Major Menaquinone MK-9 Research Articles

Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov., isolated from an anal swab of a male harbour seal (Phoca vitulina).

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified previously described Arcanobacterium-like Gram-positive strain 2701T isolated from an anal swab of a dead male harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium in the family Arcanobacteriaceae. The genome sequence of the strain was obtained by Borowiak et al. [1]. The genome had a G+C content of 49 mol% and a total length of 1.94 Mb. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of the isolate with the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid as major components and two unidentified lipids, a further unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids as well as phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 and C18 : 0. Biochemical and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium and closely related other species. Based on these results, it is proposed that the unknown Arcanobacterium sp. strain 2701T should be classified as representing a novel species with the name Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov. The type strain is 2701T (=DSM 112952T=LMG 32446T).

Luteolibacter ambystomatis sp. nov., isolated from the skin of an Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni).

A bacterial strain designated 32AT was isolated from the skin of an Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni) and subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, oxidase- and urease-negative, and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons placed the strain in the genus Luteolibacter with highest sequence similarities to Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis A4T-83T (95.2%), Luteolibacter gellanilyticus CB-286403T (95.1%) and Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis E100T (94.9%). Genomic sequence analysis revealed a size of 5.3 Mbp, a G+C-content of 62.2 mol% and highest ANI values with Luteolibacter luteus (71.2%), Luteolibacter yonseiensis (71.4%) and L. pohnpeiensis (69.5%). In the polyamine pattern, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine were predominant. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The quinone system was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9 and MK-10. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, the unidentified aminolipid AL2, the unidentified phospholipid PL2 and the unidentified aminophospholipid APL1. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C14:0, iso-C16:0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω9c. In addition, C14 : 0, C15:0, anteiso-C15 : 0, summed feature 2 (C14 : 0 3OH and/or iso-C16 : 0 I), and the hydroxylated fatty acids iso-C14 : 0 3OH, iso-C16 : 0 3OH and C16 : 0 3-OH were detected. Physiologically, strain 32AT is distinguishable from its next relatives. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 32AT represents a novel species of the genus Luteolibacter for which we propose the name Luteolibacter ambystomatis sp. nov. The type strain is 32AT (=CCM 9141T=LMG 32214T).

Trebonia kvetii gen. nov., sp. nov., an acidophilic actinobacterium, and proposal of the new actinobacterial family Treboniaceae fam. nov.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated 15TR583T, was isolated from a waterlogged acidic soil collected near the town of Trebon, Czech Republic, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences revealed that the organism forms an individual line of descent related to the order Streptosporangiales, class Actinomycetia. The strain shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, yet of only 92.8%, with Actinocorallia aurea IFO 14752T. The strain grew in white colonies of aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, unbranching substrate mycelium bearing single spores at hyphae tips. The major fatty acids (>10%) were iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9 and 10-methyl-C17 : 0. The fatty acid pattern differed from all patterns currently described for actinobacterial genera. The organism contained as major menaquinones MK9(H6) and MK9(H8), which differentiated it from other actinobacterial families. Polar lipids were composed of six unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. Whole-cell sugars contained galactose, xylose and arabinose as major components. The peptidoglycan type was A1γ meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 69.7 mol%. The distinct phylogenetic position and unusual combination of chemotaxonomic characteristics justify the proposal of Trebonia gen. nov., with the type species Trebonia kvetii sp. nov. (type strain 15TR583T=CCM 8942T=DSM 109105T), within Treboniaceae fam. nov.

Arcanobacterium bovis sp. nov., isolated from the milk of a cow with mastitis.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium designated strain C605018/01/1T isolated from a milk sample collected from the udder of a cow at post mortem. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium (99.76 %); sequence similarities to all other Arcanobacterium species were below 97 %. The wet-lab DNA-DNA hybridization values among strain C605018/01/1T and A. pluranimalium DSM 13483ᵀ were low, 16.9 % (reciprocal, 49.8 %). Pertaining to the whole genome sequence with a total length of 2.02 Mb and 1654 protein counts, the novel strain C605018/01/01T displayed a G+C content of 51.6 % mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside and unidentified glycolipid and aminophospholipids. Based on these results it is proposed that strain C605018/01/1T should be classified as representing a novel species, Arcanbacterium bovis sp. nov. The type strain C605018/01/1T (CCUG 45425T=DSM 107286T=BCCM/LMG 30783T).

