Chemotaxonomic Studies Research Articles

Anaerosacchariphilus polymeriproducens gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic bacterium isolated from a salt field.

A Gram-stain-negative oval-rod-shaped, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, designated as strain MCWD5T, was isolated from sediment of a salt pond in the Republic of Korea (35° 7' 18″ N 126° 19' 4″ E). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain MCWD5T had low similarity values to members in the family Lachnospiraceae, such as Robinsoniella peoriensis PPC31T (94.8 %), Ruminococcusgauvreauii CCRI-16110T (94.2 %) and Lachnotalea glycerini DLD10T (94.0 %), and its phylogenetic position is unstable. The strain could grow at 20-42 °C (optimum, 38-42 °C), pH 5.5-10.0 (pH 7.0) and with 0-6 % (2.0 %) NaCl. Strain MCWD5T could not use nitrate, nitrite, sulfate or sulfite as electron acceptors. The strain could utilize various carbohydrates, such as arabinose, cellobiose, glucose, etc., and polymers such as pectin and starch. The major fatty acids of strain MCWD5T were C14 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c, C18 : 1ω7c DMA and summed feature 8 (C17 : 1ω8c and/or C17 : 2), which was clearly different from those of related genera. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidyglycerol, phosphatidyglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. Based on the results of phylogenetic, physiologic and chemotaxonomic studies, Anaerosacchariphilus polymeriproducens gen. nov., sp. nov. with the type strain MCWD5T (=KCTC 15595T=DSM 105757T) is proposed in the family Lachnospiraceae.

Gordonia sediminis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from mangrove sediment.

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete designated AMA 120T, isolated from mangrove sediment, was clarified by phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies. The 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain AMA 120T was most closely related to Gordonia rhizosphera NBRC 16068T (98.9 %), Gordonia polyisoprenivorans NBRC 16320T (98.1 %) and Gordonia bronchialis NBRC 16047T (98.1 %). A fragment of the gyrB gene of strain AMA 120T formed a distinct phyletic line with G. rhizosphera NBRC 16068T (95.4 %). Strain AMA 120T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose as cell-wall components, and MK-9(H2) was the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipid profile for this strain consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and two unidentified phospholipids. Mycolic acid was present. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between AMA 120T and close species were below 70 %. There was an obvious distinction in the average nucleotide identity distribution between strain AMA 120T and its closely related strains at around 75-92%. The DNA G+C content of strain AMA 120T was 66.6 mol%. These results, coupled with the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, indicated that strain AMA 120T represents a novel species of the genus Gordonia, for which the name Gordoniasediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AMA 120T (=TBRC 7109T=NBRC 113236T).

Chemotaxonomic studies on rhizome extract compositions of twenty Curcuma species from South India

The chemical composition of volatile methanolic rhizome extracts of twenty Curcuma species was studied and the components were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The major components identified in the majority of the species were beta-caryophyllene epoxide, camphor, retinal and alloaromadendrene oxide. Based on the presence of major chemical components, cluster analysis was performed for all the Curcuma species studied. All the twenty species were grouped based on the presence or absence of a particular compound and a dendrogram was constructed, which grouped the 20 species into eight clusters. By conventional morphological methods, the identification of Curcuma up to species level is difficult; hence the chemical composition of the rhizome methanolic extracts can be used as an important tool for species identification and chemotaxonomic study.

A novel species and a new combination of Daldinia from Ban Hua Thung community forest in the northern part of Thailand

During a survey of Xylariales in northern Thailand, several specimens with affinities to the genus Daldinia were found and examined for morphological characters, secondary metabolites, and molecular phylogenetic traits. Aside from morphological and chemotaxonomic studies, a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacers regions (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal DNA, the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase (RPB2), and beta-tubulin (TUB2) genes was performed. Among the specimens was a new species and a new record of a species that had previously never been sequenced and studied for its anamorphic morphology. This species, previously described by Ju and Rogers as Hypoxylon kretzschmarioides based on a single record from Indonesia, showed secondary metabolite profiles reminiscent of those of the genus Daldinia and even clustered in the latter genus in the phylogenetic tree. Therefore, it is transferred to Daldinia as D. kretzschmarioides comb. nov. A second new species, D. subvernicosa sp. nov., was found to have a close relationship with D. vernicosa based on morphological and molecular evidence, but differs from D. vernicosa by long-stipitate asci with mostly subglobose ascospores, and the basal ascospores are often elongated.

