| Summary: | <i>Chromobacterium</i> species are common in tropical and subtropical zones in environmental samples according to numerous studies. Here, we describe an environmental case of resident <i>Chromobacterium vaccinii</i> in biofilms associated with <i>Carex</i> spp. roots in Moscow region, Russia (warm-summer humid continental climate zone). We performed broad characterization of individual properties as well as surrounding context for better understanding of the premise of <i>C. vaccinii</i> survival during the winter season. Genome properties of isolated strains propose some insights into adaptation to habit and biofilm mode of life, including social cheaters carrying <i>ΔluxR</i> mutation. Isolated <i>C. vaccinii</i> differs from previously described strains in some biochemical properties and some basic characteristics like fatty acid composition as well as unique genome features. Despite potential to modulate membrane fluidity and presence of several genes responsible for cold shock response, isolated <i>C. vaccinii</i> did not survive during exposure to 4 °C, while in the complex biofilm sample, it was safely preserved for at least half a year in vitro at 4 °C. The surrounding bacterial community within the same biofilm with <i>C. vaccinii</i> represented a series of psychrophilic bacterial species, which may share resistance to low temperatures with other species within biofilm and provide <i>C. vaccinii</i> an opportunity to survive during the cold winter season.
|
|---|