Natrinema soli sp. nov., a novel halophilic archaeon isolated from a hypersaline wetland

An extremely halophilic archaeon, designated strain 5-3T, was isolated from a soil sample of Meighan wetland in Iran. Strain 5-3T was strictly aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and ovoid. Colonies of strain 5-3T were cream-coloured. The isolate showed optimum growth at 4.0 M NaCl, 40 °C and pH 7.0. The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, two unknown phospholipids and three glycolipids (including one that was chromatographically identical to S2-DGD). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-8. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.5 mol%. The closest relative was Natrinema salaciae JCM 17869T with 97.3 % similarity in the orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence. Analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences indicated that strain 5-3T is a member of the genus Natrinema in the family Natrialbaceae and forms a distinct cluster. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, a novel species of the family Natrialbaceae, Natrinema soli sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is 5-3T (=IBRC-M 11063T=LMG 29247T).

Aliidiomarina sedimenti sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic bacterium in the family Idiomarinaceae

A novel Gram-staining-negative straight or curved rod-shaped, moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic bacterium, designated strain GBSy1T, was isolated from a sediment sample from the coastal-marine wetland Gomishan in Iran. GBSy1T was motile, and formed non-pigmented, mucoid colonies. Growth occurred with between 1 and 15 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally with 5 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were 8.5 and 34 °C, while the strain was able to grow at pH 7.0-10 and 4-40 °C. On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, GBSy1T was shown to represent a member of the genus Aliidiomarina within the class Gammaproteobacteria, family Idiomarinaceae and showed closest phylogenetic similarity to Aliidiomarina marisCF12-14T (97.7 %). The DNA G+C content of GBSy1T was 51.2 mol%. The cells of GBSy1T contained the isoprenoid ubiquinones Q-8, Q-9 and Q-10 (92, 2 and 2 %, respectively). The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were iso-C11 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and its polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unknown phospholipids. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between GBSy1T and Aliidiomarina marisDSM 22154T was 31 %. All these features confirmed the placement of GBSy1T within the genus Aliidiomarina. On the basis of evidence from this study, a novel species of the genus Aliidiomarina, Aliidiomarina sedimenti sp. nov., is proposed, with GBSy1T (=IBRC-M 10764T=CECT 8340T) as the type strain.

High carotenoid production by a halotolerant bacterium, Kocuria sp. strain QWT-12 and anticancer activity of its carotenoid

Halophilic prokaryotes are extremophile microorganisms that grow optimally in media containing salts and almost appeared pigmented. Many of them contain high concentrations of carotenoids. Amongst 15 strains of halophilic prokaryotes isolated from industrial tannery wastewater in Qom, a Gram-stain-positive coccoid, aerobic, non-endospore-forming, halotolerant bacterium designated as strain QWT-12 showed high capacity in the production of carotenoids in a wide range of culture medium factors. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that this strain belongs to the genus Kocuria. Carotenoids from this strain were extracted by methanol. MTT assay for extracted carotenoid was carried out against seven cancer cell lines belonging to breast, lung and prostate cancer with negative control of fibroblast cell line through six concentration levels to find out IC₅₀. Based on statistical analysis of data from MTT assay, IC₅₀ of 1, 4 and 8 mg/ml for MCF-7, (A549 and MDA-MB-468) and MDA-MB-231 respectively. Additionally, qualitative carotenoid determination was carried out using spectrophotometric method in 300-600 nm and thin layer chromatography, respectively. According to the obtained results from mass spectrophotometry, absorption spectrum of strain QWT-12 is similar to the absorption spectrum of the carotenoid neurosporene.

Isolation and identification of indigenous prokaryotic bacteria from arsenic-contaminated water resources and their impact on arsenic transformation

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen. Arsenite [As(III), H₃AsO₃] and arsenate [As(V), H₂AsO₄^- and HAsO₄^2-] are the two predominant compounds of As found in surface water and groundwater. The aim of this study was to explore a bioremediation strategy for biotransformation of arsenite to arsenate by microorganisms. In this study, Babagorgor Spring, located west of Iran, was selected as the arsenic-contaminated source and its physicochemical characteristics and in situ microbiological composition were analyzed. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis indicated that the arsenic level was 614μg/l. Fourteen arsenic tolerant indigenous bacteria were isolated from arsenic-contaminated water using chemically defined medium (CDM), supplemented with 260-3900mg/l arsenite and 1560-21800mg/l arsenate. Among the isolates, a strain As-11 exhibited high ability of arsenic transformation. Biochemical tests were used for bacterial identification and confirmation was conducted by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Results confirmed that As-11 was related to the genus Pseudomonas. This bacterium showed maximum tolerable concentration to arsenite up to 3250mg/l and arsenate up to 20280mg/l. Under heterotrophic conditions, the bacterium exhibited 48% of As(III) and 78% of As(V) transformation from the medium amended with 130 and 312mg/l of sodium arsenite and sodium arsenate, respectively. Moreover, under chemolithotrophic conditions, bacterium was able to transform 41% of 130mg/l of As(III) from the medium amended with nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor. Pseudomonas strain As-11 was reported as an arsenic transformer, for the first time.

Systematics of haloarchaea and biotechnological potential of their hydrolytic enzymes

Halophilic archaea, also referred to as haloarchaea, dominate hypersaline environments. To survive under such extreme conditions, haloarchaea and their enzymes have evolved to function optimally in environments with high salt concentrations and, sometimes, with extreme pH and temperatures. These features make haloarchaea attractive sources of a wide variety of biotechnological products, such as hydrolytic enzymes, with numerous potential applications in biotechnology. The unique trait of haloarchaeal enzymes, haloenzymes, to sustain activity under hypersaline conditions has extended the range of already-available biocatalysts and industrial processes in which high salt concentrations inhibit the activity of regular enzymes. In addition to their halostable properties, haloenzymes can also withstand other conditions such as extreme pH and temperature. In spite of these benefits, the industrial potential of these natural catalysts remains largely unexplored, with only a few characterized extracellular hydrolases. Because of the applied impact of haloarchaea and their specific ability to live in the presence of high salt concentrations, studies on their systematics have intensified in recent years, identifying many new genera and species. This review summarizes the current status of the haloarchaeal genera and species, and discusses the properties of haloenzymes and their potential industrial applications.