Reclassification of Arthrobacter enclensis as Pseudarthrobacter enclensis comb. nov., and emended descriptions of the genus Pseudarthrobacter, and the species Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans and Pseudarthrobacter scleromae

Arthrobacterenclensis was reported to cluster with species of the genus Pseudarthrobacter but the peptidoglycan containing lysine, alanine and glutamic acid and the presence of minor amounts of menaquinone MK-8(H4) were not in line with the description of the genus. Re-analysis of these traits revealed a peptidoglycan with l-Lys-l-Ser-l-Thr-l-Ala and no MK-8(H4), but major amounts of MK-9(H2) in the quinone system of A. enclensis DSM 25279T. These data demonstrate that A. enclensis shares the characteristics of the genus Pseudarthrobacter. Since the reported quinone systems of Pseudarthrobacterphenanthrenivorans [MK-8 and MK-9(H2)] and Pseudarthrobacterscleromae [MK-8(H2] were clearly different from those of other species of the genus, the quinone systems of the two species were re-analyzed. Since the polar lipid profile of P. phenanthrenivorans was reported to contain phosphatidylethanolamine, which is unusual for a member of the Micrococcaceae, and the polar lipid profile of P. scleromae was unknown, the polar lipids of these two species were also analysed. The quinone system of P. phenanthrenivorans DSM 18606T was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H2), MK-8(H2) and MK-10(H2) and that of P. scleromae DSM 17756T was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H2) and MK-8(H2) and MK-9. In the polar lipid profile of P. phenanthrenivorans DSM 18606T no phosphatidylethanolamine could be detected. Based on these results we here propose the reclassification of A. enclensis as Pseudarthrobacterenclensis comb. nov. and emend the descriptions of the genus Pseudarthrobacter and the two species P. phenanthrenivorans and P. scleromae.

Streptomyces dysideae sp. nov., isolated from a marine Mediterranean sponge Dysidea tupha.

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain RV15T, forming an extensively branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae that differentiate into spiral chains of spores, was isolated from a marine sponge Dysidea tupha collected from Rovinj (Croatia). Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RV15T is a member of the genus Streptomyces with highest sequence similarity to the type strains of Streptomyces caeruleatus (98.8 %), Streptomyces cyaneochromogenes (98.6 %) and Streptomyces shaanxiensis (98.5 %). Sequence similarities to all other Streptomyces types strains were below 98.5 %. The multilocus sequence analysis-based evolutionary distance, the average nucleotide identity value and the genome-to-genome distance of strain RV15T and the type strain of S. caeruleatus were clearly below the species cut-off values. Strain RV15T exhibited a quinone system composed of the major menaquinones MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2), typical for the genus Streptomyces. The polar lipid profile of strain RV15T consisted of the predominant compounds diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, moderate amounts of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified phospholipid. Major polyamines were spermine and spermidine. The diagnostic diaminoacid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids were iso C16 : 0, anteiso C17 : 1 ω9c and anteiso C17 : 0. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed further phenotypic differentiation of strain RV15T from its most-related species and hence clearly merits species status. We propose the name Streptomyces dysideae sp. nov. with the type strain RV15T (=DSM 42110T=LMG 27702T).

Reclassification of Arthrobacter endophyticus (Wang et al. 2015) as Glutamicibacter endophyticus comb. nov.

The species Arthrobacterendophyticus is phylogenetically placed within the Glutamicibacter clade and shares 97.3-98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the species of this genus. The quinone system with the major menaquinone MK-9 and the peptidoglycan amino acids alanine, glutamic acid and lysine are consistent with the characteristics of the members of the genus Glutamicibacter but the polar lipid profile with phosphatidylinositol distinguishes A. endophyticus from species of the genus Glutamicibacter. Re-analysis of both peptidoglycan structure and polar lipid profile revealed peptidoglycan type l-Lys-l-Ala-l-Glu (A11.35) and a polar lipid profile lacking phosphatidylinositol. These traits are consistent with those of representatives of the genus Glutamicibacter and distinguish A. endophyticus from members of the genus Arthrobacter sensu stricto. Due to its phylogenetic position and congruence with the key characteristics of members of the genus Glutamicibacter we here propose the reclassification of Arthrobacter endophyticus as a species of the genus Glutamicibacter, Glutamicibacter endophyticus comb. nov. (EGI 6500322T=DSM 28750T=KCTC 29490T=JCM 30091T).

Actinomadura deserti sp. nov., isolated from desert soil.

