institute University of Cologne Zulpicher Str 47B 50674 Cologne Germany

Department of Ecology Faculty of Science Charles University Viničná 7 128 44 Prague 2 Czech Republic; Institute of Botany Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Dukelská 135 37982 Třeboň Czech Republic

Institute of Botany Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Dukelská 135 37982 Třeboň Czech Republic; Centre for Polar Ecology University of South Bohemia Na Zlaté Stoce 3 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic

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