Phylogenetic Distinctiveness Research Articles

Ancylostoma ailuropodae n. sp. (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae), a new hookworm parasite isolated from wild giant pandas in Southwest China

BackgroundHookworms belonging to the genus Ancylostoma (Dubini, 1843) cause ancylostomiasis, a disease of considerable concern in humans and domestic and wild animals. Molecular and epidemiological data support evidence for the zoonotic potential among species of Ancylostoma where transmission to humans is facilitated by rapid urbanization and increased human-wildlife interactions. It is important to assess and describe these potential zoonotic parasite species in wildlife, especially in hosts that have physiological similarities to humans and share their habitat. Moreover, defining species diversity within parasite groups that can circulate among free-ranging host species and humans also provides a pathway to understanding the distribution of infection and disease. In this study, we describe a previously unrecognized species of hookworm in the genus Ancylostoma in the giant panda, including criteria for morphological and molecular characterization.MethodsThe hookworm specimens were obtained from a wild giant panda that died in the Fengtongzai Natural Reserve in Sichuan Province of China in November 2013. They were microscopically examined and then genetically analyzed by sequencing the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes in two representative specimens (one female and one male, FTZ1 and FTZ2, respectively).ResultsAncylostoma ailuropodae n. sp. is proposed for these hookworms. Morphologically the hookworm specimens differ from other congeneric species primarily based on the structure of the buccal capsule in males and females, characterized by 2 pairs of ventrolateral and 2 pairs of dorsolateral teeth; males differ in the structure and shape of the copulatory bursa, where the dorsal ray possesses 2 digitations. Pairwise nuclear and mitochondrial DNA comparisons, genetic distance analysis, and phylogenetic data strongly indicate that A. ailuropodae from giant pandas is a separate species which shared a most recent common ancestor with A. ceylanicum Looss, 1911 in the genus Ancylostoma (family Ancylostomatidae).ConclusionAncylostoma ailuropodae n. sp. is the fourth species of hookworm described from the Ursidae and the fifteenth species assigned to the genus Ancylostoma. A sister-species association with A. ceylanicum and phylogenetic distinctiveness from the monophyletic Uncinaria Frölich, 1789 among ursids and other carnivorans indicate a history of host colonization in the evolutionary radiation among ancylostomatid hookworms. Further, phylogenetic relationships among bears and a history of ecological and geographical isolation for giant pandas may be consistent with two independent events of host colonization in the diversification of Ancylostoma among ursid hosts. A history for host colonization within this assemblage and the relationship for A. ailuropodae n. sp. demonstrate the potential of this species as a zoonotic parasite and as a possible threat to human health. The cumulative morphological, molecular and phylogenetic data presented for A. ailuropodae n. sp. provides a better understanding of the taxonomy, diagnostics and evolutionary biology of the hookworms.

Phylogenetic evidence for the ancient Himalayan wolf: towards a clarification of its taxonomic status based on genetic sampling from western Nepal.

Wolves in the Himalayan region form a monophyletic lineage distinct from the present-day Holarctic grey wolf Canis lupus spp. (Linnaeus 1758) found across Eurasia and North America. Here, we analyse phylogenetic relationships and the geographic distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of the contemporary Himalayan wolf (proposed in previous studies as Canis himalayensis) found in Central Asia. We combine genetic data from a living Himalayan wolf population collected in northwestern Nepal in this study with already published genetic data, and confirm the Himalayan wolf lineage based on mitochondrial genomic data (508 bp cytochrome b and 242 bp D-loop), and X- and Y-linked zinc-finger protein gene (ZFX and ZFY) sequences. We then compare the genetic profile of the Himalayan wolf lineage found in northwestern Nepal with canid reference sequences from around the globe with maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogeny building methods to demonstrate that the Himalayan wolf forms a distinct monophyletic clade supported by posterior probabilities/bootstrap for D-loop of greater than 0.92/85 and cytochrome b greater than 0.99/93. The Himalayan wolf shows a unique Y-chromosome (ZFY) haplotype, and shares an X-chromosome haplotype (ZFX) with the newly postulated African wolf. Our results imply that the Himalayan wolf distribution range extends from the Himalayan range north across the Tibetan Plateau up to the Qinghai Lakes region in Qinghai Province in the People's Republic of China. Based on its phylogenetic distinction and its older age of divergence relative to the Holarctic grey wolf, the Himalayan wolf merits formal classification as a distinct taxon of special conservation concern.