Plant chemophenetics − A new term for plant chemosystematics/plant chemotaxonomy in the macro-molecular era

Plant chemosystematic or chemotaxonomic studies based purely on the profiles of small molecules have become obsolete as tools to study phylogenetic relationships of higher plants due to the advent of the much more powerful (macro-) molecular techniques and new methods of data analysis established in parallel to these techniques. A new term is herein proposed for the field of studies aimed at the exploitation of characteristic arrays of specialized natural products of plant taxa: plant chemophenetics. Chemophenetic studies as defined here are studies aimed at describing the array of specialized secondary metabolites in a given taxon. Thus, chemophenetic studies contribute to the phenetic description of taxa, similar to anatomical, morphological, and karyological approaches, which have already been recognized as of major importance for establishing “natural” systems, and which continue to be of the utmost importance for the description of organisms classified with the help of modern molecular methods.

Cinnamon - Differentiation of Four Species by Linking Classical Botany to an Automated Chromatographic Authentication System.

One of the world's oldest spices, cinnamon is also one of the most popular. Species of the genus Cinnamomum offer a variety of extractable oils with aroma and flavor characteristics of importance to the flavor industry, so differentiating cinnamon samples for culinary-based applications is very important. Cinnamon also has reported health benefits associated with specific phytochemical constituents, but its composition can vary greatly depending on species and source region. A substantial amount of the research reported on cinnamon does not provide thorough documentation of the source and taxonomic identification of the study material, a very common issue with studies of food and medicinal plants. In the interest of providing some clarity to the discussion of the health benefits and culinary attributes of the different cinnamon types in the marketplace, we offer the results of a long-term chemotaxonomic study of cinnamon samples sourced from different regions of the world and link those chemical data to classical taxonomic identification of the source plants. We provide details of the effective use of an automated chemotaxonomic analytical method to differentiate cinnamons from various geographic regions. Also included are chromatographic data for the polyphenolic/procyanidin fractions of each species, as cinnamon type-A procyanidins are often the purported source of biological activity in cinnamon and cinnamon extracts.

ANTAGONISTIC ACTINOBACTERIAL DIVERSITY OF MARINE SEDIMENTS COLLECTED FROM COASTAL TAMIL NADU

Objective: The main objective of the current investigation is to identify the antagonistic potential of marine sediment actinobacterial population collected from coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Methods: A total of 60 marine sediment samples were collected from 27 locations of coastal Tamil Nadu and Kerala. A total of 85 morphologically distinct actinobacterial strains were isolated and taxonomically characterized. The strains were screened for its antagonistic potential against selected bacteria strains, and the obtained results were statistically analyzed. Further, the strains excelled in producing antimicrobial substances were subjected to electron microscopic and chemotaxonomic studies to get more taxonomic details.Results: The isolates were identified as different species of Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Actinopolyspora, Nocardia, Nocardioides, Kitasatospora, and the rest of them were categorized as “unidentified.” All the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial assay through cross-streak and well diffusion methods that endorsed 34 (40%) of them to be active against clinical and reference bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 3160, S. aureus (methicillin-resistant), Bacillus pumilus NCIM 2327, Escherichia coli MTCC 1698, E. coli, Shigella flexneri MTCC 1457, and Proteus vulgaris. The predominance of Streptomyces (18) was ascertained and followed by Saccharopolyspora (7), Micromonospora (5), Nocardia (2), and Kitasatospora (2) with considerable antimicrobial activities. Statistical analysis revealed that the isolates BDK01, BMT01, BPY03, and BRS07 showed significant antimicrobial activities. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that all four isolates are belonging under Streptomyces genus.Conclusion: The output of the present investigation revealed that the Streptomyces species are predominant in marine sediments and gain more attention for their antagonistic potential. Therefore, assessment and evaluation of marine microbial diversity were done, which could serve as a potential source for novel antibiotics.

