Lanthanide-dependent isolation of phyllosphere methylotrophs selects for a phylogenetically conserved but metabolically diverse community.

Lanthanides are essential metals for life. The identification of lanthanide-associated processes has been well-studied in methylotrophic bacteria, which are plant symbionts that utilize reduced one-carbon compounds for growth. Yet, the importance of lanthanides in plant-microbe interactions and the effects of lanthanides on microbial physiology and colonization in plants remains poorly understood. Here, we characterize the first methylotrophic bacterial community isolated from the phyllosphere in a lanthanide-dependent manner. We have identified strains encoding identical lanthanide-dependent enzymes yet exhibiting differences in lanthanide-associated growth, and have identified strains lacking lanthanide-associated genes thought to be important for phyllosphere colonization. In addition, we have identified many strains capable of metabolisms that were thought to be rare within this clade. Overall, our isolates serve as a microcosm by which to interrogate how lanthanides influence methylotrophic physiology in plant environments and highlights how phylogenetically similar strains can diverge greatly in metabolic potential.