Pseudorhodobacter ponti sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, short-rod-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain, designated HWR-46T, was isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea, South Korea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain HWR-46T grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0, at 20-25 °C and in the presence of 2-3 % (w/v) NaCl. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HWR-46T fell within the clade comprising Pseudorhodobacter species, clustering with the type strain of Pseudorhodobacter aquimaris, with which it exhibited 98.4 % sequence similarity. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain HWR-46T and the type strains of other Pseudorhodobacter species was 95.1-96.3 %. The DNA G+C content of strain HWR-46T was 63.1 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness value with P. aquimaris HDW-19T was 24.6±1.5 %. Strain HWR-46T contained only Q-10 as the ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain HWR-46T is distinguishable from other Pseudorhodobacter species. On the basis of the data presented, strain HWR-46T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudorhodobacter, for which the name Pseudorhodobacter ponti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HWR-46T (=KCTC 52470T=NBRC 112426T).

Polaribacter litorisediminis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated OITF-11T, was isolated from a tidal flat in Oido, an island of South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain OITF-11T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain OITF-11T belonged to the genus Polaribacter. Strain OITF-11T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.4-98.1 % to Polaribacter haliotis RA4-7T, Polaribacter atrinae KACC 17473T, Polaribacter dokdonensis DSW-5T and Polaribacter marinaquae KCTC 42664T, and of 94.1-96.9 % to the type strains of the other Polaribacter species. Strain OITF-11T contained menaquinone MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 1ω6c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain OITF-11T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain OITF-11T was 32.2 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. haliotis, P. atrinae, P. dokdonensis and P. marinaquae were 14-33 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain OITF-11T is separated from recognized species of the genus Polaribacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain OITF-11T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Polaribacter, for which the name Polaribacter litorisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OITF-11T (=KCTC 52500T=NBRC 112457T).

Saprotrophic proteomes of biotypes of the witches' broom pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa

Nine geographically diverse Moniliophthora perniciosa (witches' broom disease pathogen) isolates were cultured in vitro. They included six C-biotypes differing in virulence on cacao (Theobroma cacao), two S-biotypes (solanaceous hosts), and an L-biotype (liana hosts). Mycelial growth rates and morphologies differed considerably, but no characters were observed to correlate with virulence or biotype. In plant inoculations using basidiospores, one C-biotype caused symptoms on tomato (an S-biotype host), adding to evidence of limited host adaptation in these biotypes. Mycelial proteomes were analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and 619 gel spots were indexed on all replicate gels of at least one strain. Multivariate analysis of gel spots discriminated the L-biotype, but not the S-biotypes, from the remaining strains. The proteomic similarity of the S- and C-biotypes is consistent with their reported lack of phylogenetic distinction. Sequences from tandem mass spectrometry of tryptic peptides from major 2-DE spots were matched with Moniliophthora genome and transcript sequences on NCBI and WBD Transcriptome Atlas databases. Protein-spot identifications indicated that M. perniciosa saprotrophic mycelial proteomes expressed functions potentially connected with a ‘virulence life-style’, including peroxiredoxin, heat-shock proteins, nitrilase, formate dehydrogenase, a prominent complement of aldo-keto reductases, mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase, and central metabolism enzymes with proposed pathogenesis functions.

