Widespread horizontal transfer and strong selection enhance microbial adaptation in Antarctic soils

Terrestrial Antarctica harbors compositionally diverse and functionally distinct microbial life. Yet the eco-evolutionary processes underlying adaptation to Antarctica's polyextreme conditions remain largely unknown. Here, we address how horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and de novo mutations influence microbial adaptation in 16 Antarctic soils using combined short- and long-read datasets. Phylogenetic reconciliation and mobile genetic element analysis of 676 metagenome-assembled genomes show frequent HGT across communities. While transferred genes span diverse functional categories, those involved in energy metabolism are exchanged at higher frequency. Genes for aerotrophy, i.e. the consumption of atmospheric trace gases to provide energy, carbon, and hydration, are among the most frequently disseminated. Approximately a quarter of carbon monoxide dehydrogenases and [NiFe]-hydrogenases are predicted to be horizontally acquired and are often associated with mobile genetic elements. Analysis of polymorphisms suggests widespread purifying selection, particularly for aerotrophy genes, providing further evidence that aerotrophy is critical for microbial survival in Antarctica. Genetic variation in hydrogenases is tightly associated with predicted protein structures, with intense selection acting on critical sites preserving stability and function. Together, these findings show that previously unrecognized eco-evolutionary dynamics shape the composition and function of Antarctic microbial communities, and confirm aerotrophy is a strongly selected and horizontally disseminated trait.