Chemotaxonomic Properties Research Articles

Paracoccus onchidii sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a marine invertebrate from the South China Sea.

A novel moderately halophilic bacterial strain, designated Z330T, was isolated from the egg of a marine invertebrate of the genus Onchidium collected in the South China Sea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain Z330T exhibited the highest similarity value to that of the type strain Paracoccus fistulariae KCTC 22803T (97.6%), Paracoccus seriniphilus NBRC 100798T (97.6%) and Paracoccus aestuarii DSM 19484T (97.6%). Phylogenomic and 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis showed that strain Z330T was most closely related to P. seriniphilus NBRC 100798T and P. fistulariae KCTC 22803T. Strain Z330T grew optimally at 28-30°C, pH 7.0-8.0 with the presence of 5.0-7.0% (w/v) NaCl. In addition, growth of strain Z330T occurred at 0.5-16% NaCl, indicated strain Z330T was a moderately halophilic and halotolerant bacterium of genus Paracoccus. The predominant respiratory quinone in strain Z330T was identified as ubiquinone-10. The major polar lipids of strain Z330T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, glycolipid and six unidentified polar lipids. The major fatty acids of strain Z330T was summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c). The draft genome sequence of strain Z330T includes 4,084,570bp in total (N50 = 174,985bp) with a medium read coverage of 463.6 × and 83 scaffolds. The DNA G + C content of strain Z330T was 60.5%. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization with the four type strains showed 20.5, 22.3, 20.1 and 20.1% relatedness to Paracoccus fistulariae KCTC 22803T, Paracoccus seriniphilus NBRC 100798T, Paracoccus aestuarii DSM 19484T and Paracoccus denitrificans 1A10901T, respectively. And the average nucleotide identity (ANIb) values between strain Z330T and these four type strains were 76.2, 80.0, 75.8 and 73.8%, respectively, lower than the 95-96% threshold value for dividing prokaryotic species. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic, phylogenomic and chemotaxonomic properties, a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, Paracoccus onchidii sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain Z330T (= KCTC 92727T = MCCC 1K08325T).

Micromonospora solifontis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from hot spring soil.

An actinobacterium strain, PPF5-17T, was isolated from hot spring soil collected from Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The strain exhibited morphological and chemotaxonomic properties similar to those of members of the genus Micromonospora. Colonies of PPF5-17T were strong pinkish red and turned black after sporulation in ISP 2 agar medium. Cells formed single spores directly on the substrate mycelium. Growth was observed from 15 to 45 °C and at pH 5-8. Maximum NaCl concentration for growth was 3 % (w/v). PPF5-17T was found to have meso-diaminopimelic acid, xylose, mannose and glucose in the whole-cell hydrolysate. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositolmannosides were observed as the membrane phospholipids. MK-10(H6), MK-9(H6), MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4) were the major menaquinones. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. PPF5-17T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Micromonospora fluminis LMG 30467T (99.3 %). A genome-based taxonomic study revealed that PPF5-17T was closely related to Micromonospora aurantinigra DSM 44815T in the phylogenomic tree with an average nucleotide identity by blast (ANIb) of 87.7 % and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of, 36.1 % which were below the threshold values for delineation of a novel species. Moreover, PPF5-17T could be distinguished from its closest neighbours, M. fluminis LMG 30467T and M. aurantinigra DSM 44815T, with respect to a broad range of phenotypic properties. Thus, PPF5-17T represents a novel species, for which the name Micromonospora solifontis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PPF5-17T (= TBRC 8478T = NBRC 113441T).

Streptomyces salinarius sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from solar saltern soil.

