oa Nucleoside-Bacteriohopanepolyols in Subarctic Regions: Understanding the Environmental Controls on Their Distribution

Bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) are diverse polycyclic terpenoid membrane lipids produced by bacteria found in various ecosystems. Notably, BHPs with nucleoside head groups (Nu-BHPs) are indicators of terrestrial organic matter input into marine environments and potential proxies for paleo- and biogeochemical processes. Recent advancements in analytical techniques, particularly UHPLC-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry, have unveiled a broader diversity of BHPs, with correlations observed between certain Nu-BHPs and environmental factors like pH and temperature.

In August 2023, a study involving 37 surface soil samples from Northern Norway and Finland aimed to investigate these relationships. The analysis identified 25 Nu-BHPs across varying soil types with pH ranges of 3.44 to 7.06. A novel Nu-BHP variant was detected, prevalent in soils with lower pH levels. Principal Component Analysis revealed relations between Nu-BHP abundance and several soil and climate variables, indicating potential correlations with temperature and pH. Differences among soil types suggest that Nu-BHP distributions are influenced by both climatic and soil-specific factors. This study supports the use of Nu-BHPs as proxies for environmental conditions, highlighting the need for further research on their ecological roles and distribution globally.