Hyphobacterium vulgare gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel alphaproteobacterium isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile, oval to rod-shaped, prosthecate bacterium, designated strain WM6T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected from the South China Sea at a depth of 150 m and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Cells of strain WM6T were approximately 0.5-0.6 µm in width and 0.8-1.2 µm in length, and colonies were smooth, circular, convex and whitish yellow. Strain WM6T was found to grow at 10-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5-8.5) and with 1-6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). Chemotaxonomic analysis showed the predominant respiratory quinone and the major fatty acid of strains WM6T were ubiquinone-10 and C18 : 1ω7c, respectively. The polar lipids of strain WM6T were phosphatidylglycerol, glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride, monoglycosyldiglyceride, sulfo-quinovosyl diacylglycerol, seven unknown glycolipids and two unknown lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain WM6T was determined to be 59.8 mol% by HPLC. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that strain WM6T was related most closely to the genus Maricaulis with a similarity range from 92.3 to 93.8 %. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed with the neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood methods using mega and maximum-likelihood methods using arb showed that strain WM6T constituted a separated branch in the family Hyphomonadaceae. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain WM6T is clearly distinct from any validly published genus. On the basis of these features, strain WM6T represents a novel species of a new genus with the name Hyphobacterium vulgare gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Hyphobacterium vulgare is WM6T (=MCCC 1K03222T=KCTC 52487T).

Hymenobacter aquaticus sp. nov., a radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from a river.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 16F3PT, was isolated from the Han River, South Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 16F3PT to be within the genus Hymenobacter, and most closely related to Hymenobacterchitinivorans Txc1T (98.62 %) and Hymenobacterelongatus VUG-A112T (98.46 %). The phylogenetic distance from other species of the genus Hymenobacter with validly published names was greater than 4 % (i.e. sequence similarity was less than 96.0 %). Chemotaxonomic data also supported the classification of strain 16F3PT within the genus Hymenobacter. C16 : 0 (19.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 15.4 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (13.0 %) were the major fatty acids, MK-7 was the predominant respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 16F3PT was 61.9 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that the values for DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 16F3PT and the phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 19 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 16F3PT represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter aquaticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F3PT (=KCTC 52194T=JCM 31653T).

Spirosoma knui sp. nov., a radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from the Han River.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J8-12T, was isolated from a water sample after exposure to 3 kGy of gamma radiation. The strain showed resistance to gamma radiation with a dose required to reduce the bacterial population 10 fold (D10) value of 4.7 kGy. The results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 15J8-12T represented a member of the family Cytophagaceae, phylum Bacteroidetes, and was most closely related to 'Spirosomafluminis' 15J17 (97.92 %) and Spirosoma arcticum R2-35T (92.22 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of 15J8-12T was 51.3 mol%. The detection of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, a fatty acid profile with summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 40.5 %), C16 : 1ω5c (35.3 %), C15 : 0 iso (6.9 %) and C16 : 0 (6.8 %) as the major components and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid also supported the affiliation of 15J8-12T with the genus Spirosoma. The DNA-DNA relatedness between 15J8-12T and 'Spirosoma fluminis' 15J17 was 27.8 %. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, 15J8-12T should be considered to be a representative of a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma knui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J8-12T (=KCTC 52510T=JCM 31407T).

Microbulbifer aestuariivivens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and coccoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated GHTF-23T, was isolated from a tidal flat of the South Sea, South Korea. GHTF-23T grew optimally at 37 °C, at pH 6.5-7.5 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. In the neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, GHTF-23T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Microbulbifer. GHTF-23T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.1-97.9 % to the type strains of Microbulbifer salipaludis, Microbulbifer hydrolyticus, Microbulbifer elongatus, Microbulbifer mangrovi and Microbulbifer yueqingensis and 94.5-96.8 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Microbulbifer. GHTF-23T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in GHTF-23T and M. hydrolyticus DSM 11525T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of GHTF-23T was 60.1 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of M. salipaludis, M. hydrolyticus, M. elongatus, M. mangrovi and M. yueqingensis were 11-31 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that GHTF-23T is separated from species of the genus Microbulbifer with validly published names. On the basis of the data presented, GHTF-23T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the name Microbulbifer aestuariivivenssp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GHTF-23T (=KCTC 52569T=NBRC 112533T).