An actinobacterium, designated strain SS06011T, was isolated from solar saltern soil collected from Samut Sakhon province, Thailand. The taxonomic position of this strain was established using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain produced grey aerial spore mass on International Streptomyces Project 2 seawater agar that differentiated into spiral spore chains with rugose-surfaced spores. Strain SS06011T was found to have ll-diaminopimelic acid in the cell peptidoglycan. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose and ribose. MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H4) were major menaquinones. The major cellular fatty acids comprised iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol were detected in cells. These characteristics were coincident with the typical morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the genus Streptomyces. The taxonomic affiliation at the genus level of this strain could also be confirmed by its 16S rRNA gene sequence data. Strain SS06011T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces ardesiacus NRRL B-1773T (99.1 %), Streptomyces coelicoflavus NBRC 15399T (99.1 %) and Streptomyces hyderabadensis OU-40T (99.1 %). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity-blast (ANIb) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain SS06011T and its closely related type strains, S. ardesiacus NBRC 15402T, S. coelicoflavus NBRC 15399T and S. hyderabadensis JCM 17657T, were in the range of 45.4-48.4 % (for dDDH), 90.8-91.9 % (for ANIb) and 90.8-91.7 % (for AAI), respectively, which are lower than the cut-off criteria for species delineation. The DNA G+C content of genomic DNA was 71.9 mol%. With the differences in physiological, biochemical and genotypic data, strain SS06011T could be discriminated from its closest neighbours. Thus, strain SS06011T should be recognized as representing a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces salinarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SS06011T (=TBRC 9951T=NBRC 113998T).

Nocardia pulmonis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a patient with pulmonary infection.

A novel bacterial strain, CDC141T, was isolated from sputum samples of a patient with pulmonary infection in Hainan Province, PR China. We performed a polyphasic study to assess the taxonomic position of the new species. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain CDC141T belonged to the genus Nocardia with the highest sequence similarity to Nocardia nova NBRC 15556T (98.84 %) and Nocardia macrotermitis RB20T (98.54 %). The dapb1 gene sequence-based phylogenetic and phylogenomic trees further showed that the novel strain was clustered in a distinct clade adjacent to Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis DSM 44290T. The DNA G+C content of strain CDC141T was 68.57 mol%. The genomic diversity analysis revealed low average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA‒DNA hybridization values (<84.7 and <28.9 %, respectively) with its closest relative. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and with NaCl concentrations of 0.5-2.5 % (w/v). The main fatty acids of strain CDC141T were C16 : 0, C18 : 0 10-methyl, TBSA, C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c, C18 : 1 ω9c, C18 : 0, C17 : 1 iso I/anteiso B and C17 : 0. The polar lipid profile was dominated by diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, unidentified glycolipids, unidentified phospholipids and unidentified lipids. MK8 (H4ω-cycl) and MK8 (H4) were the major respiratory quinones. These characteristics were consistent with the typical chemotaxonomic properties of members of the genus Nocardia. Based on the results of phenotypic and genetic analyses, strain CDC141T was identified as representing a new species of the genus Nocardia, with the proposed name Nocardia pulmonis sp. nov. (CDC141T=JCM 34955T=GDMCC 4.207T).

Metabacillus arenae sp. nov., isolated from seashore sand.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated as IB182487T, was isolated from a seashore sand sample collected from Zhaoshu Island, PR China. Strain IB182487T grew at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), 4-45 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and with 0-17 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-10 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain IB182487T belonged to the genus Metabacillus and was closely related to Metabacillus idriensis SMC 4352-2T, (96.6 %), Metabacillus indicus LMG 22858T (96.5 %), Metabacillus niabensis DSM 17723T (96.3 %) and Metabacillus halosaccharovorans DSM 25387T (96.1 %). Strain IB182487T had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and contained menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone. Its polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids. The major cellular fatty acids of strain IB182487T were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The whole genome average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization analysis between the isolate and its closely related type strains demonstrated that the strain significantly differed from other Metabacillus species. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain IB182487T was 37.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, phylogenetic relatedness as well as genomic characteristics, strain IB182487T represents a novel species of the genus Metabacillus, for which the name Metabacillus arenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of M. arenae is IB182487T (=MCCC 1K04629T=JCM 34523T).

Chitinophaga horti sp. nov., Isolated from Garden Soil

A strictly aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, designated R8T, isolated from garden soil in South Korea was subjected to a taxonomic study. The cells were non-spore-forming, oxidase-positive and catalase-negative, and non-motile rods (without flagella). Growth was observed between 10°C and 40°C (optimum, 30°C) and between pH 6.0 and 9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0%-1.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 49.9% and the major isoprenoid quinone was found to be menaquinone-7. The major fatty acids of strain R8T were iso-C15:0, C16:1 ω5c, and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1 ω7c/ω6c). Phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as a major polar lipid. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain R8T had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.3% with Chitinophaga sedimenti TFL-3T. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences and concatenated 92 marker protein sequences revealed that strain R8T formed a robust phylogenetic lineage with C. sedimenti within the genus Chitinophaga. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain R8T to Chitinophaga species were less than 77.9% and 21.1%, respectively. The phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties support that strain R8T represents a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R8T (= KACC 19895T = JCM 33215T).