Bacillus flexus strain As-12, a new arsenic transformer bacterium isolated from contaminated water resources

A total of 14 arsenic-resistant bacteria were isolated from an arsenic-contaminated travertine spring water in the central district of Qorveh county, Kurdistan Province, Iran. One of strains designated As-12 was selected for further investigation because of its ability to transform arsenic. The strain was identified by cultural, morphological and biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Finally, the growth characteristics of the isolate were investigated in a chemically defined medium which included varied ranges of environmental factors such as pH, temperature and salinity. Moreover, the resistance of this strain to some heavy metals was evaluated. The bacterium was a Gram-positive, endospore-forming with all other characteristics of the genus Bacillus. It revealed maximum similarity at the 16S rRNA gene level with Bacillus flexus. The optimum growth of the strain was observed at 38 °C, pH 9 and 2% salinity. This strain was resistant to heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, lead, nickel, copper, mercuric and cadmium at concentrations of 15 mM, 15.5 mM, 11.5 mM, 12 mM, 11 mM, 5.5 mM, and 1 mM, respectively. The isolated bacterium was able to reduce As (V) to As (III) (about 28%) and oxidize As (III) to As (V) (about 45%) after 48 h of incubation at 37 °C. In conclusion, Bacillus flexus strain As-12, was identified as an arsenic transformer, for the first time.

Soortia roseihalophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a new taxon in the order Balneolales isolated from a travertine spring, and description of Soortiaceae fam. nov

A novel Gram-stain-negative, slightly halophilic, motile, curved rod with a horseshoe shape, designated strain Bsw-2bT, was isolated from Badab-Soort travertine spring in Iran. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain Bsw-2bT belongs to the order Balneolales, showing 84.6 % sequence similarity to Gracilimonastropica DSM 19535T and 84.4 % and 83.9 % sequence similarity to Gracilimonas rosea CL-KR2T and Balneola vulgaris DSM 17893T, respectively. In addition, phenotypic and physiological features could clearly differentiate strain Bsw-2bT from species of the most closely related genera, Gracilimonas, Balneola, Aliifodinibius and Fodinibius. The strain was able to grow with 1-3 % (w/v) (optimum at 2 %) NaCl, at temperatures of 28-34 °C (optimum at 30 °C) and between pH 6.0 and 8.0 (optimum at pH 7.0). The major cellular fatty acids of strain Bsw-2bT were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C13 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. The polar lipid profile of strain Bsw-2bT was composed predominantly of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid and four unknown phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 40.5 mol%. Based on the evidence from the polyphasic study, strain Bsw-2bT represents a novel species in a novel genus within a new family, for which the name Soortia roseihalophila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, within the new family Soortiaceae fam. nov. The type strain is strain Bsw-2bT (=IBRC-M 10915T=LMG 28547T).

Isolation and identification of culturable halophilic bacteria with producing hydrolytic enzyme from Incheh Broun hypersaline wetland in Iran

Incheh Broun hypersaline wetland is located near the border of Turkmenistan in thenorth of Iran. This wetland is notable because of salinity (280g/l) and alteration in pH range (2.8 to 6.8). Eastern part of wetland is affected by wastewater of iodine extraction factory.  Samples were taken from soil, water and salt. Totally, 400 bacterial strains were isolated of which 194 strains were Gram-positive bacilli, 184 strains were Gram-negative rod and 22 strains were Gram-positive cocci. According to phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, selected strains were placed in three taxonomic phyla including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Optimum growth was evaluated for salt and 22 strains were found to be moderate halophile and 33 strains were halotolerant. Production of lipase, amylase, gelatinase and protease was examined. Gram-positive bacilli were the main producers of hydrolytic enzymes. Gelatinase and protease were the most frequent enzymes. Gram-positive cocci were the main producers of lipase but they didn't produce amylase.

Study on Haloalkaliphilic Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium for Thiosulfate Removal in Treatment of Sulfidic Spent Caustic

Due to the disadvantages of physiochemical methods for sulfidic spent caustic treatment, attentions are drawn to the environmental-friendly biotreatments including sulfur-oxidizing halo-alkaliphiles. Thioalkalivibrio versutus DSM 13738 was grown at alkaline (pH10) autotrophic medium with sodium carbonate/bicarbonate as the sole source of carbon and amended with sodium thiosulfate as the electron and energy source. The effect of various parameters including temperature (25-40 °C), pH (8-11), NaCl concentration (0.5-5 % w/v) and sodium thiosulfate concentrations (100-750 mM) was evaluated on bacterial growth and thiosulfate removal. This strain could eliminate sodium thiosulfate at very high concentrations up to 750 mM. The results showed that the highest specific growth rate was pH 9.5 and thiosulfate removal of Thioalkalivibrio versutus occurred at pH 10.5. The optimum salt concentration for thiosulfate removal was 2.5 % w/v and 5 % NaCl and specific growth rate elevated 2.5% w/v. It was also specified that this strain thrives occurred in 37 °C and at 35 and 37 °C higher removal of thiosulfate. Following chemical oxidation of sulfide to thiosulfate, application of Thioalkalivibrio versutus could be promising for spent caustic treatment. Since thiosulfate is utilized as an energy source, highest removal efficiency occurred at marginally different conditions compared to optimal growth.

Removing Lead from Iranian Industrial Wastewater

Metals and chemicals have been increased in industrial processes which they contain a high level of toxic heavy metals and cause a lot of disadvantages for the environment and human health .Biosorption of Pb (П) ions has been studied from aqueous solutions in a batch system by using a bacterial strain isolated from petrochemical wastewaters. Strain 8-I was selected to study the impact of different factors on removal rate. According to morphological, physiological and biochemical characterizations of the strain and in comparison with other studies the strain was tentatively identified as Bacillus sp strain8-I. The maximum Lead biosorption capacity of 8-I isolate was determined to be 41.58 % at pH 4.0 with 80 mg/l concentration in 48 hours equilibrium time. The comparison between the biosorption capacity of live (45.50 mg/g), heat inactivated (30.23 mg/g) and NaN3 pretreated biomass (26.86 mg/g) were indicated that the ability of live biomass for both of active and passive uptake of lead.

