Genomic and functional characterization of an Antarctic strain of Rhodosporidiobolus odoratus and its hydrocarbon-degradation potential

Antarctica is one of the most extreme environments on Earth, where harsh climatic conditions have driven resident microorganisms to develop unique survival strategies. Among these, Antarctic yeasts represent a promising resource of cold-adapted organisms with potential application for bioremediation in cold environments. Here, we investigate a psychrotolerant Antarctic yeast strain (DBVPG 11103) belonging to Rhodosporidiobolus odoratus , through whole-genome sequencing (PacBio and Illumina), functional assays, and genomic analysis, to assess genetic footprints of cold-adaptation and its hydrocarbon degrading potential. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the strain placement within the R. odoratus lineage, while genome annotation revealed a substantial enrichment of genes putatively involved in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation, consistent with the preferential substrate utilization observed under laboratory conditions. Growth assays and Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) analysis revealed preferential reduction in the relative abundance of key hydrocarbon components derived from spent engine oil. This study identifies this Antarctic R. odoratus strain as a previously uncharacterized hydrocarbon-degrading yeast, highlighting its bioremediation potential in cold environments and advancing current understanding of extremophilic metabolic pathways.