Erythrobacter pelagi sp. nov., a member of the family Erythrobacteraceae isolated from the Red Sea

Qipengyuania benthica sp. nov. and Qipengyuania profundimaris sp. nov., two novel Erythrobacteraceae members isolated from deep-sea environments

Two Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and non-motile strains, designated as DY56-A-20T and G39T, were isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Pacific Ocean and deep-sea seawater of the Indian Ocean, respectively. Strain DY56-A-20T was found to grow at 15-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.0) and in 0.5-6.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0-2.0 %), while strain G39T was found to grow at 10-42 °C (optimum, 35-40 °C), at pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.0) and in 0-12.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0-2.0 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence identity analysis indicated that strain DY56-A-20T had the highest sequence identity with Qipengyuania marisflavi KEM-5T (97.6 %), while strain G39T displayed the highest sequence identity with Qipengyuania citrea H150T (98.8 %). The phylogenomic reconstruction indicated that both strains formed independent clades within the genus Qipengyuania. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strains DY56-A-20T/G39T and Qipengyuania/Erythrobacter type strains were 17.8-23.8 % and 70.7-81.1 %, respectively, which are below species delineation thresholds. The genome DNA G+C contents were 65.0 and 63.5 mol% for strains DY56-A-20T and G39T, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of strain DY56-A-20T were C17 : 1  ω6c, summed feature 8 and summed feature 3, and the major cellular fatty acids of strain G39T were C17 : 1  ω6c and summed feature 8. The major polar lipids in both strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The only respiratory quinone present in both strains was ubiquinone-10. Based on those genotypic and phenotypic results, the two strains represent two novel species belonging to the genus Qipengyuania, for which the names Qipengyuania benthica sp. nov. and Qipengyuania profundimaris sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Q. benthica is DY56-A-20T (=MCCC M27941T=KCTC 92309T), and the type strain of Q. profundimaris is G39T (=MCCC M30353T=KCTC 8208T).

Human milk microbial species are associated with infant head-circumference during early and late lactation in Guatemalan mother-infant dyads

Human milk contains abundant commensal bacteria that colonize and establish the infant's gut microbiome but the association between the milk microbiome and head circumference during infancy has not been explored. For this cross-sectional study, head-circumference-for-age-z-scores (HCAZ) of vaginally delivered breastfed infants were collected from 62 unrelated Mam-Mayan mothers living in eight remote rural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala during two stages of lactation, 'early' (6-46 days postpartum, n = 29) or 'late' (109-184 days postpartum, n = 33). At each stage of lactation, infants were divided into HCAZ ≥ -1 SD (early: n = 18; late: n = 14) and HCAZ < -1 SD (early: n = 11; late: n = 19). Milk microbiome communities were assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and DESeq2 was used to compare the differential abundance (DA) of human milk microbiota with infant HCAZ subgroups at both stages of lactations. A total of 503 ESVs annotated 256 putative species across the 64 human milk samples. Alpha-diversity using Chao index uncovered a difference in microbial community richness between HCAZ ≥ -1 SD and HCAZ < -1 SD groups at late lactation (p = 0.045) but not at early lactation. In contrast, Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates identified significant differences between HCAZ ≥ -1 SD and HCAZ < -1 SD at both stages of lactation (p = 0.003); moreover, 26 milk microbial taxa differed in relative abundance (FDR < 0.05) between HCAZ ≥ -1 SD and HCAZ < -1 SD, with 13 differentially abundant at each lactation stage. Most species in the HCAZ ≥ -1 SD group were Streptococcus species from the Firmicutes phylum which are considered human colonizers associated with human milk whereas the HCAZ < -1 SD group at late lactation had more differentially abundant taxa associated with environmentally and 'potentially opportunistic' species belonging to the Actinobacteria genus. These findings suggest possible associations between brain growth of breastfed infants and the milk microbiome during lactation. Importantly, these data provide the first evidence of cross talk between the human milk microbiome and the infant brain that requires further investigation.

Comparative Genomics Reveals Genetic Diversity and Metabolic Potentials of the Genus Qipengyuania and Suggests Fifteen Novel Species

Members of the genus Qipengyuania are heterotrophic bacteria frequently isolated from marine environments with great application potential in areas such as carotenoid production. However, the genomic diversity, metabolic function, and adaption of this genus remain largely unclear. Here, 16 isolates related to the genus Qipengyuania were recovered from coastal samples and their genomes were sequenced. The phylogenetic inference of these isolates and reference type strains of this genus indicated that the 16S rRNA gene was insufficient to distinguish them at the species level; instead, the phylogenomic reconstruction could provide the reliable phylogenetic relationships and confirm 15 new well-supported branches, representing 15 putative novel genospecies corroborated by the digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses. Comparative genomics revealed that the genus Qipengyuania had an open pangenome and possessed multiple conserved genes and pathways related to metabolic functions and environmental adaptation, despite the presence of divergent genomic features and specific metabolic potential. Genetic analysis and pigment detection showed that the members of this genus were identified as carotenoid producers, while some proved to be potentially aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophs. Collectively, the first insight into the genetic diversity and metabolic potentials of the genus Qipengyuania will contribute to better understanding of the speciation and adaptive evolution in natural environments.