Study on Haloalkaliphilic Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium for Thiosulfate Removal in Treatment of Sulfidic Spent Caustic

Due to the disadvantages of physiochemical methods for sulfidic spent caustic treatment, attentions are drawn to the environmental-friendly biotreatments including sulfur-oxidizing halo-alkaliphiles.Thioalkalivibrio versutusDSM 13738 was grown at alkaline (pH10) autotrophic medium with sodium carbonate/bicarbonate as the sole source of carbon and amended with sodium thiosulfate as the electron and energy source. The effect of various parameters including temperature (25-40 °C), pH (8-11), NaCl concentration (0.5-5 % w/v) and sodium thiosulfate concentrations (100-750 mM) was evaluated on bacterial growth and thiosulfate removal. This strain could eliminate sodium thiosulfate at very high concentrations up to 750 mM. The results showed that the highest specific growth rate was pH 9.5 and thiosulfate removal ofThioalkalivibrio versutusoccurred at pH 10.5. The optimum salt concentration for thiosulfate removal was 2.5 % w/v and 5 % NaCl and specific growth rate elevated 2.5% w/v. It was also specified that this strain thrives occurred in 37 °C and at 35 and 37 °C higher removal of thiosulfate. Following chemical oxidation of sulfide to thiosulfate, application ofThioalkalivibrio versutuscould be promising for spent caustic treatment. Since thiosulfate is utilized as an energy source, highest removal efficiency occurred at marginally different conditions compared to optimal growth.

Isolation, Identification and Extracellular Enzymatic Activity of Culturable Extremely Halophilic Archaea and Bacteria of IncheBoroun Wetland

Extremely halophilic diversity of IncheBroun wetland located in the north of Iran was investigated by using culture-dependent methods. Sampling was carried out in May and September 2014. In each sampling 4 distinct regions of wetland were analyzed by using complex media like MGM, JCM168, MH1 and an alkaliphilic medium containing 23% salts. After incubation at 40°C, a total of 406 isolates and 2.1 × 106 CFU/ml were obtained in culture media. Among them 361 isolates were obtained from MGM and 39 isolates from JCM 168, 3 isolates from MH1 and 3 isolates from the alkaliphilic media. Initial morphological, biochemical and physiological tests were performed. Production of 4 hydrolytic enzymes by 45 selected strains was assayed qualitatively. A total of 38, 19 and 6 strains were able to produce lipase, DNase and amylase activity. Protease activity was not observed among strains. As total 45 strains were selected randomly and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA was performed for them. Among selected strains 40 isolated strians belonged to Haloarchaea and were belonged to the genera: Haloarcula(30%), Halorubrum(27.5%), Haloferax(17.5%), Halobellus (10%), Halogeometricum(5.2%), Halobacterium(2.6%), Halolamina(2.6%), Halorhabdus (2.6%) and Halostagnicola (2.6%). Haloarcula and Halorubrum were the dominant populations. A total of 5 strains belonged to domain of Bacteria and were similar to members of Rhodovibrio (40%), Pseudomonas (40%) and Salicola (20%).

Isolation, Identification and Extracellular Enzymatic Activity of Culturable Extremely Halophilic Archaea and Bacteria of IncheBoroun Wetland

Extremely halophilic diversity of IncheBroun wetland located in the north of Iran was investigated by using culture-dependent methods. Sampling was carried out in May and September 2014. In each sampling 4 distinct regions of wetland were analyzed by using complex media like MGM, JCM168, MH1 and an alkaliphilic medium containing 23% salts. After incubation at 40°C, a total of 406 isolates and 2.1 × 106CFU/ml were obtained in culture media. Among them 361 isolates were obtained from MGM and 39 isolates from JCM 168, 3 isolates from MH1 and 3 isolates from the alkaliphilic media. Initial morphological, biochemical and physiological tests were performed. Production of 4 hydrolytic enzymes by 45 selected strains was assayed qualitatively. A total of 38, 19 and 6 strains were able to produce lipase, DNase and amylase activity. Protease activity was not observed among strains. As total 45 strains were selected randomly and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA was performed for them. Among selected strains 40 isolated strians belonged to Haloarchaea and were belonged to the genera:Haloarcula(30%),Halorubrum(27.5%),Haloferax(17.5%),Halobellus(10%),Halogeometricum(5.2%),Halobacterium(2.6%),Halolamina(2.6%),Halorhabdus(2.6%) andHalostagnicola(2.6%).HaloarculaandHalorubrumwere the dominant populations. A total of 5 strains belonged to domain ofBacteriaand were similar to members ofRhodovibrio(40%),Pseudomonas(40%) andSalicola(20%).

Salininema proteolyticum gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic rare actinomycete isolated from wetland soil, and emended description of the family Glycomycetaceae

A Gram-stain-positive actinobacterial strain, Miq-4T, was isolated from soil around Meighan wetland in the centre of Iran. Strain Miq-4T was strictly aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive. The isolate grew in the presence of 3–15 % (w/v) NaCl, at 20–40 °C and pH 6.0–11.0. The optimum NaCl, temperature and pH for growth were 7.0 %, 30 °C and 7.0–8.5, respectively. The cell wall of strain Miq-4T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid and glucose and ribose as the whole-cell sugars. The polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. Strain Miq-4T synthesized cellular fatty acids of anteiso- and iso-branched types, including anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso- C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-9(H4). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and characteristic patterns of 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotides revealed that strain Miq-4T belongs to the family Glycomycetaceae and showed the closest phylogenetic similarity with Haloglycomyces albus YIM 92370T (94.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain Miq-4T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Glycomycetaceae, for which the name Salininema proteoliyticum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is Miq-4T ( = IBRC-M 10908T = LMG 28391T). An emended description of the family Glycomycetaceae is also proposed in order to include features of the new genus.

