Diversity & Genomic Studies of Moderate Halophilic Bacteria
Genomic and phenotypic insights into the adaptation of halophilic bacteria in extreme environments.
Background
Life in salt pans with varying chemical compositions requires unique adaptation strategies at both the physiological and molecular levels. The Marakkanam salt pan in South India is characterized by a high fluctuation in salinity (19–490 ppt), ultraviolet radiation, and heavy metal concentrations. Several bacterial species have been isolated and identified through phylogenetic analysis for the production of industrially important enzymes. However, limited information exists on the genomic basis of their survival under variable environmental conditions.
In this context, I focus on characterizing both cultivable and uncultivable halophilic bacteria inhabiting the Marakkanam salt pan and using one abundant strain (Salinivibrio) as a model organism to understand the genomic basis of adaptation under varying stress conditions.
Relevant Publications
- Life in High Salt Concentrations with Changing Environmental Conditions: Insights from Genomic and Phenotypic Analysis of Salinivibrio sp., 2019. Jojy John, Vinu Siva, Kumari Richa, Aditya Arya, Amit Kumar. Microorganisms.
- Unveiling Cultivable and Uncultivable Halophilic Bacteria Inhabiting Marakkanam Salt Pan, India, and Their Potential for Biotechnological Applications, 2020. Jojy John, Vinu Siva, Kumari Richa, Aditya Arya, Amit Kumar. Geomicrobiology Journal.
Posters and Presentations
- John, J., Siva, V., Kumar, A. 2018. Biotechnological Potential of Moderately Halotolerant Bacteria: Insights from Genomic Analysis of *Salinivibrio sp. Isolated from a Salt Pan*. Presented at the National Symposium on the Application of Genomics and Proteomics in Aquaculture, Fisheries, & Marine Biology (omicsAFM 2018), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. (Best Oral Presentation Award).
Image Gallery