ANTAGONISTIC ACTINOBACTERIAL DIVERSITY OF MARINE SEDIMENTS COLLECTED FROM COASTAL TAMIL NADU

Objective: The main objective of the current investigation is to identify the antagonistic potential of marine sediment actinobacterial population collected from coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Methods: A total of 60 marine sediment samples were collected from 27 locations of coastal Tamil Nadu and Kerala. A total of 85 morphologically distinct actinobacterial strains were isolated and taxonomically characterized. The strains were screened for its antagonistic potential against selected bacteria strains, and the obtained results were statistically analyzed. Further, the strains excelled in producing antimicrobial substances were subjected to electron microscopic and chemotaxonomic studies to get more taxonomic details.Results: The isolates were identified as different species of Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Actinopolyspora, Nocardia, Nocardioides, Kitasatospora, and the rest of them were categorized as “unidentified.” All the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial assay through cross-streak and well diffusion methods that endorsed 34 (40%) of them to be active against clinical and reference bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 3160, S. aureus (methicillin-resistant), Bacillus pumilus NCIM 2327, Escherichia coli MTCC 1698, E. coli, Shigella flexneri MTCC 1457, and Proteus vulgaris. The predominance of Streptomyces (18) was ascertained and followed by Saccharopolyspora (7), Micromonospora (5), Nocardia (2), and Kitasatospora (2) with considerable antimicrobial activities. Statistical analysis revealed that the isolates BDK01, BMT01, BPY03, and BRS07 showed significant antimicrobial activities. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that all four isolates are belonging under Streptomyces genus.Conclusion: The output of the present investigation revealed that the Streptomyces species are predominant in marine sediments and gain more attention for their antagonistic potential. Therefore, assessment and evaluation of marine microbial diversity were done, which could serve as a potential source for novel antibiotics.

Chemotaxonomic Study Based on Flavonoids as Taxonomic Markers in the Roots of the Selected Species Belonged to Family Solanaceae, Sudan

This work is a taxonomic study on flavonoids in the roots of selected species belonged to family Solanaceae. These species considered as: Lycopersicum esculentum, Solanum melongena and Solanum tuberosum. These species distributed in different localities in Sudan. The selected members have nutritive, medicinal and economic importance, extra of that, the present study included botanical and chemical studies. The collected species have been updated due to nomenclature and synonymy. The geographical distribution of the selected members has been indicated. The chemical studies included identification of the flavonoid compounds using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Eighty-three flavonoid compounds were detected in the roots of family Solanaceae. The highest number (32) was detected in the roots of Solanum tuberosum. A single flavonoid compound was restricted only to the roots of Solanum melongena. This was: (cyclohexanol-5-methyl-2-(1methylene), {1R-1.alpha, 2beta, 5.alpha}). Four taxonomic markers were identified for the roots of Lycopersicum esculentum. Ten taxonomic markers were identified in the roots of Solanum tuberosum.

Hymenobacter crusticola sp. nov., isolated from biological soil crust.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, light-pink, short rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strain was isolated from biological soil crust sampled in the Hopq Desert, Inner Mongolia, China, designated MIMBbqt21T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 55.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain MIMBbqt21T belonged to the genus Hymenobacter and had the highest sequence similarity to Hymenobacter cavernaeK1E01-27T (94.35 %). Cell growth could be observed at 4-29 °C (optimum, 24 °C), pH of 6.0-8.6 (optimum, 6.0) and in the presence of 1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The major fatty acids of strain MIMBbqt21T were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c). The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The sole respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. Based on the results of the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic studies, strain MIMBbqt21T could be distinguished from all known Hymenobacter species and represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobactercrusticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MIMBbqt21T (=MCCC 1K01312T=KCTC 42804T).