The potential of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria for the production of antineoplastic enzymes: L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase

L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase can be effectively used for the treatment of patients who suffer from accute lymphoblastic leukemia and tumor cells. Microbial sources are the best source for the bulk production of these enzymes. However, their long-term administration may cause immunological responses, so screening for new enzymes with novel properties is required. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria with novel enzymatic characteristics can be considered as a potential source for production of enzymes with different immunological properties. In this study, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production by halophilic bacteria isolated from Urmia salt lake was studied. Out of the 85 isolated halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains, 16 (19 %) showed L-asparaginase activity and 3 strains (3.5 %) showed L-glutaminase activity. Strains with the highest activities were selected for further studies. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, it was shown that the selected isolates for L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production belong to the genus Bacillus and Salicola, respectively. Both enzymes were produced extracellularly. The strain with the most L-asparaginase production did not show L-glutaminase production which is medically important. The effects of key parameters including temperature, initial pH of the solution, and concentrations of glucose, asparagine or glutamine, and sodium chloride were evaluated by means of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize enzymes production. Under the obtained optimal conditions, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production was increased up to 1.5 (61.7 unit/mL) and 2.6 fold (46.4 unit/mL), respectively.

Genome Reconstruction from Metagenomic Data Sets Reveals Novel Microbes in the Brackish Waters of the Caspian Sea

We present here the findings from a study of the microbiome of the southern basin of the Caspian Sea, the largest water body on Earth disconnected from any ocean and a brackish inland sea. By high-throughput metagenomics, we were able to reconstruct the genomes of representative microbes. The gross community structure (at the phylum level) was different from the structure of typical marine and freshwater communities in temperate open oceans, with the Caspian Sea having freshwater-like amounts of Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria, while Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria were present at intermediate levels. We assembled the genomes of several groups and provide detailed descriptions of partial genomes from Actinobacteria, Thaumarchaea, and Alphaproteobacteria. Most belonged to hitherto unknown groups, although they were related to either marine or freshwater groups. The phylogenetic placement of the Caspian genomes indicates that the organisms have multiple and separate phylogenetic origins and that they are related to organisms with both freshwater and marine lineages. Comparative recruitment from global aquatic metagenomes indicated that most Caspian microbes are endemic. However, some Caspian genomes were recruited significantly from either marine water (a member of the Alphaproteobacteria) or freshwater (a member of the Actinobacteria). Reciprocally, some genomes of other origins, such as the marine thaumarchaeon " Candidatus Nitrosopelagicus" or the actinobacterium "Candidatus Actinomarina," were recruited from the Caspian Sea, indicating some degree of overlap with the microbiota of other water bodies. Some of these microbes seem to have a remarkably widespread geographic and environmental distribution.

Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil

Strain RIPI 110T was isolated from a soil sample collected from an oil-contaminated site on Siri Island, Persian Gulf, Iran. Cells of the novel isolate were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Cells divided asymmetrically by budding and formed rosette-like clusters. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7 and 30 °C, while the strain was able to grow at pH 5.5–8 and 15–35 °C. Strain RIPI 110T utilized only complex carbon sources and pyruvate as the sole carbon source and could not grow under photoautotrophic conditions. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, 93.9, 93.9 and 93.5 %, were obtained with Variibacter gotjawalensis GJW-30T, Rhodoplanes roseus 941T and Rhodoplanes elegans AS130T, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c), C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. Polar lipid analyses revealed that strain RIPI 110T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid and four unknown phospholipids. Ubiquinone-10 was the predominant quinone component. The DNA G+C content was 59.4 mol%. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, the novel isolate could not be classified in any recognized genera. Strain RIPI 110T is thus considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the order Rhizobiales, for which the name Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is RIPI 110T ( = IBRC-M 10770T = CECT 8374T).

Halorubrum halodurans sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a hypersaline lake

Two extremely halophilic archaea, strains Cb34T and C170, belonging to the genus Halorubrum, were isolated from the brine of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of the two strains were motile, pleomorphic rods, stained Gram-variable and produced red-pigmented colonies. Strains Cb34T and C170 required 25 % (w/v) salts, pH 7.0 and 37 °C for optimal growth under aerobic conditions; 0.3 M Mg2+ was required. Cells of both isolates were lysed in distilled water and hypotonic treatment with < 10 % NaCl provoked cell lysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that these two strains were closely related to Halorubrum cibi B31T (98.8 %) and other members of the genus Halorubrum. In addition, studies based on the rpoB' gene revealed that strains Cb34T and C170 are placed among the species of Halorubrum and are closely related to Halorubrum cibi B31T, with rpoB' gene sequence similarity less than or equal to 95.7 %. The polar lipid patterns of both strains consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 62.1-62.4 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies confirmed that strains Cb34T and C170 constitute a distinct species. Data obtained in this study show that the two strains represent a novel species, for which the name Halorubrum halodurans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Cb34T ( = CECT 8745T = IBRC-M 10233T).

Nocardia halotolerans sp. nov., a halotolerant actinomycete isolated from saline soil

A novel halotolerant actinomycete, strain Chem15T, was isolated from soil around Inche-Broun hypersaline wetland; its taxonomic position was determined based on a polyphasic approach. Strain Chem15T was strictly aerobic and tolerated NaCl up to 12.5 %. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 28–30 °C and pH 7.0–7.5, respectively. The cell wall of strain Chem15T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diamino acid and galactose, arabinose and ribose as whole-cell sugars. The major phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The cellular fatty acids profile consisted of C16 : 0, iso-C18 : 0, C18 : 0 10-methyl and C18 : 1ω9c, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-8(H4cycl). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.0 mol%. The novel strain constituted a distinct phyletic line within the genus Nocardia, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and was closely associated with Nocardia sungurluensis DSM 45714T and Nocardia alba DSM 44684T (98.2 and 98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). However DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic data demonstrated that strain Chem15T was clearly different from closely related species of the genus Nocardia. It is concluded that the organism should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Chem15T ( = IBRC-M 10490T = LMG 28544T).

