SREL Reprint #3835

Integrative genomics and metabolic profiling of Rossellomorea sp. DL-A to understand the possible malathion degradation pathway

Kiana Pillay1, Gayatri Basapuram2, Srimanti Duttagupta2, and Avishek Dutta2,3

1Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
2Department of Geology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
3Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, United States

Abstract: Genomics and metabolic profiles were investigated to understand the malathion degradation pathways in Rossellomorea sp. DL-A strain, isolated from North Oconee River, GA, USA. The Rossellomorea sp. DL-A strain was able to grow in the presence of malathion. However, the growth pattern of the DL-A strain was impacted in the presence of malathion. The lag phase of DL-A's growth curve increased in the presence of malathion. Based on different conditions tested, Rossellomorea sp. DL-A had the highest degradation potential at pH 7 and 30°C. Genomic annotation revealed the presence of genes that were previously found in other malathion-degrading bacteria. Gas-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses also revealed a possible pathway of degradation of malathion by the DL-A strain. The results from untargeted GC–MS analyses and the presence of certain genes in the whole genome suggest that the products of malathion degradation are intermediates of different central carbon metabolism. This indicates that malathion can be used as a carbon source by Rossellomorea sp. DL-A. Further analyses revealed that the abundance of different intermediates of the malathion degradation pathway changed at different pH and temperatures, indicating that environmental conditions influence malathion degradation.

Impact Statement: Malathion, a commonly used insecticide, is a toxic chemical threatening public and environmental health. This study aims to identify bacterial populations isolated from river water that are capable of growing in the presence of malathion and to assess their malathion-degrading potential in river water. Furthermore, our work offers novel insights into the genetic and metabolic basis of malathion degradation and demonstrates how integrative approaches can enhance our understanding of contaminant fate and transformation. This research aids in identifying a biological solution to mitigate the public health risks of environmental chemicals.

Keywords: Rossellomorea sp.; malathion; biodegradation; metabolic function

SREL Reprint #3835

Pillay, K., G. Basapuram, S. Duttagupta, and A. Dutta. 2025. Integrative genomics and metabolic profiling of Rossellomorea sp. DL-A to understand the possible malathion degradation pathway. Letters in Applied Microbiology 78(8).

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).