Streptomyces rhizoryzae sp. nov., isolated from paddy rhizosphere soil and formal proposal to reclassify Streptomyces albulus as a later heterotypic synonym of Streptomyces noursei.

The taxonomic position of a novel actinomycete, designated strain RS10V-4T, was determined using a polyphasic approach. Strain RS10V-4T was isolated from paddy rhizosphere soil of rice plant (Oryzae sativa L.). The morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties were consistent with its classification in the genus Streptomyces. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain RS10V-4T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and had the highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces noursei NBRC 15452T (98.3 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 73.8 %. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequences of strain RS10V-4T and S.noursei ATCC 11455T were lower than the recommendation threshold values for the recognition of species within the same genus. The whole-cell hydrolysates of strain RS10V-4 T contained ll -diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and the whole-cell sugars were glucose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids of strain RS10V-4T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified lipids and an unidentified phospholipid. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, it is supported that strain RS10V-4T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces rhizoryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RS10V-4T (=TBRC 15167T=NBRC 115345T). In addition, the comparison of the whole genome sequences and phenotypic features suggested that S. noursei and S. albulus belong to the same species. Therefore, it is proposed that S. albulus is reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of S. noursei.

Streptomyces griseiviridis sp. nov., A Novel “Modern Actinobacteria” isolated from Malaysia Mangrove Soil

A novel strain, Streptomyces griseiviridis MUM 136JT was recovered from a mangrove forest soil in Malaysia. The Gram-positive bacterium forms strong yellow aerial mycelium and moderate yellow substrate mycelium on ISP 2 agar. A polyphasic approachwas used to determine the taxonomy status of strain MUM 136JT. The strain showed a spectrum of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the members of the genus Streptomyces. The cell wall peptidoglycan was determined to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H6), while the identified polar lipids consisted of lipid, aminolipid, phospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositolmannoside. The cell wall sugars consist of ribose, mannose, and galactose. The predominant cellular fatty acids (&gt;10.0 %) were identified as iso-C16:0 (31.6 %), anteiso-C15:0 (14.8 %), iso-C15:0 (12.0 %), and anteiso-C17:0 (11.1 %). Phylogenetic analysis identified that closely related strains for MUM 136JT are Streptomyces leeuwenhoekii DSM 42122T (98.9 %), Streptomyces erythrogriseus JCM 9650T (98.4 %), Streptomyces griseoincarnatus JCM 4381T (98.5 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between MUM 136 JT and closely related type strains ranged from 13.3 ± 1.5 % to 17.4 ± 2.0 %. The name Streptomyces griseiviridis sp. nov. is proposed, and the type strain is MUM 136JT (= NBRC 114249T = MCCC 1K04199T).

Characterization of three Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from different ecosystems and proposal of Stenotrophomonas mori sp. nov. and Stenotrophomonas lacuserhaii sp. nov.

Members of the genus Stenotrophomonas, and particularly Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, are opportunistic human pathogens, but not enough research has evaluated the identification of environmental Stenotrophomonas spp. However, most Stenotrophomonas spp. serves as plant-probiotic bacteria.In this study, we obtained and characterized three Stenotrophomonas strains from different ecosystems. Based on phenotypic differences, chemotaxonomic properties, ANI and dDDH identity values, and phylogenetic analyses, two novel Stenotrophomonas species are proposed for the strains identified here. The encoding genes related to plant-growth promotion in the genomes of the newly recovered Stenotrophomonas spp. were retrieved. Follow-on experiments confirmed that these strains produced the important plant hormone IAA. Thus, these Stenotrophomonas spp. could considerably contribute to shaping and maintaining ecological stability in plant-associated environments, particularly while acting as plant-probiotic microorganisms.

Streptomyces acidipaludis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from peat swamp forest soil.