Halovarius luteus gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a salt lake

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain DA50T, was isolated from a brine sample of Urmia lake, a hypersaline environment in north-west Iran. Strain DA50T was orange-pigmented, motile, pleomorphic and required at least 2.5 M NaCl but not MgCl2 for growth. Optimal growth was achieved at 4.0 M NaCl and 0.3 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.0 and 45 °C, while it was able to grow over a pH range of 6.5–8.0 and a temperature range of 25–50 °C. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DA50T is a member of the family Halobacteriaceae, showing a low level of similarity with other members of this family. Highest similarities, 94.4, 94.0 and 93.9 %, were obtained with the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the type strains of Natrialba aegyptia, Halobiforma lacisalsi and Halovivax asiaticus, respectively. Polar lipid analyses revealed that strain DA50T contains phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. Four unidentified glycolipids and two minor phospholipids were also observed. The only quinone present was MK-8(II-H2). The G+C content of its DNA was 62.3 mol%. On the basis of the data obtained, the new isolate could not be classified in any recognized genus. Strain DA50T is thus considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, order Halobacteriales, for which the name Halovarius luteus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Halovarius luteus is DA50T ( = IBRC-M 10912T = CECT 8510T).

Modulation of innate immune response, mucosal parameters and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) upon synbiotic feeding

The present study investigates the effects of dietary supplements of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), Pediococcus acidilactici and P. acidilactici + GOS on innate immune response, skin mucus as well as disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings (15.04 ± 0.52 g). After 8 weeks of feeding, several innate immune (lysozyme, alternative complement and respiratory burst activities) and skin mucus parameters (bactericidal activity against Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus iniae, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and mucus protein content) were studied. The results indicated that the three supplemented diet significantly increased innate immune response and skin mucus parameters in rainbow trout. The highest innate immune response, skin mucus activity as well as protein level was observed in synbiotic fed fish. Furthermore, at the end of the feeding experiment, some fish were intraperitoneally injected with Streptococcus iniae to determine the disease resistance. The mortality of fingerlings fed supplemented diet was significantly lower than fish from control group being the lowest mortality recorded in synbiotic fed fish group.

Halorubrum persicum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from sediment of a hypersaline lake

An extremely halophilic archaeon belonging to the genus Halorubrum, strain C49T, was isolated from sediment of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that strain C49T was closely related to Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T (99.5 %) and other species of the genus Halorubrum. Studies based on multilocus sequence analysis revealed that strain C49T is placed among the species of Halorubrum; the strain constituted a defined branch in comparison with the type strains of species of Halorubrum, while the 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence could not define the status of the newly isolated strain. For optimum growth, strain C49T required 20 % (w/v) salts at pH 7.0 and 37 °C under aerobic conditions. Mg2+ was not required. The cells were pleomorphic rods, motile and stained Gram-variable. Colonies of the strain were pink. Hypotonic treatment with <12 % NaCl provoked cell lysis. The polar lipid pattern of strain C49T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester derived from both C20C20 and C20C25 archaeol, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 64.2 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies and average nucleotide identity confirmed that strain C49T constitutes a distinct genospecies. Data obtained in this study show that strain C49T represents a novel species, for which the name Halorubrum persicum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C49T ( = IBRC-M 10232T = JCM 30541T).

Halovivax cerinus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a hypersaline lake

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain IC35T, was isolated from a mud sample of the Aran-Bidgol salt lake in Iran. The novel strain was cream, non-motile, rod-shaped and required at least 2.5 M NaCl, but not MgCl2, for growth. Optimal growth was achieved with 3.4 M NaCl and 0.1 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.0 (grew over a pH range of 6.5–9.0) and 40 °C (grew over a temperature range of 30–50 °C), respectively. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain IC35T clustered with species of the genus Halovivax , with sequence similarities of 97.3 %, 96.6 % and 96.3 %, respectively, to Halovivax limisalsi IC38T, Halovivax asiaticus EJ-46T and Halovivax ruber XH-70T. The rpoB′ gene similarities between the novel strain and Halovivax limisalsi IBRC-M 10022T, Halovivax ruber JCM 13892T and Halovivax asiaticus JCM 14624T were 90.2 %, 90.2 % and 89.9 %, respectively. The polar lipid pattern of strain IC35T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester; six unknown glycolipids and two minor phospholipids were also observed. The only quinone present was MK-8 (II-H2). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63.2 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization studies (29 % hybridization with Halovivax limisalsi IBRC-M 10022T), as well as biochemical and physiological characterization, allowed strain IC35T to be differentiated from other species of the genus Halovivax . A novel species, Halovivax cerinus sp. nov., is therefore proposed to accommodate this strain. The type strain is IC35T ( = IBRC-M 10256T = KCTC 4050T).

Salinithrix halophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium in the family Thermoactinomycetaceae

A halophilic actinomycete, strain R4S8T, was isolated from soil of Inche-Broun hypersaline wetland in the north of Iran. The isolate grew aerobically at temperatures of 30–50 °C (optimum 40 °C), pH 6–10 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1–15 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3–5 %). It formed short and straight to moderately flexuous aerial mycelium without motile elements. The cell wall of strain R4S8T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid without any diagnostic sugars. The polar lipid pattern consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine two unknown phospholipids and one unknown aminophospholipid. It synthesized anteiso-C15 : 0 (44.8 %), iso-C15 : 0 (28.8 %) and iso-C14 : 0 (8.5 %) as major fatty acids. MK-6 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain R4S8T belongs to the family Thermoactinomycetaceae and showed the closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Desmospora activa IMMIB L-1269T (95.5 %) and Marininema mesophilum SCSIO 10219T (95.3 %). On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics, strain R4S8T represents a novel species in a new genus within the family Thermoactinomycetaceae , for which the name Salinithrix halophila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is R4S8T ( = IBRC-M 10813T = CECT 8506T).