Search of the promising species of subfamily Amygdaloideae and Pyroideae using the chemotaxonomy

World flora has more than 1000 species of the genus Сrataegus L., more than 30 species belong to the subgenus Prunus L., genus Malus Mill. has 100 species, subgenus Cerasus Juss. includes more than 150 species. Despite the diversity of species and a sufficient resource base, only a few representatives of the genus sufficiently researched and found their use as sources of biologically active substances (BAS). Aim of research . To conduct a chemotaxonomic study of representatives of the genus Сrataegus L., Prunus L., Malus Mill., Cerasus Juss.; to establish a promising sources of biologically active substances for the drugs production. Materials and methods . Chemotaxonomic study was carried out using the method of the graph analysis. The chemomarkers were phenolic compounds and terpenoids, identified in the generative and vegetative organs of the representatives of the genus Сrataegus L., Prunus L., Malus Mill., Cerasus Juss. The terpenoids and organic acids were identified by a chromatography-mass-spectrometric method on an Agilent Technology 6890N chromatograph with a 5973N mass-spectrometric detector. Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids were detected by chromatography. Results . The chemical profiles of vegetative and generative organs of 34 species of the genus Сrataegus L. are established, 5 species of the genus Prunus L., 7 species of the genus Malus Mill., 4 species of the genus Cerasus Juss. The promising species of hawthorn, wich accumulated a general group BAS of genus was detected. Conclusion . According to the results of a chemotaxonomic study of representatives of subgenus Amygdaloideae and Pyroideae was detected a promising sources of biologically active substances (BAS) among species of the genus Crataegus L., Prunus L., Malus Mill. and Cerasus Juss. The chemical profiles are forming flavonoids, terpenoids and aromatic acids. The promising species of hawthorn was added to the complex «Kratophyt»

Hypomontagnella (Hypoxylaceae): a new genus segregated from Hypoxylon by a polyphasic taxonomic approach

During a survey of xylarialean Sordariomycetes in North-western Argentina, several collections representing a new species morphologically resembling the pantropical Hypoxylon monticulosum was encountered. They were studied by a combination of morphological and chemotaxonomic studies along with a multi-locus phylogeny of Hypoxylon and related genera of the Hypoxylaceae based on a combined ITS, LSU, TUB2, and RBP2 dataset. The phylogenetic tree revealed that DNA sequences of the new fungus clustered together with Hypoxylon monticulosum and Hypoxylon submonticulosum in a separate clade. In addition, all representatives of this clade produced the antifungal polyketides of the sporothriolide type in standardized submerged cultures. Furthermore, a comparison of the morphology of this group of species formerly placed in Hypoxylon, including H. austrobahiense and H. rubigineoareolatum, also revealed certain morphological similarities. They are therefore accommodated in the new genus Hypomontagnella, with Hypomontagnella monticulosa as type species, and the new Argentine fungus is described as Hypomontagnella barbarensis.

Rodzaj Trifolium L. (koniczyna) jako nowe źródło fitoskładników o antybiodegeneracyjnych właściwościach

Gatunki należące do rodzaju Trifolium L. (koniczyna), wykorzystywane od wieków w etnomedycynie, stanowią dziś bogate źródło fitohormonów polifenolowych. W badaniach chemotaksonomicznych udokumentowano bowiem, że czerwono kwitnące koniczyny odznaczają się szczególnie wysoką zawartością izoflawonów. Związki te posiadają aktywność estrogenopodobną, dlatego mogą działać analogicznie do selektywnych modulatorów receptorów estrogenowych (SERMs). Dane epidemiologiczne oraz liczne doniesienia z badań przedklinicznych i klinicznych dowodzą korzystnego działania tych fitoskładników zarówno w łagodzeniu wielu psychicznych i neurowegetatywnychdolegliwości, występujących w okresie menopauzy, jak i możliwości prewencji i terapii schorzeń biodegeneracyjnych, będących skutkiem deficytów estrogenowych (osteoporoza, miażdżyca). W nieodległej przyszłości, mogą również pojawić się nowe zastosowania dla izoflawonów koniczyn w zakresie zwalczania niektórych typów schorzeń nowotworowych. Ze względu na nieliczne obserwowane działania niepożądane, fitoestrogeny występujące w rodzaju Trifolium L. traktowane są jako alternatywa nie tylko dla popularnych produktów sojowych, ale i syntetycznych estrogenomimetyków, wykorzystywanych w hormonalnej terapii zastępczej (HTZ).