A Gram-positive, strictly aerobic actinobacterium, designated BMP B8004T, was isolated from desert soil collected in Xinjiang Province, Northwest China. It produced an extensively branched non-fragmenting substrate mycelium, and very scanty aerial mycelium that formed a short hooked chain of arthrospores with a smooth surface. Optimum growth occurred at 28 °C, pH 7.0 and 0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BMP B8004T formed a distinct phyletic lineage within the genus Actinomadura. It shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Actinomadura apis IM17-1T (99.2 %) and Actinomadura rifamycini NBRC 14183T (98.6 %). However, it could be distinguished from the two closest strains based on the low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness (52.7±0.7 and 45±1.8 %, respectively). Chemotaxonomic characteristics, including the main phospholipids, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides, the major menaquinones MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8), the predominant fatty acids iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 0 10-methyl and C18 : 1ω9c, were also consistent with the properties of the genus Actinomadura. The DNA G+C content of strain BMP B8004T was 71.9 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genotypic features, strain BMP B8004T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura deserti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BMP B8004T (=CGMCC 4.7432T=KCTC 39998T).

Arcanobacterium wilhelmae sp. nov., isolated from the genital tract of a rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

A taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from the genital tract of a rhinoceros. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strains of Arcanobacterium canis (98.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.8 %), Arcanobacterium phocae (97.7 %), Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (97.4 %), Arcanobacterium hippocoleae (96.6 %), Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum (96.4 %) and Arcarnobacterium pluranimalium (95.4 %). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 647T and Arcanobacterium canisDSM 25104T were very low, 13.4 % (reciprocal 15.9 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 647T was 58.7 mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid. The results of physiological and biochemical testing clearly distinguished the unknown bacterium from other species of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium named Arcanobacterium wilhelmaesp. nov. The type strain is 647T (=DSM 102162T=LMG 29418T).

Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov., isolated from a harbour seal.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain 2710T, isolated from a harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this bacterial strain belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was related most closely to the type strains of Arcanobacterium phocae (98.4 % similarity) and Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.5 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of other Arcanobacterium species were between 95.3 and 96.9 %. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 2710T and A. phocae DSM 10002T and A. phocisimile LMG 27073T were 4.7 % (reciprocal 56 %) and 23 % (reciprocal 7.7 %), respectively. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) and a polar lipid profile with the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside supported the affiliation of strain 2710T to the genus Arcanobacterium. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1ω9c, C18:0 and C18:2ω6,9c/anteiso-C18:0. The peptidoglycan structure was of cross-linkage type A5α (l-Lys-l-Lys-d-Glu). Physiological and biochemical tests clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that this unknown bacterium should be classified as a novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium, with the name Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov. The type strain is 2710T ( = DSM 28752T = LMG 28298T).

Kribbella qitaiheensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from soil.

A novel nocardioform actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-GQTH2-3(T), was isolated from muddy soil collected from a stream in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Kribbella and forms a clade with Kribbella catacumbae JCM 14968(T) (99.2% sequence similarity), Kribbella koreensis JCM 10977(T) (99.1%), Kribbella ginsengisoli JCM 16928(T) (98.6%) and Kribbella sancticallisti JCM 14969(T) (98.4%), although with low bootstrap support. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate are in agreement with the description of the genus Kribbella. Chemotaxonomic characteristics include LL-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan; glucose and ribose as the characteristic whole-cell hydrolysates; diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, a glycerolipid and an unidentified phospholipid as the predominant polar lipids; the major menaquinones MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2); as well as iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and C17:1 ω7c being the predominant fatty acid components. Mycolic acids were not detected. Furthermore, the strain could be clearly distinguished by the combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics from the closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-GQTH2-3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the name Kribbella qitaiheensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-GQTH2-3(T) (=CGMCC 4.7215(T)=JCM 30343(T)).

Arcanobacterium phocisimile sp. nov., isolated from harbour seals

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on two previously unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-positive strains isolated from harbour seals. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that both bacteria belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and were most closely related to Arcanobacterium haemolyticum CIP 103370(T) (98.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), A. canis P6775(T) (97.4%), A. phocae DSM 10002(T) (97.4%), A. pluranimalium M430/94/2(T) (95.7%) and A. hippocoleae CCUG 44697(T) (95.5%). The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of the isolates with the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:0, C18:1ω9c and summed feature 5 (comprising C18:2ω6,9c and/or anteiso-C18:0). Physiological and biochemical tests clearly distinguished the isolates from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on the common origin and various physiological properties comparable to those of A. phocae, it is proposed that the isolates are classified as members of a novel species with the name Arcanobacterium phocisimile sp. nov. The type strain is 2698(T) (=LMG 27073(T) =CCM 8430(T)).

