Comparative genomic characterization of Cellulosimicrobium funkei isolate RVMD1 from Ma’an desert rock varnish challenges Cellulosimicrobium systematics

Desert environments harbor unique microbial communities. This study focuses on <i>Cellulosimicrobium funkei</i> isolate RVMD1, isolated from rock varnish in the Ma'an Desert. Initial identification was achieved using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for comprehensive characterization. The genome comprises 4,264,015 base pairs (857 contigs) with a high G + C content of 74.59%. A total of 4,449 proteins were predicted. Comparative analysis utilizing OrthoANI, ANI, AAI, and dDDH metrics suggests that RVMD1 belongs to the <i>C. cellulans</i> group, with the highest similarity to <i>C. funkei</i> (97.71% ANI). Phylogenomic analysis of 43 <i>Cellulosimicrobium</i> genomes revealed significant heterogeneity within the genus. Our results challenge current systematics, with <i>C. cellulans</i> potentially representing up to 9 distinct genomospecies. Isolate RVMD1 shows genetic adaptations to its desert environment, including genes for denitrification, oxygen and sulfur cycling, and diverse hydrogen metabolism. Pangenomic analysis uncovered a considerable number of unique genes within RVMD1, highlighting its genetic distinctiveness. Gene family expansions suggest evolution in response to stressors like UV radiation and nutrient limitation. This study represents the first whole-genome analysis of a bacterium isolated from Jordanian rock varnish, emphasizing the value of WGS in understanding microbial diversity and adaptation in extreme environments.