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Identification of Secondary Metabolites in Four Red Grape Varieties Potentially Useful as Traceability Markers of Wines

Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF) is a powerful tool to perform chemotaxonomic studies through identification of grape secondary metabolites. In the present work, the metabolomes of four autochthonous Italian red grape varieties including the chemical classes of anthocyanins, flavonols/flavanols/flavanones, and terpenol glycosides, were studied. By using this information, the metabolites that can potentially be used as chemical markers for the traceability of the corresponding wines were proposed. In Raboso wines, relatively high abundance of both anthocyanic and non-anthocyanic acyl derivatives, is expected. Potentially, Primitivo wines are characterized by high tri-substituted flavonoids, while Corvina wines are characterized by higher di-substituted compounds and lower acyl derivatives. Negro Amaro wine’s volatile fraction is characterized by free monoterpenes, such as α-terpineol, linalool, geraniol, and Ho-diendiol I. A similar approach can be applied for the traceability of other high-quality wines.

Chemotaxonomic potential of exocrine alkyl esters in julid millipedes (Diplopoda: Julidae: Cylindroiulini)

There are numerous chemotaxonomic studies on arthropods, but such are largely missing for millipedes. This appears curious since particularly in millipedes, the major taxa are clearly distinctive by different exocrine products, such as alkaloids (Glomerida), terpenoids (Polyzoniida), phenolics and cyanogens (Polydesmida), and benzoquinones (Juliformia). However, there is low within-taxon variation of the chemicals mentioned which - in almost invariable blends - characterize the particular taxa. The Julida, for instance, one of the three orders of Juliformia, typically produce uniformly composed benzoquinonic secretion profiles across most species, not showing enough heterogeneity for chemotaxonomy.Recently, however, a new class of julid exocrine products, namely complex bends of alkyl esters has been reported. We here tested the chemotaxonomic potential of these compounds by performing a comprehensive study on alkyl esters across the julid tribe Cylindroiulini. Exocrine secretions of 20 species from all five cylindroiuline genera (Allajulus, Cylindroiulus, Enantiulus, Kryphioiulus, Styrioiulus) were analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Apart from typical benzoquinones, 33 alkyl esters and 1 alkenyl ester belonging to hexyl-, octyl-, octenyl- and nonyl-esters with saturated and mono-unsaturated acid moieties ranging from C13 - C18 were detected. Only two species (Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus and C. luridus) exhibited no esters at all. Ester profiles appeared to be specific, indicating five major chemical groups in cylindroiulines, characterized by specific ester arrangements. We here provide evidence for i) the widespread occurrence of alkyl esters in the Julidae, ii) their high specificity, iii) their intra-species stability, iv) along with sufficient inter-species variability, rendering them promising novel tools for millipede chemotaxonomy.

Phytochemical and chemotaxonomic study on the whole plants of Ligularia sagitta

The phytochemical study of the whole plants of Ligularia sagitta led to the isolation of 26 compounds, including a new eremophilane-type sesquiterpene (1) and twenty-five known compounds, i.e. eleven sesquiterpenes (2–12), one diterpene (13), one triterpene (14), one sterol (15), four flavonoids (16–19), one lignan (20), one cumarin (21), three phenylpropanoids (22–24), one benzene derivative (25), and one alkaloid (26). The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments), as well as by comparison with literature data. Among them, ten compounds (4–6, 8–9, 13, 16–17, 19, 26) were reported for the first time from the genus Ligularia. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed.

Microvirga rosea sp. nov.: a nanoparticle producing bacterium isolated from soil of rose garden.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, non-motile, and rod-shaped novel bacterial strain, designated MAH-2T, was isolated from a soil sample of rose garden and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The colonies were light pink color, smooth, circular and 0.2-0.6mm in diameter when grown on nutrient agar for 3 days. Strain MAH-2T grows at 15-40°C (optimum growth temperature 30°C), at pH 5.0-7.0 (optimum growth pH 6.5) and at 0-2% NaCl (optimum 0-0.5%). Cell growth occurs on nutrient agar and R2A agar but not on tryptone soya agar, luria-bertani agar and MacConkey agar. The strain was positive for both catalase and oxidase tests. The strain was able to synthesis of silver nanoparticles. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Microvirga and was most closely related to Microvirga soli R491T (96.7% sequence similarity), Microvirga subterranea Fail4T (96.4%), Microvirga guangxiensis 25BT (96.0%) and Microvirga aerophila 5420S-12T (95.9%). The genomic DNA G + C content of isolated strain was determined to be 62.5mol% and the predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) and C19:0 cyclo ω8c. On the basis of these phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic studies and DNA-DNA hybridization results, the isolated strain MAH-2T represents a novel species, for which the name Microvirga rosea sp. nov. is proposed, with MAH-2T as the type strain (= KACC 19290T = CGMCC1.16488T).

