Saccharopolyspora lacisalsi sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang, China

Exploring halophilic environments as a source of new antibiotics

Microbial natural products from microbes in extreme environments, including haloarchaea, and halophilic bacteria, possess a huge capacity to produce novel antibiotics. Additionally, enhanced isolation techniques and improved tools for genomic mining have expanded the efficiencies in the antibiotic discovery process. This review article provides a detailed overview of known antimicrobial compounds produced by halophiles from all three domains of life. We summarize that while halophilic bacteria, in particular actinomycetes, contribute the vast majority of these compounds the importance of understudied halophiles from other domains of life requires additional consideration. Finally, we conclude by discussing upcoming technologies- enhanced isolation and metagenomic screening, as tools that will be required to overcome the barriers to antimicrobial drug discovery. This review highlights the potential of these microbes from extreme environments, and their importance to the wider scientific community, with the hope of provoking discussion and collaborations within halophile biodiscovery. Importantly, we emphasize the importance of bioprospecting from communities of lesser-studied halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms as sources of novel therapeutically relevant chemical diversity to combat the high rediscovery rates. The complexity of halophiles will necessitate a multitude of scientific disciplines to unravel their potential and therefore this review reflects these research communities.

Taxonomic note on the family Pseudonocardiaceae based on phylogenomic analysis and descriptions of Allosaccharopolyspora gen. nov. and Halosaccharopolyspora gen. nov

The taxonomic positions of members within the family Pseudonocardiaceae were assessed based on phylogenomic trees reconstructed using core-proteome and genome blast distance phylogeny approaches. The closely clustered genome sequences from the type strains of validly published names within the family Pseudonocardiaceae were analysed using overall genome-related indices based on average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values. The family Pseudonocardiaceae consists of the type genus Pseudonocardia, as well as the genera Actinoalloteichus, Actinocrispum, Actinokineospora, Actinomycetospora, Actinophytocola, Actinopolyspora, Actinorectispora, Actinosynnema, Allokutzneria, Allosaccharopolyspora gen. nov., Amycolatopsis, Bounagaea, Crossiella, Gandjariella, Goodfellowiella, Haloactinomyces, Haloechinothrix, Halopolyspora, Halosaccharopolyspora gen. nov., Herbihabitans, Kibdelosporangium, Kutzneria, Labedaea, Lentzea, Longimycelium, Prauserella, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Saccharothrix, Salinifilum, Sciscionella, Streptoalloteichus, Tamaricihabitans, Thermocrispum, Thermotunica and Umezawaea. The G+C contents of the Pseudonocardiaceae genomes ranged from 66.2 to 74.6 mol% and genome sizes ranged from 3.69 to 12.28 Mbp. Based on the results of phylogenomic analysis, the names Allosaccharopolyspora coralli comb. nov., Halosaccharopolyspora lacisalsi comb. nov. and Actinoalloteichus caeruleus comb. nov. are proposed. This study revealed that Actinokineospora mzabensis is a heterotypic synonym of Actinokineospora spheciospongiae, Lentzea deserti is a heterotypic synonym of Lentzea atacamensis, Prauserella endophytica is a heterotypic synonym of Prauserella coralliicola, and Prauserella flava and Prauserella sediminis are heterotypic synonyms of Prauserella salsuginis. This study addresses the nomenclature conundrums of Actinoalloteichus cyanogriseus and Streptomyces caeruleus as well as Micropolyspora internatus and Saccharomonospora viridis.

Saccharopolyspora coralli sp. nov. a novel actinobacterium isolated from the stony coral Porites

A novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain E2A^T, was isolated from a coral sample and examined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain E2A^T formed a distinct phyletic lineage in the genus Saccharopolyspora and was closely related to S. cavernae CCTCC AA 2012022^T (96.4 %) and S. lacisalsi CCTCC AA 2010012^T (95.3 %). The isolate grew at 15-35 °C, pH 5-12 and in the presence of 1-16 % (w/v) NaCl. The cell-wall diamino acid was meso-DAP. Major fatty acids identified were iso-C_15 : 0, iso-C_16 : 0 and C_17 : 1  ω8c. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H₄). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.6 mol%. Based on the data from the polyphasic taxonomic study reported here, strain E2A^T represents a novel species within the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora coralli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is E2A^T=(JCM 31844^T=MCCC 1A17150^T).