An actinobacterium strain PLK6-54T was isolated from Lankwai peat swamp forest soil collected from Yala province, Thailand. Strain PLK6-54T exhibited morphological and chemotaxonomic properties described for the genus Streptomyces. It formed a spiral spore chain directly on aerial mycelium. Growth was observed between 20 and 40 °C and at pH 5-8. The maximum NaCl for growth was 2 % (w/v). ll-Diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and ribose were detected in the whole-cell hydrolysate. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositolmannoside were detected as the phospholipids. The major menaquinones were MK-10(H2) and MK-9(H6). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. 16S rRNA gene sequence data supported the assignment of strain PLK6-54T to the genus Streptomyces and showed that Streptomyces rubidus NBRC 102073T (99.0 %) was the closest relative. Moreover, the average nucleotide identity-blast (85.5 %) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (30.7 %) values reported between strain PLK6-54T and its closest neighbour were below the threshold values for delineation of a novel species. Strain PLK6-54T could be distinguished from related validly described Streptomyces species by several phenotypic properties. The combination of genotypic and phenotypic data indicated that strain PLK6-54T is representative of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces. The name Streptomyces acidipaludis sp. nov. is proposed for strain PLK6-54T. The type strain is PLK6-54T (=TBRC 11250T=NBRC 114297T).

Description of a new strain of Streptomonospora nanhaiensis and reclassification of Streptomonospora halotolerans as a later heterotypic synonym of Streptomonospora nanhaiensis.

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-YY374, was isolated from root of wheat and a polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain NEAU-YY374 was closely related to Streptomonospora halotolerans NEAU-Jh2-17T (99.3 %) and Streptomonospora nanhaiensis 12A09T (98.6%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain NEAU-YY374 formed a stable clade with S. halotolerans NEAU-Jh2-17T and S. nanhaiensis 12A09T in trees generated with two algorithms. Key morphological and chemotaxonomic properties also confirmed the affiliation of strain NEAU-YY374 to the genus Streptomonospora. The differences of DNA G+C contents among these three strains were all less than 1 %, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values were higher than the circumscription thresholds of species and subspecies, clearly indicating that the three strains should belong to the same species. Therefore, we concluded that strain NEAU-YY374 is a new strain of S. nanhaiensis. Meanwhile, S. halotolerans should be reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of S. nanhaiensis according to the priority of publication and validation of the name.

Streptomyces spiramenti sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea microbial mat.

Strain 5675061T was isolated from a deep-sea microbial mat near hydrothermal vents within the Axial Seamount caldera on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (NE Pacific Ocean) and was taxonomically evaluated using a polyphasic approach. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties are consistent with characteristics of the genus Streptomyces: aerobic Gram-stain-positive filaments that form spores, L,L-diaminopimelic acid in whole-cell hydrolysates, and iso-C16:0 as the major fatty acid. Phylogenetic analysis, genomic, and biochemical comparisons show close evolutionary relatedness to Streptomyces lonarensis NCL716T, S. bohaiensis 11A07T, and S. otsuchiensis OTB305T but genomic relatedness indices identify strain 5675061T as a distinct species. Based on a polyphasic characterization, identifying differences in genomic and taxonomic data, strain 5675061T represents a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces spiramenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5675061T (=LMG 31896T = DSM 111793T).

Advanced prokaryotic systematics: the modern face of an ancient science

Prokaryotic systematics is one of the most progressive disciplines that has embraced technological advances over the last century. The availability and affordability of new sequencing technologies and user-friendly software have revolutionised the discovery of novel prokaryotic taxa, including the identification and nomenclature of uncultivable microorganisms. These advances have enabled scientists to resolve the structure of complex heterogenous taxon and to rectify taxonomic status of misclassified strains due to errors associated with the sensitivity and/or reproducibility of phenotypic approaches. Time- and labour-intensive experimental characterisation of strains could be replaced with determining the presence or absence of genes or operons responsible for phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, such as the presence of mycolic acids and menaquinones. However, the quality of genomic data must be acceptable and phylogenomic threshold values for interspecies and supraspecies delineation should be carefully considered in combination of genome-based phylogeny for a reliable and robust classification. These technological developments have empowered prokaryotic systematists to reliably identify novel taxa with an understanding of community ecology and their biosynthetic and biodegradation potentials.

Micromonospora antibiotica sp. nov. and Micromonospora humidisoli sp. nov., two new actinobacterial species exhibiting antimicrobial potential.