Aquibacillus halophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a hypersaline lake, and reclassification of Virgibacillus koreensis as Aquibacillus koreensis comb. nov. and Virgibacillus albus as Aquibacillus albus comb. nov

A novel Gram-stain-positive, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain B6BT, was isolated from the water of an Iranian hypersaline lake, Aran-Bidgol, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain B6BT were rod-shaped, motile and produced ellipsoidal endospores in terminal positions in non-swollen sporangia. Strain B6BT was a strictly aerobic bacterium and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 0.5–20.0 % (w/v), with optimum growth occurring at 10.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 35 °C and pH 7.0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain B6BT was shown to belong to the phylum Firmicutes and its closest phylogenetic similarities were with the species Virgibacillus koreensis BH30097T (97.5 %), Virgibacillus albus YIM 93624T (97.4 %), Sediminibacillus halophilus EN8dT (96.8 %), Sediminibacillus albus NHBX5T (96.6 %), Virgibacillus carmonensis LMG 20964T (96.3 %) and Paraliobacillus quinghaiensis YIM-C158T (96.0 %), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain B6BT, along with V. koreensis BH30097T and V. albus YIM 93624T, clustered in a separate clade in the family Bacillaceae . The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was 35.8 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed low levels of relatedness between strain B6BTand V. koreensis BH30097T (13 %) and V. albus YIM 93624T (33 %). The major cellular fatty acid of strain B6BT was anteiso-C15 : 0 (75.1 %) and its polar lipid pattern consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown glycolipid. The isoprenoid quinones were MK-7 (90 %) and MK-6 (3 %). The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. All of these features support the placement of isolate B6BT within the phylum Firmicutes . It is closely related to V. koreensis and V. albus , but with features that clearly distinguish it from species of the genus Virgibacillus or of other related genera. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence derived in this study, we propose that strain B6BT be placed within a new genus, as Aquibacillus halophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., with B6BT as the type strain ( = IBRC-M 10775T = KCTC 13828T). We also propose that V. koreensis and V. albus should be transferred to this new genus and be named Aquibacillus koreensis comb. nov. and Aquibacillus albus comb. nov., respectively. The type strain of Aquibacillus koreensis comb. nov. is BH30097T ( = KCTC 3823T = IBRC-M 10657T = JCM 12387T) and the type strain of Aquibacillus albus comb. nov. is YIM 93624T ( = DSM 23711T = IBRC-M 10798T = JCM 17364T).

Salinispirillum marinum gen. nov., sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic bacterium in the family ‘Saccharospirillaceae’

A novel Gram-staining-negative, motile, non-pigmented, facultatively anaerobic, spirillum-shaped, halophilic and alkaliphilic bacterium, designated strain GCWy1T, was isolated from water of the coastal–marine wetland Gomishan in Iran. The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 1–10 % (w/v) and optimal growth was achieved at 3 % (w/v). The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 8.5 and 30 °C, while the strain was able to grow at pH 7.5–10 and 4–40 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the isolate within the class Gammaproteobacteria as a separate deep branch, with 92.1 % or lower sequence similarity to representatives of the genera Saccharospirillum and Reinekea and less than 91.0 % sequence similarity with other remotely related genera. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 0, and the major components of its polar lipid profile were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The cells of strain GCWy1T contained the isoprenoid quinones Q-9 and Q-8 (81 % and 2 %, respectively). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 52.3 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain GCWy1T represents a novel species in a new genus in the family ‘ Saccharospirillaceae ’, order Oceanospirillales , for which the name Salinispirillum marinum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is GCWy1T ( = IBRC-M 10765T = CECT 8342T).

Purification and characterization of a novel extracellular halophilic and organic solvent-tolerant amylopullulanase from the haloarchaeon, Halorubrum sp. strain Ha25

A halophilic archaeon, Halorubrum sp. strain Ha25, produced extracellular halophilic organic solvent-tolerant amylopullulanase. The maximum enzyme production was at high salt concentration, 3-4 M NaCl. Optimum pH and temperature for enzyme production were 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. Molecular mass of purified enzyme was estimated to be about 140 kDa by SDS-PAGE. This enzyme was active on pullulan and starch as substrates. The apparent Km for the enzyme activity on pullulan was 4 mg/ml and for soluble starch was 1.8 mg/ml. Optimum temperature for amylolytic and pullulytic activities was 50 °C. Optimum pH for amylolytic activity was 7 and for pullulytic activity was 7.5. This enzyme was active over a wide range of concentrations (0-4.5 M) of NaCl. The effect of organic solvents on the enzyme activities showed that this enzyme was more stable in the presence of non-polar organic solvents than polar solvents. This study is the first report on amylopullulanase production in halophilic bacteria and archaea.

Halovivax limisalsi sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from hypersaline mud

A Gram-stain-negative, cream‐pigmented, motile, extremely halophilic archaeon, designated strain IC38T, was isolated from a saline mud sample taken from a hypersaline lake, Aran-Bidgol, in Iran. The strain required at least 2.5 M NaCl for growth. However, MgCl2 was not required. Optimal growth occurred with 4.3 M NaCl and 0.2 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, and strain IC38T was able to grow over a pH range of 6.5–9.0, and a temperature range of 25–45 °C. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain IC38T clustered with the two species of the genus Halovivax , Halovivax asiaticus EJ-46T and Halovivax ruber XH-70T, with sequence similarities of 96.4 % and 96.1 %, respectively. The similarities between the rpoB′ gene of the novel strain and Halovivax asiaticus and Halovivax ruber were 90.7 % and 90.3 %, respectively. The polar lipid pattern of strain IC38T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. Three unidentified glycolipids and two minor phospholipids were also observed. The DNA G+C content of strain IC38T was 62.6 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, as well as the biochemical and physiological characteristics, the new isolate is suggested to be a representative of a novel species of the genus Halovivax , for which the name Halovivax limisalsi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Halovivax limisalsi is IC38T ( = IBRC-M 10022T = KCTC 4051T).