Nonlabens aestuariivivens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain OITF-31T, was isolated from a tidal flat in Oido, an island of South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain OITF-31T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 1.0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain OITF-31T belonged to the genus Nonlabens, clustering with the type strains of Nonlabens dokdonensis and Nonlabens xylanidelens, sharing 98.1 % sequence similarity with each. Strain OITF-31T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 93.9-95.8 % to the type strains of other Nonlabens species and less than of 91.8 % to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain OITF-31T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain OITF-31T were phosphatidylethanolamine, six unidentified lipids and two unidentified aminolipids. The DNA G+C content of strain OITF-31T was 38.1 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of N. dokdonensis and N. xylanidelens were 24 and 19 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain OITF-31T is separated from recognized species of the genus Nonlabens. On the basis of the data presented, strain OITF-31T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nonlabens, for which the name Nonlabens aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OITF-31T (=KCTC 52502T=NBRC 112459T).

Larkinella harenae sp. nov., Isolated from Korean Beach Soil.

A Gram-negative, short rod-shaped, gliding motile, and pale pink-pigmented bacterial strain, designated 15J9-9T, was isolated from the soil of Iho Tewoo Beach, Jeju Island, Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J9-9T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae and was related to Larkinella bovis M2T2B15T (96.5% similarity), Larkinella arboricola Z0532T (95.3% similarity), and Larkinella insperata LMG 22510T (95.2% similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain 15J9-9T was 48mol%. The detection of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unknown aminophospholipids (APL1 and APL2), and two unknown polar lipids (L1 and L2) in polar lipid profile, menaquinone-7 as the predominant quinone, and a fatty acid profile of C16:1 ω5c, iso-C15:0, and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the major fatty acids supported the affiliation of strain 15J9-9T to the genus Larkinella. Based on its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J9-9T should be classified in the genus Larkinella as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Larkinella harenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J9-9T (=KCTC 42999T=JCM 31656T).

Altererythrobacter salegens sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium isolated from surface sediment.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and slightly halophilic bacterium, strain XY-R17T, was isolated from the surface sediment of Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site birdwatch in Hong Kong. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain XY-R17T exhibited 96.5 % similarity to that of the type strain of Altererythrobacter atlanticus. Optimal growth occurred at pH 7.0-7.5, 3-8 % (w/v) NaCl and at 30 °C. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The principal fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and C17 : 1ω6c .The polar lipid profile consisted of the major compounds sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and two unknown lipids. The DNA G+C content was 64.7 mol%. Based on its phenotypic properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain XY-R17T should be designated as a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter. Therefore, the name Altererythrobacter salegens sp. nov. (type strain XY-R17T=KCTC 52267T=MCCC 1K01500T) is proposed.

Lysobacter humi sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A yellow-pigmented and strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated FJY8T, was isolated from the soil of Goyang, South Korea. The cells of FJY8T were Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile rods. Colonies were circular, convex and transparent. Strain FJY8T grew optimally at 30 °C, with 0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 8. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of FJY8T revealed a clear affiliation of this bacterium to the family Lysobacteraceae, and it was related to members of the genus Lysobacter, with Lysobacter xinjiangensis KCTC 22558T being its closest relative (98.7 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content was 68.0±0.4 mol%. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were identified as the major polar lipids, and an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified aminophospholipids were also detected as the minor polar lipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl) and iso-C15 : 0. Only ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) was detected as the isoprenoid quinone. DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain FJY8T with Lysobacter xinjiangensisRCML-52T and Lysobacter mobilis9NM-14T were 55.8±2.0 and 45.2±4.8 %, respectively. On the basis of DNA-DNA hybridization, phylogenetic distinctiveness, and some physiological and biochemical tests, strain FJY8T (=KCTC 42810T=JCM 31019T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter humi sp. nov. is proposed.

Spirosoma swuense sp. nov., isolated from wet soil.