Arcanobacterium canis sp. nov., isolated from otitis externa of a dog, and emended description of the genus Arcanobacterium Collins et al. 1983 emend. Yassin et al. 2011

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from otitis externa of a dog. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strains of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (97.2 %), Arcanobacterium hippocoleae (96.5 %) and Arcanobacterium phocae (96.4 %). The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H(4)) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile contained the major lipids phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and an unidentified phospholipid (PL2). Major fatty acids were C(14 : 0), C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(18 : 1)ω9c and C(18 : 2)ω6,9c/anteiso-C(18 : 0) (detected as a summed feature). C(10 : 0) and C(12 : 0) were present in minor amounts. The results of physiological and biochemical testing clearly distinguished the unknown bacterium from other species of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium should be classified in the novel species Arcanobacterium canis sp. nov. The type strain of Arcanobacterium canis is P6775(T) (= CCM 7958(T) = CCUG 61573(T) = CIP 110339(T)). An emended description of the genus Arcanobacterium is also provided.

Actinoplanes abujensis sp. nov., isolated from Nigerian arid soil

A novel actinobacterial strain, A4029T, isolated from arid soil of Abuja, Nigeria, and provisionally assigned to the genus Actinoplanes, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain A4029T belonged to the genus Actinoplanes, being most closely related to Actinoplanes brasiliensis DSM 43805T (98.9 %) and Actinoplanes deccanensis DSM 43806T (98.0 %); similarity to other type strains of the genus Actinoplanes ranged from 96.2 to 97.9 %. Chemotaxonomic data [major menaquinone MK-9(H4); major polar lipids phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol; characteristic sugars arabinose and xylose; major fatty acids iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, C17:1ω9c and iso-C14:0] confirmed the affiliation of strain A4029T to the genus Actinoplanes. The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations and phylogenetic analysis, together with phenotypic and biochemical test data, allowed strain A4029T to be differentiated from strains of other Actinoplanes species. Therefore, strain A4029T represents a novel species, for which the name Actinoplanes abujensis sp. nov. is proposed, with A4029T (=DSM 45518T=NRRL B-24835T=KCTC 19984T) as the type strain.

Tessaracoccus lubricantis sp. nov., isolated from a metalworking fluid

A Gram-positive-staining, coccoid-shaped, oxidase-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium, strain KSS-17Se(T), was isolated from a metalworking fluid. On the basis of its major fatty acid (ai-C(15 : 0)) and 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strain grouped with Tessaracoccus bendigoensis and Tessaracoccus flavescens, sharing 95.3 and 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the respective type strains. Similarities with other established species of the genera Luteococcus, Propioniferax and Granulicoccus were lower than 95.5 %. The quinone system was characterized by the major menaquinone MK-9(H(4)). In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid and an unknown polar lipid were detected as major compounds. Additionally, three unknown glycolipids and minor amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids and two unknown polar lipids were detected. Phosphatidylinositol was present only in trace amounts. Predominant polyamines were spermine and spermidine. ll-Diaminopimelic acid was identified as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall. The strain showed clear differences in phenotype (including chemotaxonomic features) from both Tessaracoccus species and members of the other above-mentioned genera. DNA-DNA hybridization between KSS-17Se(T) and T. bendigoensis Ben-106(T) and T. flavescens SST-39(T) yielded similarities of 15.1 and 21.0 %, respectively. It is evident that the organism represents a novel species, for which the name Tessaracoccus lubricantis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KSS-17Se(T) (=DSM 19926(T) =CCUG 55516(T)).

Actinoplanes couchii sp. nov.

A Gram-positive bacterium, strain GW8-1761(T), was isolated from soil close to the Marmore waterfalls, Terni, Italy. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain GW8-1761(T) belonged to the genus Actinoplanes, being most closely related to Actinoplanes italicus JCM 3165(T) (98.9 %), A. rectilineatus IFO 13941(T) (98.5 %), A. palleronii JCM 7626(T) (97.8 %), A. utahensis IFO 13244(T) (97.6 %) and A. cyaneus DSM 46137(T) (97.6 %). Strain GW8-1761(T) could be distinguished from any other Actinoplanes species with validly published names by 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of less than 97.5 %. Chemotaxonomic data [major menaquinone MK-9(H(4)); major polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, with phosphatidylcholine and aminoglycolipids absent; major fatty acids C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0), C(16 : 0) iso, C(17 : 1)omega8c and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(15 : 0) iso 2-OH)] supported the affiliation of strain GW8-1761(T) to the genus Actinoplanes. The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain GW8-1761(T) from the most closely related species. Strain GW8-1761(T) therefore merits species status, and we propose the name Actinoplanes couchii sp. nov., with the type strain GW8-1761(T) (=DSM 45050(T)=CIP 109316(T)).

Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov.: proposal for Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and Catenulisporinae subord. nov. in the order Actinomycetales

Two novel Gram-positive, acidophilic bacterial strains were isolated from forest soil. According to their 16S rRNA gene sequences, these strains are related closely to each other and form a distinct cluster within the order Actinomycetales. They show the typical features of filamentous actinomycetes, with branched vegetative hyphae and production of aerial hyphae. The distinct phylogenetic positions and the combination of chemotaxonomic characteristics of these strains justify the proposal of Actinospica gen. nov. Both strains display 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid plus traces of meso-diaminopimelic acid, the phospholipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, methylphosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, the predominant cellular fatty acids i-C(15 : 0), i-C(16 : 0) and ai-C(15 : 0) and the whole-cell sugars mannose and rhamnose. They differ in the fatty acid profiles, in the quantitative ratios of the major menaquinones MK-9(H(4)), MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(8)) and in the occurrence of additional whole-cell sugars (arabinose and xylose in strain GE134766(T) and galactose in strain GE134769(T)). Differences in the phenotypic characteristics and in the 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest the description of two species, Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species) and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov., with the type strains GE134769(T) (=DSM 44927(T)=NRRL B-24432(T)) and GE134766(T) (=DSM 44926(T)=NRRL B-24431(T)), respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strains GE134769(T) and GE134766(T) are 70.8 and 69.2 mol%, respectively. Due to the large phylogenetic distance from known actinomycete genera, it is proposed to accommodate Actinospica gen. nov. in Actinospicaceae fam. nov. In addition, Catenulisporineae subord. nov. is proposed to harbour Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and the newly proposed family Catenulisporaceae, described in the accompanying paper.

Polyphasic taxonomic study of strain CCM 2783 resulting in the description of Arthrobacter stackebrandtii sp. nov.

Strain CCM 2783, previously classified as representing Arthrobacter aurescens, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and chemotaxonomic characteristics such as peptidoglycan type A3alpha Lys-Ala(2), major menaquinone MK-9(H(2)) and fatty acid composition confirmed assignment of the strain to the genus Arthrobacter. The results of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness experiments and physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics indicate that CCM 2783 differs from its nearest phylogenetic relative Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus and from other recognized Arthrobacter species. Therefore, a novel species, Arthrobacter stackebrandtii sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain CCM 2783(T) (=DSM 16005(T)).

Jonesia quinghaiensis sp. nov., a new member of the suborder Micrococcineae

A coryneform strain isolated from soda lake mud in China corresponded in chemotaxonomic characteristics such as peptidoglycan type A4alpha l-lys-l-ser-d-Glu and major menaquinone MK-9, as well as in its DNA base composition (57 mol% G+C), to its phylogenetic neighbour Jonesia denitrificans. Differences in phenotypic characteristics and the phylogenetic distance (96.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) from J. denitrificans justify the proposal of a second species of the genus Jonesia, Jonesia quinghaiensis sp. nov., with the type strain QH3A7(T) (=DSM 15701(T)=CGMCC 1.3459(T)).

Arthrobacter gangotriensis sp. nov. and Arthrobacter kerguelensis sp. nov. from Antarctica

Two coryneform bacteria were isolated from a penguin rookery soil sample collected in Antarctica, near the Indian station Dakshin Gangotri (strain Lz1y(T)), and from sea water from Kerguelen island, Antarctica (strain KGN15(T)). They have morphological and chemotaxonomic properties (peptidoglycan A4alpha type; major menaquinones MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10; predominant fatty acids anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0)) that are characteristic of members of the genus Arthrobacter. The isolates shared 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to each other and were most closely related to Arthrobacter sulfureus (about 98.5 % sequence similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed 50 % relatedness between the isolates, while the levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains Lz1y(T) and KGN15 (T) and their phylogenetic relative, A. sulfureus, were respectively 54 and 12 %. Based on the above data and distinct phenotypic differences between the isolates and A. sulfureus, two novel species are proposed, Arthrobacter gangotriensis sp. nov. (type strain Lz1y(T)=DSM 15796(T)=JCM 12166(T)) and Arthrobacter kerguelensis sp. nov. (type strain KGN15(T)=DSM 15797(T)=JCM 12165(T)).