Saccharopolyspora spongiae sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from the marine sponge Scopalina ruetzleri (Wiedenmayer, 1977)

A novel marine actinomycete, designated strain CMAA 1452T, was isolated from the sponge Scopalina ruetzleri collected from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, in Brazil, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The organism formed a distinct phyletic line in the Saccharopolyspora 16S rRNA gene tree and had chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with its classification in this genus. It was found to be closely related to Saccharopolyspora dendranthemae KLBMP 1305T (99.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and shared similarities of 99.3, 99.2 and 99.0 % with 'Saccharopolyspora endophytica' YIM 61095, Saccharopolyspora tripterygii YIM 65359T and 'Saccharopolyspora pathumthaniensis' S582, respectively. DNA-DNA relatedness values between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, namely S. dendranthemae KLBMP 1305T, 'S. endophytica' YIM 61095 and S. tripterygii YIM 65359T, were 53.5, 25.8 and 53.2 %, respectively. Strain CMAA 1452T was also distinguished from the type strains of these species using a range of phenotypic features. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that strain CMAA 1452T (=DSM 103218T=NRRL B-65384T) merits recognition as the type strain of a novel Saccharopolyspora species, Saccharopolyspora spongiae sp. nov.

Haloactinomyces albus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the Dead Sea

A novel halophilic, filamentous actinomycete strain, designated AFM 10258T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the Dead Sea of Israel. The isolate grew with 10-35 % NaCl and did not grow without NaCl. The isolate formed white aerial mycelium and long spore chains, and two spores were separated by sterile mycelium. The spores were non-motile, spherical and rugose-surfaced. The isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose and arabinose as the major whole-cell sugars. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and three unknown phospholipids. Major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone and the DNA G+C content was 62.8 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain AFM 10258T shared low sequence similarity with the closely related representatives of the families Pseudonocardiaceae (below 94.47 %) and Actinopolysporaceae (below 93.76 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AFM 10258T formed a robust clade with members of the family Actinopolysporaceae. On the basis of analysis of phenotypic, chemical and molecular characteristics, strain AFM 10258T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Haloactinomyces albus gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is AFM 10258T (=DSM 45977T=CGMCC 4.7115T).

Mangrove rare actinobacteria: taxonomy, natural compound, and discovery of bioactivity

Actinobacteria are one of the most important and efficient groups of natural metabolite producers. The genus Streptomyces have been recognized as prolific producers of useful natural compounds as they produced more than half of the naturally-occurring antibiotics isolated to-date and continue as the primary source of new bioactive compounds. Lately, Streptomyces groups isolated from different environments produced the same types of compound, possibly due to frequent genetic exchanges between species. As a result, there is a dramatic increase in demand to look for new compounds which have pharmacological properties from another group of Actinobacteria, known as rare actinobacteria; which is isolated from special environments such as mangrove. Recently, mangrove ecosystem is becoming a hot spot for studies of bioactivities and the discovery of natural products. Many novel compounds discovered from the novel rare actinobacteria have been proven as potential new drugs in medical and pharmaceutical industries such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, antibacterials, anticancer, and antifungals. This review article highlights the latest studies on the discovery of natural compounds from the novel mangrove rare actinobacteria and provides insight on the impact of these findings.

Saccharopolyspora halotolerans sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from a hypersaline lake

A novel actinomycete strain, designated TRM 45123T, was isolated from a hypersaline habitat in Xinjiang Province (40° 20′ N 90° 49′ E), north-west China. The isolate was characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain TRM 45123T belonged to the genus Saccharopolyspora and was closely related to Saccharopolyspora gloriosae (96.7 % similarity). The G+C content of the DNA was 69.07 mol%. The isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and arabinose and ribose as the major whole-cell sugars. The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. On the basis of the evidence from this polyphasic study, a novel species, Saccharopolyspora halotolerans sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Saccharopolyspora halotolerans is TRM 45123T ( = CCTCC AA 2013006T = DSM 45990T).

Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic filamentous actinobacterium isolated from a Saharan soil, and proposal of Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov

Three halophilic mycelium-forming actinobacteria, strains H195(T), H150 and H151, were isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, South of Algeria) and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. These strains were observed to show an aerial mycelium differentiated into coccoid spore chains and fragmented substrate mycelium. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the highest sequence similarities were to Saccharopolyspora qijiaojingensis YIM 91168(T) (92.02 % to H195(T)). Phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains H195(T), H150 and H151 represent a distinct phylogenetic lineage. The cell-wall hydrolysate was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine and MK-9 (H4) was found to be the predominant menaquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H195(T) was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strain H195(T) represents a novel genus and species, Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family, Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov. The type strain of M. algeriensis is strain H195(T) (=DSM 46680(T) = MTCC 12101(T)).

Saccharopolyspora indica sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from the rhizosphere of Callistemon citrinus (Curtis)

A novel actinomycete strain, designated VRC122T, was isolated from a Callistemon citrinus rhizosphere sample collected from New Delhi, India, and its taxonomic status was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Strain VRC122T was a Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-acid–alcohol-fast strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed the strain was placed in a well-separated sub-branch within the genus Saccharopolyspora . The highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found with Saccharopolyspora hirsuta subsp. kobensis JCM 9109T (98.71 %), Saccharopolyspora antimicrobica I05-00074T (98.69 %) and Saccharopolyspora jiangxiensis W12T (98.66 %); 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with type strains of all other species of the genus Saccharopolyspora were below 98 %. Chemosystematic studies revealed that it contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. Arabinose and galactose were the predominant whole-cell sugars. Diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. MK-9(H6) was the predominant menaquinone. C14 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) were the major cellular fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.5 mol%. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization (30 %, 22 % and 25 %, respectively) with type strains of the above-mentioned species, in combination with differences in physiological and biochemical data supported that strain VRC122T represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora , for which the name Saccharopolyspora indica sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is VRC122T ( = KCTC 29208T = MTCC 11564T = MCC 2206T = ATCC BAA-2551T).

Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis sp. nov., an extremely halophilic actinomycete isolated from Algerian Saharan soil

A novel halophilic actinomycete, strain designated H53(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Chaâbet Ntissa, Béni-isguen, Ghardaïa (South of Algeria) and was characterized taxonomically by means of polyphasic approach. Optimal growth was found to occur at 30-35 °C, pH 6-7 and in the presence of 15-25% (w/v) NaCl. The strain was observed to produce abundant aerial mycelium, which formed long chains of rod-shaped spores at maturity, and well developed and fragmented substrate mycelium. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid; the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-9(H₄) and MK-9(H₆). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be iso- and anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and cis9 iso-C17:1. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence showed that this strain formed a distinct phyletic line within the radiation of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities between strain H53(T) and other members of the genus Saccharopolyspora ranged from 92.1 to 94.3%. The DNA G+C content of strain H53(T) was 72.6%. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the strain H53(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H53(T) (=DSM 45606(T)=CCUG 63370(T)=CECT 8304(T)).

Screening and characterization of protease producing actinomycetes from marine saltern

In the course of systematic screening program for bioactive actinomycetes, an alkaline protease producing halophilic strain Actinopolyspora sp. VITSDK2 was isolated from marine saltern, Southern India. The strain was identified as Actinopolyspora based on its phenotypic and phylogenetic characters. The protease was partially purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and subsequently by DEAE cellulose column chromatography. The enzyme was further purified using HPLC and the molecular weight was found to be 22 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. The purified protease exhibited pH stability in a wide range of 4-12 with optimum at 10.0. The enzyme was found to be stable between 25 and 80 °C and displayed a maximum activity at 60 °C. The enzyme activity was increased marginally in presence of Mn(2+) , Mg(2+) , and Ca(2+) and decreased in presence of Cu(2+) . PMSF and DFP completely inhibited the activity suggesting it belongs to serine protease. Further, the proteolytic activity was abolished in presence of N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone suggesting this might be chymotrypsin-like serine protease. The protease was 96% active when kept for 10 days at room temperature. The results indicate that the enzyme belong to chymotrypsin-like serine protease exhibiting both pH and thermostability, which can be used for various applications in industries.