Strain JBM2-3T, a pale-yellow-coloured, aerobic, catalase-negative, oxidase-positive and Gram-stain-negative bacterium, was isolated from wet soil. The isolate grew aerobically at 25-30 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-0.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 % NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain JBM2-3T belonged to the genus Spirosoma, with a sequence similarity of 96.2 % with Spirosoma panaciterrae Gsoil 1519T. The strain showed the typical chemotaxonomic characteristics of the genus Spirosoma, with the presence of menaquinone 7 as the respiratory quinone; the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (composed of C16: 1ω6c/ω7c), C16: 1ω5c and iso-C15: 0. The DNA G+C content of strain JBM2-3T was 47.4 mol%. The polar lipid profile contained major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine and aminophospholipids. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties, and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain JBM2-3T should be classified as a representative of a novel species in the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma swuense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JBM2-3T (=KCTC 52176T=JCM 31298T).

Aliidongia dinghuensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-producing bacterium isolated from Pinus massoniana forest soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated 7M-Z19T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a Pinus massoniana forest of Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong Province, PR China. Strain 7M-Z19T grew at pH 4.5-7.5 (optimum pH 6.0-6.5), 10 to 37 °C (optimum 28 °C) and NaCl concentration up to 2.0 % (optimum 0 %, w/v). iso-C17 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo were the major fatty acids (>10 %) while ubiquinone-10 was the only respiratory quinone detected in 7M-Z19T. The polar lipids of the strain consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, six unidentified aminophospholipids, three unidentified phospholipids, six unidentified lipids and a glycolipid. The DNA G+C content was 65.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate formed a distinct lineage with Dongia mobilis and Dongia rigui within the family Rhodospirillaceae, but with a low sequence similarity of 92.7 and 92.0 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic, physiological and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain 7M-Z19T should be placed in the family Rhodospirillaceae as a representative of a novel genus and species, for which the name Aliidongia dinghuensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the type species is 7M-Z19T (=NBRC 112240T=KCTC 52134T=CGMCC 1.15725T).

Alteromonas lipolytica sp. nov., a poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate-producing bacterium isolated from surface seawater.

Strain JW12T, isolated from surface seawater of the Arabian Sea, was subjected to characterization by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolate were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped. It accumulated poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain JW12T was closely related to Alteromonas confluentis, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.0 %. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it fell within the cluster of the genus Alteromonas and represented one independent lineage with A. confluentis. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value and the genome-to-genome distance between strain JW12T and A. confluentis KCTC 42603T were 70.0 and 21.3 %, respectively. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q8). The principal fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and one aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 48.4 mol%. Differential phylogenetic distinctiveness and chemotaxonomic differences, together with phenotypic properties obtained in this study, revealed that strain JW12T could be differentiated from the closely related species. Therefore, it is proposed that strain JW12T represents a novel species in the genus Alteromonas, for which the name Alteromonas lipolytica sp. nov. (type strain, JW12T=CGMCC 1.15735T=KCTC 52408T=MCCC 1K03175T), is proposed.

Deinococcus ruber sp. nov., a radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from soil

Two gamma- and UVC-resistant bacterial strains, designated JSH3-1T and 9-2-2, were isolated from garden soil in South Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile and spherical. A polyphasic approach was used to study the taxonomic properties of strains JSH3-1T and 9-2-2. Phylogenetic analysis based on nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains JSH3-1T and 9-2-2 indicated highest similarity with Deinococcus radiomollis PO-04-20-132T (94.7 and 94.9 %, respectively); levels of sequence similarity with the type strains of other Deinococcus species were less than 94.0 %. Strains JSH3-1T and 9-2-2 shared relatively high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.7 %) and had a high DNA reassociation value of 81±0.5 %. Meanwhile, they showed low levels of DNA reassociation (<25 %) with other closely related species of the genus Deinococcus. The two strains showed chemotaxonomic features typical of the genus Deinococcus, with the presence of menaquinone 8 as the respiratory quinone. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C17 : 0, iso-C13 : 0 and anteiso-C13 : 0. The polar lipids comprised phosphoglycolipid, aminophospholipid, glycolipid and unknown aminolipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains JSH3-1T and 9-2-2 were 62.0 and 61.9 mol%, respectively. On the basis of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and phylogenetic distinction, strains JSH3-1T (=KCTC 33790T=JCM 31311T) and 9-2-2 (=KCTC 33789=JCM 31310) should be classified within a novel species of the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus ruber sp. nov. is proposed.