Pseudomonas salegens sp. nov., a halophilic member of the genus Pseudomonas isolated from a wetland

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-endospore-forming, non-pigmented, rod-shaped, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated GBPy5(T), was isolated from aquatic plants of the Gomishan wetland, Iran. Cells of strain GBPy5(T) were motile. Growth occurred with between 1 and 10% (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally with 3% (w/v) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were pH 8.0 and 30 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over a pH range of 6.5-9.0 and a temperature range of 4-35 °C. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that strain GBPy5(T) is a member of the genus Pseudomonas forming a monophyletic branch. The novel strain exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 95.4% with type strains of Pseudomonas guariconensis PCAVU11(T) and Pseudomonas sabulinigri J64(T), respectively. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were C18:1ω7c (37.8%), C16:0 (14.9%), C16:1ω7c (12.9%), C12:0 3-OH (7.1%) and C12:0 (7.0%). The polar lipid pattern of strain GBPy5(T) comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and one phospholipid. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the predominant lipoquinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain GBPy5(T) was 59.2 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain GBPY5(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas salegens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GBPy5(T) ( = IBRC-M 10762(T) = CECT 8338(T)).

Comparison of bacterial biodiversity and enzyme production in three hypersaline lakes; urmia, howz-soltan and aran-bidgol

This research is a comparative study on the diversity of halophilic bacteria with hydrolytic activities in three significant hypersaline lakes; Urmia in the northwest and Howz-Soltan and Aran-Bidgol in the central desert in Iran. Isolated strains from these saline lakes were found to be halotolerant, moderately and extremely halophilic bacteria. The bacteria in each saline lake were able to produce different hydrolytic enzymes including amylase, protease, lipase, DNase, inulinase, xylanase, carboxy methyl cellulase, pectinase and pullulanase. 188, 302, 91 halophilic strains were isolated from Urmia Lake, Howz-Soltan and Aran-Bidgol playa, respectively. The numbers of Gram-positive strains were more than Gram-negatives, and among Gram-positive bacteria; spore-forming bacilli were most abundant. Due to the unique physico-chemical conditions of the lake environments, the hydrolytic activities of isolated strains were significantly different. For instance, isolated strains from Howz-Soltan playa did not produce pectinase, DNase, amylase, lipase and inulinase, while the isolates from Aran-Bidgol playa had a great ability to produce pectinase and DNase. The strains from Urmia Lake were also good producers of DNase but failed to show any chitinase activity. The diversity of halophilic bacteria from the mentioned three saline lakes was also determined using PCR-amplified 16S rRNA followed by phylogenetic analysis of the partial 16S rRNA sequences.

Enzyme(s) responsible for tellurite reducing activity in a moderately halophilic bacterium, Salinicoccus iranensis strain QW6

Oxyanions of tellurium, like tellurate (TeO4 (2-)) and tellurite (TeO3 (2-)), are highly toxic for most microorganisms. There are a few reports on the bacterial tellurite resistance mechanism(s). Salinicoccus iranensis, a Gram-positive halophilic bacterium, shows high tellurite resistance and NADH-dependent tellurite reduction activity in vitro. Since little is known regarding TeO3 (2-) resistance mechanisms in halophilic microorganisms, here one of the enzymatic reduction activities presented in this microorganism is investigated. To enhance the enzymatic activity during purification, the effect of different parameters including time, inoculation, different pHs, different tellurite concentrations and different salts were optimized. We also examined the tellurite removal rates by diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) during optimization. In the culture medium the optimum conditions obtained showed that at 30 h, 2 % inoculum, pH 7.5, without tellurite and with 5 % NaCl (w/v) the highest enzyme activity and tellurite removal were observed. Results of the purification procedure done by hydroxyapatite batch-mode, ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by phenyl-Sepharose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography, showed that the enzyme consisted of three subunits with molecular masses of 135, 63 and 57 kDa. In addition to tellurite reduction activity, the enzyme was able to reduce nitrate too. Our study extends the knowledge regarding this process in halophilic microorganisms. Besides, this approach may suggest an application for the organism or the enzyme itself to be used for bioremediation of polluted areas with different contaminants due to its nitrate reductase activity.

Alloactinosynnema iranicum sp. nov., a rare actinomycete isolated from a hypersaline wetland, and emended description of the genus Alloactinosynnema

A Gram-staining-positive actinobacterial strain, Chem10T, was isolated from soil around Inche-Broun hypersaline wetland in the north of Iran. Strain Chem10T was strictly aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The isolate grew with 0–3 % NaCl, at 20–40 °C and at pH 6.0–8.0. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 30 °C and pH 7.0, respectively. The cell wall of strain Chem10T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diamino acid and galactose, ribose and arabinose as whole-cell sugars. The polar lipid pattern contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain Chem10T synthesized cellular fatty acids of the straight-chain saturated and mono-unsaturated, and iso- and anteiso-branched types C14 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-9(H4). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Chem10T belonged to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and showed the closest phylogenetic similarity to Alloactinosynnema album KCTC 19294T (98.3 %) and Actinokineospora cibodasensis DSM 45658T (97.9 %). DNA–DNA relatedness values between the novel strain and strains Alloactinosynnema album KCTC 19294T and Actinokineospora cibodasensis DSM 45658T were only 52 % and 23 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, a novel species of the genus Alloactinosynnema is proposed, Alloactinosynnema iranicum sp. nov. The type strain is Chem10T ( = IBRC-M 10403T = CECT 8209T). In addition, an emended description of the genus Alloactinosynnema is proposed.

Aliicoccus persicus gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic member of the Firmicutes isolated from a hypersaline lake

A novel Gram-staining-positive, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain A76(T), was isolated from a brine sample of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells were strictly aerobic, coccus-shaped, non-motile, non-sporulating, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain A76(T) grew between pH 7.0 and 10.0 (optimal growth at pH 8.0), between 20 and 45 °C (optimal growth at 35 °C) and at salinities of 0.5 to 12.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth at 7.5%, w/v, NaCl). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain A76(T) was shown to belong to the phylum Firmicutes with sequence similarities of 94.1, 93.1 and 91.1%, to the type species of the genera Jeotgalicoccus, Salinicoccus and Nosocomiicoccus, respectively. The DNA G+C content of this new isolate was 38.8 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain A76(T) were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0), and its polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, a glycolipid, an unknown lipid and two unknown phospholipids. The isoprenoid quinones were MK-6 (94%), MK-5 (3%) and MK-7 (3%). The amino acid constituents of the cell wall were Lys, Asp, Gly, Glu and Ala. The physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic differences between strain A76(T) and type strains of taxa with validly published names suggest that this strain represents a novel species in a novel genus within the family Staphylococcaceae, for which the name Aliicoccus persicus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Aliicoccus persicus is strain A76(T) ( = CECT 8508(T) = DSM 28306(T) = IBRC-M 10081(T)).

