How the ICIG SB RAS Microorganism Collection Revolutionizes Biotechnology
In the depths of Siberian ecosystems, where temperatures reach extreme values and conditions resemble alien landscapes, unique microorganisms exist that can survive where other life forms perish.
These microbial "extremophiles" represent an invaluable resource for modern biotechnology. At the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICIG SB RAS), a unique collection of more than 1,500 microorganism strains is assembled and studied, each of which could become a key to solving serious scientific and practical problems—from creating new medicines to developing biofuels 2 . This collection represents not just a repository of microbial cultures, but a true genetic data bank containing solutions for the future of biotechnology.
The ICIG SB RAS microorganism collection was officially established in 2017 as a center for collective use, highlighting its importance to the scientific community . However, its formation began much earlier—institute scientists collected samples from unique extreme ecosystems of Siberia and other regions for decades.
The particular value of the collection is that most strains were isolated from previously unstudied natural environments, significantly increasing the likelihood of discovering unique genetic sequences and metabolic pathways 1 .
| Superkingdom | Number of Strains | Special Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | ~900 | Including thermophilic, psychrophilic, acid-resistant species |
| Archaea | ~300 | Including methanogens, halophiles, hyperthermophiles |
| Fungi | ~400 | Including species producing antibiotics and enzymes |
Microorganisms are the oldest inhabitants of our planet, having adapted to virtually all ecological niches over billions of years of evolution.
Their adaptation ability is encoded in their genetic material, which is of particular interest to biotechnology for creating products with specific properties 1 .
The collection is a thoroughly characterized resource where each microorganism has a "passport" with comprehensive information .
For complete characterization of collection strains, ICIG scientists apply modern molecular biology methods and analytical chemistry. In a 2017 study, a comprehensive examination of 30 microorganism strains isolated from extreme natural ecosystems was conducted 1 .
As part of a comprehensive 2017 study, ICIG scientists conducted a detailed analysis of 30 microorganism strains of particular interest to biotechnology. These strains were isolated from extreme environments—hydrothermal vents, salt lakes, and permafrost of Siberia 1 .
Culturing microorganisms on various nutrient media to evaluate growth preferences
Extraction of genomic DNA using standard protocols with subsequent purification
PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes with universal primers
Sequencing of obtained PCR products and subsequent phylogenetic analysis 1
| Strain | Temperature Range | pH Range | NaCl Tolerance (%) | Metabolite Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacillus sp. 7 | 15-65°C | 5.0-9.0 | up to 12% | Lactic acid |
| Archaea sp. 12 | 50-95°C | 2.0-6.0 | up to 18% | Extremozyme enzymes |
| Pseudomonas 15 | 5-45°C | 3.5-8.5 | up to 8% | Acetic acid |
| Metabolite Type | Example Producer Strains | Potential Application |
|---|---|---|
| Organic acids | Lactobacillus sp. 5, Bacillus sp. 7 | Food industry, bioplastics production |
| Extremozymes | Archaea sp. 12, Bacillus sp. 20 | Molecular biology, detergents, food industry |
| Antimicrobial compounds | Streptomyces sp. 3, Pseudomonas sp. 9 | Pharmaceuticals, agriculture |
| Biosurfactants | Rhodococcus sp. 4, Pseudomonas sp. 18 | Oil extraction industry, cosmetics |
The study revealed unique properties of the examined strains. Some demonstrated the ability to grow in wide temperature and pH ranges, indicating the presence of unique adaptation mechanisms. Strains capable of producing significant amounts of lactic acid, ethanol, and acetic acid were of particular interest—important products for industrial biotechnology 1 .
Genetic analysis identified several potentially new microorganism species, highlighting the collection's value as a source of biological diversity. 16S rRNA gene sequences were deposited in GenBank, making them accessible to the global scientific community 1 .
Modern microorganism research requires using advanced reagents and equipment. The following are employed in ICIG collection studies:
| Reagent/Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| DNA extraction kits | Obtaining high-quality genomic material for PCR and sequencing |
| PCR enzymes | Amplification of specific DNA regions for subsequent analysis |
| API test systems | Microorganism identification based on biochemical properties |
| MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer | Creating protein profiles for rapid microorganism identification |
| Chromatographic systems | Analysis of metabolites produced by microorganisms |
| Next-generation sequencers | Whole-genome sequencing of promising strains |
The value of the ICIG SB RAS microorganism collection is determined not only by the species diversity of its strains but also by the depth of their characterization using a wide arsenal of both classical and modern methods, including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics approaches 1 .
Based on collection studies, applied research is conducted in agriculture (searching for microorganisms for plant protection and soil fertility improvement), medicine (search for new antibiotics and antitumor compounds), energy (development of biofuel elements), and environmental biotechnology (microorganisms for bioremediation of contaminated environments) .
The collection continues to expand with new strains from extreme environments of Siberia and other regions. Future research directions include:
The ICIG SB RAS microorganism collection represents a unique genetic resource that continues to grow with new strains from extreme environments of Siberia and other regions. The comprehensive approach to strain characterization, combining traditional microbiological methods with modern omics technologies, allows not only for preserving biological diversity but also for revealing the biotechnological potential of microorganisms to solve practical problems 1 .