Roseovarius aestuariivivens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated GHTF-24T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic study. The novel strain grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. In the neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain GHTF-24T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Roseovarius. Strain GHTF-24T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.0 % to each of Roseovariushalotolerans HJ50T and Roseovariuspacificus 81-2T and of 91.6-96.5 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Roseovarius. Strain GHTF-24T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain GHTF-24T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain GHTF-24T was 62.3 mol%, and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of R. halotolerans and R.pacificus were 13-16 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain GHTF-24T is separated from other recognized species of the genus Roseovarius. On the basis of the data presented, strain GHTF-24T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GHTF-24T (=KCTC 52454T=NBRC 112420T).

Colwellia mytili sp. nov., isolated from mussel Mytilus edulis.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RA2-7T, was isolated from a mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain RA2-7T grew optimally at 20 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RA2-7T belonged to the genus Colwellia. Strain RA2-7T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.3, 98.0 and 97.5 % to the type strains of Colwellia sediminilitoris, Colwellia aestuarii and Colwellia polaris, respectively, and of 94.5-96.5 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Colwellia. Strain RA2-7T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain RA2-7T were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain RA2-7T was 39.0±0.04 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of C. sediminilitoris, C. aestuarii and C. polaris were 14-19 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain RA2-7T is separated from recognized species of the genus Colwellia. On the basis of the data presented, strain RA2-7T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Colwellia, for which the name Colwellia mytili sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA2-7T (=KCTC 52417T=NBRC 112381T).

느타리 수확후배지로부터 분리된 고온성 Bacillus licheniformis YJ09의 특성

CMCase와 xylanase 분비능이 우수한 고온성 세균을 분리하기 위하여 진주 인근지역의 느타리 재배농장으로부터 수확후배지를 수집하였다. 느타리 수확후배지로부터 17종의 균주를 분리하였으며 이 중 CMCase와 xylanase 활성이 큰 균주 YJ09를 선발하였다. Bacillus ID kit와 MicroLog system을 이용하여 분리균 YJ09의 생리적 생화학적 특성을 조사한 결과 분리균 YJ09은 B. licheniformis와 유사한 특징을 나타내었으며 16S rDNA 염기서열 분석 결과에서도 B. licheniformis와 98.9%의 상동성을 나타내었다. 이와 같은 결과를 종합하여 분리균 YJ09은 B. licheniformis YJ09로 동정되었다. 분리균이 분비하는 CMCase와 xylanase 활성은 분리균이 증식함에 따라 대수증식기 중반부터 급격히 증가하였고 정지기에 진입하면 효소활성이 더 이상 증가하지 않는 것으로 나타났으며 xylanase 활성은 대수증식기 초기부터 지속적으로 증가하여 대수증식기 중반에 최대활성을 나타내었다. In order to isolate thermophilic bacteria with high activity of CMCase and xylanase, spent mushroom substrates was collected from an oyster mushroom cultivation farm in Jinju, Gyeongnam, Korea. Among the isolates, one strain designated as YJ09 was selected by agar diffusion method. The isolate YJ09 was identified as a member of Bacillus licheniformis based on biochemical characteristics using Bacillus ID kit and MicroLog system. Comparative 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that isolate YJ09 formed a distinct phylogenetic tree within the genus Bacillus and was most closely related to Bacillus licheniformis with sequence similarity of 98.9%. Based on its physiological properties, biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic distinctiveness, the isolate YJ09 was classified as Bacillus licheniformis. The CMCase and xylanase activity of B. licheniformis YJ09 was slightly increased corresponding to the bacterial population from exponential phase to stationary phase in the growth curve of B. licheniformis YJ09.