Cyclobacterium halophilum sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a coastal-marine wetland

A novel Gram-stain-negative, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated strain GASx41T, was isolated from soil of the coastal–marine wetland Gomishan in Iran. Cells of strain GASx41T were curved, ring-like or horseshoe-shaped rods and non-motile. Strain GASx41T was strictly aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 1–10 % (w/v), with optimum growth occurring at 2.5–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 25–30 °C and pH 7.5–8.0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain GASx41T was shown to belong to the genus Cyclobacterium within the phylum Bacteroidetes and showed closest phylogenetic similarity to ‘Cyclobacterium jeungdonense’ HMD3055 (98.0 %). The DNA G+C content of strain GASx41T was 48.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain GASx41T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), anteiso-C15 : 0 2-OH, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and its polar lipid pattern consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and 12 unknown lipids. The only quinone present was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). All these features confirmed the placement of isolate GASx41T within the genus Cyclobacterium . On the basis of evidence from this study, a novel species of the genus Cyclobacterium , Cyclobacterium halophilum sp. nov., is proposed, with strain GASx41T ( = IBRC-M 10761T = CECT 8341T) as the type strain.

Oceanobacillus limi sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a salt lake

A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain H9B(T), was isolated from a mud sample of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain H9B(T) were motile and produced colonies with a yellowish-grey pigment. Growth occurred between 2.5 and 10 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over pH and temperature ranges of pH 6-10 and 25-45 °C, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain H9B(T) is a member of the genus Oceanobacillus. The closest relative to this strain was Oceanobacillus profundus CL-MP28(T) with 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the novel isolate and this phylogenetically related species was 17 %. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern of strain H9B(T) consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, four phospholipids and an aminolipid. It contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 37.1 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus limi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Oceanobacillus limi is strain H9B(T) ( = IBRC-M 10780(T) = KCTC 13823(T) = CECT 7997(T)).

Halorientalis persicus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt lake and emended description of the genus Halorientalis

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain D108(T), was isolated from a brine sample of Aran-Bidgol salt lake in Iran. The novel strain was cream-pigmented, motile, pleomorphic rod-shaped and required at least 2.5 M NaCl but not MgCl2 for growth. Optimal growth was achieved with 4.3 M NaCl and 0.1 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.5 and 40 °C, respectively, and the strain was able to grow over a pH range of 6.5 to 9.0, and a temperature range of 30 to 50 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain D108(T) clustered with the type strain of the sole species of the genus Halorientalis, Halorientalis regularis TNN28(T), with a sequence similarity of 98.8 %. The polar lipid pattern of strain D108(T) consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, one phosphoglycolipid and two glycolipids. The only quinone present was MK-8(II-H2). The DNA G+C content of strain D108(T) was 62.8 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization studies (45 % with Halorientalis regularis IBRC-M 10760(T)), as well as biochemical and physiological characterization, allowed strain D108(T) to be differentiated from Halorientalis regularis. A novel species of the genus Halorientalis, Halorientalis persicus sp. nov., is therefore proposed to accommodate this strain. The type strain is D108(T) ( = IBRC-M 10043(T) = CECT 8375(T)). An emended description of the genus Halorientalis is also proposed.

Bacillus salsus sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium from a hypersaline lake

A Gram-staining-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated strain A24T, was isolated from the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain A24T were motile rods and produced oval endospores at a terminal position in swollen sporangia. Strain A24T was catalase and oxidase positive. Growth occurred with between 0.5 and 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 3 % (v/w) NaCl. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 35 °C and pH 8.0, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain A24T belonged to the genus Bacillus within the phylum Firmicutes and showed the closest phylogenetic similarity with the species Bacillus alkalitelluris BA288T (97.2 %), Bacillus herbersteinensis D-1,5aT (96.0 %) and Bacillus litoralis SW-211T (95.6 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 35.9 mol%. The polar lipid pattern of strain A24T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids of strain A24T were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The respiratory quinones were MK-7 (94 %) and MK-6 (4 %). The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. All these features confirm the placement of isolate A24T within the genus Bacillus . DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed a relatedness of 8 % between strain A24T and Bacillus alkalitelluris IBRC-M 10596T, supporting its placement as a novel species. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus salsus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain A24T ( = IBRC-M 10078 T = KCTC 13816T).

Halopenitus malekzadehii sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt lake

Strain CC65T, a novel extremely halophilic archaeon, was isolated from a brine sample of a salt lake in Iran. The novel strain was light yellow-pigmented, non-motile, pleomorphic and required at least 1.7 M NaCl and 0.02 M MgCl2 for growth. Optimal growth was achieved at 3.5 M NaCl and 0.4 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.5 and 40 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over a pH and a temperature range of pH 6.5–9.0 and 30–50 °C, respectively. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain CC65T clustered with the sole member of the genus Halopenitus , Halopenitus persicus DC30T with a sequence similarity of 98.0 %. The polar lipid profile of strain CC65T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. An unidentified glycolipid and two minor phospholipids were also observed. The only quinone present was MK-8(II-H2). The DNA G+C content of strain CC65T was 63.8 mol%. On the basis of the biochemical and physiological characteristics, as well as DNA–DNA hybridization (44 % with Halopenitus persicus IBRC 10041T), strain CC65T is classified as a novel species of the genus Halopenitus , for which the name Halopenitus malekzadehii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC65T ( = IBRC-M 10418T = KCTC 4045T).