# Pressure‐dependent adaptation strategies implied by the dissimilatory iron reducer Orenia metallireducens Z6

## TL;DR

This paper studies how a deep subsurface bacterium adapts to high pressure by using iron minerals to generate energy and survive.

## Contribution

The study reveals novel pressure adaptation strategies involving carbon flux redirection and iron mineral utilization in a piezotolerant bacterium.

## Key findings

- At 40 MPa, Orenia metallireducens redirects carbon flux toward energy generation and biosynthesis.
- Iron minerals act as an electron sink to support survival under high hydrostatic pressure.
- Both universal and pressure-dependent strategies help the organism withstand varying pressures.

## Abstract

Tolerance of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is the hallmark of deep subsurface microorganisms, while its mechanisms remain under‐investigated. This study explores HHP adaptation in the piezotolerant bacterium Orenia metallireducens across its near‐full pressure range (0.1–40 MPa). At inhibitory pressure (40 MPa), the organism redirected carbon flux toward more favorable energy generation and biosynthesis using ferric mineral as the “electron sink.” Furthermore, both universal and pressure‐dependent strategies enabled the organism to withstand varying pressures. These findings highlight the role of iron minerals in microbial HHP adaptation and reveal novel survival strategies, advancing our understanding of deep‐life evolution and biogeochemical impacts.