Two novel actinobacterial strains, designated MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T, were isolated from riverside soil and subjected to taxonomic characterization. Both strains were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile and filamentous, and formed orange to strong orange-brown coloured colonies, which later turned black. Both strains grew optimally at mesophilic temperatures, neutral to slightly alkaline pH and in the absence of NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two novel strains fell into phylogenetic clusters belonging to the genus Micromonospora. Strains MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Micromonospora phytophila SG15T (99.3 %) and Micromonospora humida MMS20-R1-14T (99.4 %), respectively. Based on the comparative genome analysis, strain MMS20-R2-23T had the highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) value of 92.70 % with Micromonospora matsumotoense DSM 44100T, and MMS20-R2-29T shared 94.99 % with Micromonospora wenchangensis CCTCC AA 2012002T. Besides, the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T with the same species were 47.6 and 59.2% respectively, which were also highest among the compared species, thus confirming the separation of each strain at species level from related species. The orthoANI and dDDH values between MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T were 92.18 and 44.9% respectively. The genomes of strains MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T were estimated as 7.56 Mbp and 7.13 Mbp in size, and the DNA G+C contents were 72.5 and 72.9 mol%, respectively. The chemotaxonomic properties of both strains were consistent with those of the genus. The novel strains showed antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microbes, in particular Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. It is evident that each of the isolated strains merits recognition as representing novel species of Micromonospora, for which the names Micromonospora antibiotica sp. nov. (type strain=MMS20-R2-23T=KCTC 49542T=JCM 34495T) and Micromonospora humidisoli sp. nov. (type strain=MMS20-R2-29T=KCTC 49543T=JCM 34496T) are proposed.

Dongia deserti sp. nov., Isolated from the Gurbantunggut Desert Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped strain, designated as SYSU D60009T, was isolated from a dry sandy soil sample collected from the Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, northwest China. Strain SYSU D60009T was observed to grow at 15-42°C (optimum at 37°C), pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum at 7.0), and with 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). The strain grew well on R2A agar, and colonies were smooth, white-pigmented, and circular with low convexity. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminolipid, aminophospholipid, and unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acid (> 10%) was C16:0 and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. Whole genome sequencing of strain SYSU D60009T revealed 6,132,710bp with a DNA G + C content of 63.6%. The ANI and dDDH values of strains SYSU D60009T to Dongia mobilis CGMCC 1.7660T were 72.8% and 19.0%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties, strain SYSU D60009T represents a novel species of the genus Dongia, for which the name Dongia deserti sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain is SYSU D60009T (= CGMCC 1.16441T = KCTC 52790T).

Paenibacillus arenilitoris sp. nov., isolated from seashore sand and genome mining revealed the biosynthesis potential as antibiotic producer.

Strain IB182493T, a marine, aerobic, Gram-stain-negative and motile bacterium, was isolated from seashore sand of South China Sea. Cells grew optimally at 25-30°C, pH 7.0-8.0 and with 2-4% NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Paenibacillus, and was most closely related to Paenibacillus harenae DSM 16969T (similarity 96.6%) and Paenibacillus alkaliterrae DSM 17040T (similarity 96.1%). The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain IB182493T included MK-7 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 as the major cellular fatty acids and meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diaminoacid in cell wall peptidoglycan. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G + C content of strain IB182493T was 56.2%. The values of whole genome average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the isolate and the closely related type strains were less than 84.7% and 23.6%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, phylogenetic distinctiveness and genomic data, we named thestrain as Paenibacillus arenilitoris sp. nov. and proposed that strain IB182493T (= MCCC 1K04626T = JCM 34215T) in the genus Paenibacillus represents a novel species.

Aquibacillus saliphilus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a grey saltern.

A novel moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain KHM2T, was isolated from the sediment of a grey solar saltern located on Sinui Island, Shinan, Republic of Korea. Cells were rod-shaped, endospore-forming, Gram-stain-positive, motile and facultative anaerobic. Strain KHM2T performed anaerobic respiration using nitrates and did not produce glucose acids, indicating the absence of fermentation. Strain KHM2T grew at 10-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and with 1.0-20.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 10.0%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and chemotaxonomic properties, strain KHM2T was assigned to the genus Aquibacillus, with high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Aquibacillus halophilus B6BT (98.2%) and less than 96.8 % similarity to the other recognized members of the genus Aquibacillus. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and one unidentified phospholipid (PL). Major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain KHM2T with A. halophilus B6BT were 77.6 and 22.0 %, respectively. Based on the results of polyphasic analysis, strain KHM2T is proposed to represent a bacterial species within the genus Aquibacillus with the name Aquibacillus saliphilus sp. nov. The type strain is KHM2T (=KACC 19068T=NBRC 112577T).

