Distribution of Micropredators in the Longleaf Pine Soil Microbiome

Bacterial micropredators of the soil, like their larger-scale counterparts, play a key role in shaping their ecosystem and are thus of particular interest from an ecological standpoint. An important micropredator to study are Myxobacteria. Myxobacteria are gram-negative rod-shaped social bacteria that hunt in wolf packs to lyse their prey and facilitate their growth. Myxobacteria are a potential source of novel antibiotics, therefore, the isolation of new strains is of great interest. We investigated longleaf pine soil as a source of novel isolates. The Longleaf Pine Ecosystem is an endangered ecosystem that is of crucial importance due to its ability to withstand the negative impacts of climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the longleaf pine ecosystem and prevent its decline. The soil microbiome’s health is critical in providing ecosystem services that sustain the environment.Whole microbiome sequencing of 48 soil samples obtained from the longleaf pine conversation region in Pauling County, Georgia, revealed the presence of myxobacteria in all samples. Using bacteria such as E.coli and multidrug-resistant P.aeruginosa as bait, we have isolated two novel myxobacteria from the soil, thus supporting the bioinformatics data. Apart from myxobacteria, 30 other groups of bacterial micropredators were also detected. We analyzed the distribution of Myxobacteria and Bdellovibrio, another micropredator, in the soil samples using “R” programming language. We found an inverse correlation in distribution between two groups at the genus level. This is interesting because Myxobacteria are external predators while Bdellovibrio are internal predators. This analysis could be expanded throughout the taxonomy from species to phyla. The use of “R” programming analysis could also shed light on the behavior of the unidentified myxobacteria through relationship analysis. Extensive research through “R” programming analysis and lab work isolation, could shed light on sustainability tactics and environmental factors that could prevent the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem’s extinction