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.

Centre Algatech Institute of Microbiology Czech Academy of Sciences Třeboň Czechia

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada

Department of Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry Czech Geological Survey Prague 5 Czechia

Institute of Parasitology Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences České Budějovice Czechia

Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences České Budějovice Czechia

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