Actinomycetospora endophytica sp. nov., isolated from wild orchid (Podochilus microphyllus Lindl.) in Thailand.

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain A-T 8314T, was isolated from a wild orchid, Podochilus microphyllus Lindl., collected from Trat Province, Thailand. The taxonomic position of strain A-T 8314T was established using a combination of genotypic and phenotypic analyses. The isolate was a Gram-positive bacterium that developed bud-like spore chains. Strain A-T 8314T grew aerobically at an optimum temperature of 20-25 °C and an optimal pH 6.0. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the whole-cell sugars were ribose, arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8 (H4). The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and hydroxyl phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant cellular fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 73.2±0.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain A-T 8314T belonged to the genus Actinomycetospora, and was most closely related to Actinomycetospora chiangmaiensis YIM 0006T (98.8 %) and Actinomycetosporacorticicola 014-5T (98.6 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values that distinguished A-T 8314T from its closest species were below 70 %. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies, it was concluded that the new isolate represents as a novel species, for which the name Actinomycetospora endophytica sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is A-T 8314T (=TBRC 5722T=NBRC 113235T).

Pseudonocardia mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain SMC 195T, was isolated from soil collected from a mangrove forest in Thailand. The strain produced extensively branched substrate and aerial mycelia. The substrate mycelium was fragmented into rod-shaped elements, and spore chains consisting of smooth and rod-shaped spores were formed on the aerial mycelium. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SMC 195T represented a member of the genus Pseudonocardia, and the most closely phylogenetically related species were Pseudonocardia yuanmonensisJCM 18055T (99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Pseudonocardia halophobicaNRRL B-16514T (98.9 %) and Pseudonocardia kujensisNRRL B-24890T (98.7 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between SMC 195Tand the closest phylogenetically related species were significantly below 70 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 74±0.8 mol%. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose and ribose. The menaquinone was MK-8(H4) only. The major cellular fatty acid was the branched fatty acid iso-C16 : 0 (33.6 %). The polar lipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and unidentified glycolipids. On the basis of the results from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies, it is concluded that SMC 195T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMC 195T (=TBRC 7778T=NBRC 113150T).

Ketobacter alkanivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., an n-alkane-degrading bacterium isolated from seawater.

Strain GI5T was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected from Garorim Bay (West Sea, Republic of Korea). The isolated strain was aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile by means of a polar flagellum, negative for catalase and weakly positive for oxidase. The optimum growth pH, salinity and temperature were determined to be pH 7.5-8.0, 3 % NaCl (w/v) and 25 °C, respectively; the growth ranges were pH 6.0-9.0, 1-7 % NaCl (w/v) and 18-40 °C. The results of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that GI5T clustered within the family Alcanivoracaceae, and most closely with Alcanivorax dieseloleiB-5T and Alcanivorax marinusR8-12T (91.9 % and 91.6 % similarity, respectively). The major cellular fatty acids in GI5T were C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (44.45 %), C16 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1ω7c (14.17 %) and C16 : 0 (10.19 %); this profile was distinct from those of the closely related species. The major respiratory quinone of GI5T was Q-8. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Two putative alkane hydroxylase (alkB) genes were identified in GI5T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of GI5T was determined to be 51.2 mol%. On the basis of the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies, strain GI5T represents a novel species of a novel genus of the family Alcanivoracaceae, for which we propose the name Ketobacter alkanivorans gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain is GI5T (=KCTC 52659T=JCM 31835T).