List of new names and new combinations previously effectively, but not validly, published

The purpose of this announcement is to effect the valid publication of the following effectively published new names and new combinations under the procedure described in the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision). Authors and other individuals wishing to have new names and/or combinations included in future lists should send three copies of the pertinent reprint or photocopies thereof, or an electronic copy of the published paper, to the IJSEM Editorial Office for confirmation that all of the other requirements for valid publication have been met. It is also a requirement of IJSEM and the ICSP that authors of new species, new subspecies and new combinations provide evidence that types are deposited in two recognized culture collections in two different countries. It should be noted that the date of valid publication of these new names and combinations is the date of publication of this list, not the date of the original publication of the names and combinations. The authors of the new names and combinations are as given below, and these authors’ names will be included in the author index of the present issue. Inclusion of a name on these lists validates the publication of the name and thereby makes it available in bacteriological nomenclature. The inclusion of a name on this list is not to be construed as taxonomic acceptance of the taxon to which the name is applied. Indeed, some of these names may, in time, be shown to be synonyms, or the organisms may be transferred to another genus, thus necessitating the creation of a new combination.

Systematic and biotechnological aspects of halophilic and halotolerant actinomycetes

More than 70 species of halotolerant and halophilic actinomycetes belonging to at least 24 genera have been validly described. Halophilic actinomycetes are a less explored source of actinomycetes for discovery of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. Degradation of aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds, detoxification of pollutants, production of new enzymes and other metabolites such as antibiotics, compatible solutes and polymers are other potential industrial applications of halophilic and halotolerant actinomycetes. Especially new bioactive secondary metabolites that are derived from only a small fraction of the investigated halophilic actinomycetes, mainly from marine habitats, have revealed the huge capacity of this physiological group in production of new bioactive chemical entities. Combined high metabolic capacities of actinomycetes and unique features related to extremophilic nature of the halophilic actinomycetes have conferred on them an influential role for future biotechnological applications.

Phylogenetic diversity of actinomycetes cultured from coastal multipond solar saltern in Tuticorin, India

BACKGROUND

Hypersaline solar salterns are extreme environments in many tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. In India, there are several coastal solar salterns along with the coastal line of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea and inland solar salterns around Sambhar saltlake, from which sodium chloride is obtained for human consumption and industrial needs. Studies on characterization of such coastal and inland solar salterns are scarce and both the bacterial and archaeal diversity of these extreme saline environment remains poorly understood. Moreover, there are no reports on exclusive diversity of actinomycetes inhabiting Indian solar salterns.

RESULTS

Soil sediments were collected from both concentrator and crystallizer ponds of solar salterns and subjected to detailed physico-chemical analysis. Actinomycetes were selectively isolated by employing selective processing methods and agar media. A total of 12 representatives were selected from the 69 actinomycete isolates obtained from the saltern soil samples, using Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis. Sequencing and analysis of 16S rDNA from chosen representative isolates displayed the presence of members affiliated to actinobacterial genera: Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Nocardia, Nocardiopsis, Saccharopolyspora and Nonomuraea. The genus Streptomyces was found to be the dominant among the isolates. Furthermore, rare actinomycete genus Nonomuraea was isolated for the first time from Indian solar salterns.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first characterization of actinomycete diversity centred on solar salterns located in the eastern coastal region of India. Furthermore, this is the very first report of isolation of Nonomuraea species from solar salterns and also from India. As actinomycetes encompass recurrently foremost sources of biotechnologically important member of the microbial communities, the actinomycetes retrieved from the Indian saltern soil samples laid the platform to search for novel biotechnologically significant bioactive substances.