Vibrio tetraodonis subsp. pristinus subsp. nov., isolated from the coral Acropora cytherea at Palmyra Atoll, and creation and emended description of Vibrio tetraodonis subsp. tetraodonis subsp. nov.

Strain OCN044T was isolated from the homogenised tissue and mucus of an apparently healthy Acropora cytherea coral fragment collected from the western reef terrace of Palmyra Atoll in the Northern Line Islands and was taxonomically evaluated with a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties are consistent with characteristics of the genus Vibrio: Gram-stain-negative rods, oxidase- and catalase-positive, and motile by means of a polar flagellum. Strain OCN044T can be differentiated as a novel subspecies based on 21 differences among chemotaxonomic features (e.g., fatty acids percentages for C12:0 and C18:1 ω7c), enzymatic activities (e.g., DNase and cystine arylamidase), and carbon sources utilized (e.g., L-xylose and D-melezitose) from its nearest genetic relative. Phylogenetic analysis and genomic comparisons show close evolutionary relatedness to Vibrio tetraodonis A511T but the overall genomic relatedness indices identify strain OCN044T as a distinct subspecies. Based on a polyphasic characterisation, differences in genomic and taxonomic data, strain OCN044T represents a novel subspecies of V. tetraodonis A511T, for which the name Vibrio tetraodonis subsp. pristinus subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OCN044T (= LMG 31895T = DSM 111778T).

Actinomadura parmotrematis sp. nov., isolated from the foliose lichen, Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale.

A novel actinomycete strain PM05-2T was isolated from the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale collected from Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. The taxonomic position of the strain was studied using the polyphasic approach. Based on the morphology and chemotaxonomic properties, strain PM05-2T was identified as a member of the genus Actinomadura. The whole-cell hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, rhamnose, ribose, xylose, madurose, glucose and galactose. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, one unidentified phosphoglycolipid, four unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H4), MK-9(H2), MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H0). The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0 and C18:1 ω9c. Strain PM05-2T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to Actinomadura hibisca NBRC 15177T (98.58%), Actinomadura kijaniata NBRC 14229T (98.29 %) and Actinomadura namibiensis DSM 44197T (98.14 %). The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that strain PM05-2T was related to A. hibisca NBRC 15177T, A. kijaniata NBRC 14229T, A. namibiensis DSM 44197T and Actinomadura macrotermitis RB68T. The genomic analysis revealed that average nucleotide identity values based on both blast and MUMmer between strain PM05-2T and the relative type strains ranged from 77.6 to 86.4%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values among the strains were lower than the threshold for assigning to the same species. The taxonomic results suggested that strain PM05-2T represented a novel species of the genus Actinomadura for which the name Actinomadura parmotrematis is proposed. The type strain is PM05-2T (=TBRC 15492T=NBRC 115416T).

Cellulomonas triticagri sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

A Gram-positive, motile, rod-shaped and lignin-degrading novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-YY56T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) collected from Zhumadian, Henan Province, Central China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-YY56T belonged to the genus Cellulomonas and exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.7, 98.2 and 98.1% to Cellulomonas pakistanensis JCM 18755T, Cellulomonas denverensis JCM 14733T and Cellulomonas hominis JCM 12133T, respectively. The whole-cell sugars were glucose, rhamnose and ribose. The peptidoglycan of strain NEAU-YY56T contained ornithine and glutamic acid. The phospholipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and two unknown glycolipids. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids (> 5.0%) were identified as anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, C14:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Meanwhile, DNA G+C content was 74.7%. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-YY56T were also confirmed the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Cellulomonas. However, physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-YY56T can be clearly differentiated from its closest relatives. In addition, the ANI values and dDDH levels between strain NEAU-YY56T and related Cellulomonas species were lower than the accepted threshold value. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-YY56T represents a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas triticagri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-YY56T (= DSM 106717T = JCM 32550T).