The Melody of Silent Mutations: Microbiome Adaptation Across the Subduction Zone

Silent mutations generate synonymous codons that encode the same amino acid however, they may be silent yet operative. These synonymous codons are used in unequal frequencies resulting in a phenomenon known as codon usage bias (CUB). It drives gene expression towards highly expressed and adaptation genes. In this study we investigated CUB in one of the largest, most dynamic exotic niches, the volcanic subduction zones in Costa Rica. CUB analysis in such challengingly inaccessible sites can help distinguish highly expressed genes under certain environmental factors, elucidating molecular mechanisms and biochemical pathways of environmental adaptation from genomic data. Measure Independent of Length and Composition (MILC) in Codon R was used to calculate CUB in 26 samples across the subduction zones. Enrichment analysis based on MILC values revealed CUB towards pathways for degradation of xenobiotics as well as biosynthesis of antibiotics and secondary metabolites which could have valuable industrial applications. © 2023 IEEE.