IMPORTANCE The deciphering of the phylogenetic diversity and metabolic features of the abundant bacterial taxa is critical for exploring their ecological importance and application potential. Qipengyuania is a genus of frequently isolated heterotrophic microorganisms with great industrial application potential. Numerous strains related to the genus Qipengyuania have been isolated from diverse environments, but their genomic diversity and metabolic functions remain unclear. Our study revealed a high degree of genetic diversity, metabolic versatility, and environmental adaptation of the genus Qipengyuania using comparative genomics. Fifteen novel species of this genus have been established using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, expanding the number of described species to almost double. This study provided an overall view of the genus Qipengyuania at the genomic level and will enable us to better uncover its ecological roles and evolutionary history.

Qipengyuania pacifica sp. nov., a Novel Carotenoid-Producing Marine Bacterium of the Family Erythrobacteraceae, Isolated from Sponge (Demospongiae), and Antimicrobial Potential of Its Crude Extract

A marine Alphaproteobacterium designated as strain NZ-96T was isolated in February 2021, from a sponge species (Demospongiae) collected in muddy sediments with boulders and old chimneys in Otago/Canterbury Slope, Pacific Ocean, New Zealand. The isolate was found to be Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and produced yellow-colored colonies. The isolate was positive for alkaline phosphatase, leucine arylamidase, trypsin, catalase, and oxidase and negative for α-galactosidase and urease. It was resistant to many antibiotics including hygromycin, trimethoprim, spectinomycin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline, cephalosporin, bacitracin, and polymyxin. The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses exhibited that strain NZ-96T belonged to the genus Qipengyuania and showed 98.3–98.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest relatives. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown polar lipid, and three unknown glycolipids. The major fatty acids were C18:1ω12t, C16:0, C16:1ω7c, C17:1ω6c, C16:02-OH, and C14:0 2-OH. Carotenoid were produced. The crude extract showed pronounced activity against Staphylococcus aureus Newman and Bacillus subtilis DSM 10. Pairwise ANI and dDDH values of strain NZ-96T and closely related phylogenetic hits were below the threshold values of 95% and 70%, respectively. Genes for trehalose biosynthesis, aspartate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, flagellar biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and antibiotics resistance were present, which aids in isolate survival in a sea or ocean environment. The DNA G+C content was 60.8% (by genome). Based on data obtained by the polyphasic approach, strain NZ-96T (= DSM 112811T = NCCB 100842T) represents a novel species of the genus Qipengyuania, for which the name Qipengyuania pacifica sp. nov. is proposed.

Alteriqipengyuania abyssalis sp. nov., a Novel Member of the Class Alphaproteobacteria Isolated from Sponge, and Emended Description of the Genus Alteriqipengyuania

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, lemon-yellow-colored, and non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium designated strain NZ-12BT was isolated in February 2021 from a sponge species (Crateromorpha) collected at the southern Kermadec Ridge, Pacific Ocean, New Zealand. Comparative 16S rRNA gene-based analyses indicated that strain NZ-12BT shared 98.58%, 96.44%, 96.23%, and 94.78% 16S rRNA sequence similarity to Alteriqipengyuania lutimaris S-5T, Qipengyuania pelagi UST081027-248T, Qipengyuania citreus RE35F/1T, and Alteriqipengyuania halimionae CPA5T, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10(Q-10). The polar lipid profile of NZ-12BT was composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N-methyl-ethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown polar lipid, three unknown phospholipids, and three unknown glycolipids. The major fatty acids of strain NZ-12BT were C18:1ω12t, C16:0, C17:1ω6c, and C14:02-OH. Carotenoids were present. Genome mining analysis revealed a biosynthetic gene cluster encoding for the terpene biosynthesis. Pairwise ANI and dDDH values of strain NZ-12BT and closely related phylogenetic neighbors were below the threshold values of 95% and 70%, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 65.4 mol% (by genome). Based on data obtained by a polyphasic approach, type strain NZ-12BT (=DSM 112810T = NCCB 100841T) represents a novel species of the genus Alteriqipengyuania, for which the name Alteriqipengyuania abyssalis sp. nov. is proposed.

Qipengyuania soli sp. nov., Isolated from Mangrove Soil

A novel Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as 6D36^T, was isolated from mangrove soil and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain 6D36^T was found to grow at 10-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0) and in 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3%). The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain 6D36^T were summed feature 8 (C_19:1 ω7c and/or C_18:1 ω6c) and C_17:1 ω6c; the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and sphingoglycolipid; the sole respiratory quinone was Q-10. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 6D36^T fell into the genus Qipengyuania and was closely related to "Erythrobacter mangrovi" MCCC 1K03690^T (98.5%), Qipengyuania citrea CGMCC 1.8703^T (97.6%), and Qipengyuania pelagi JCM 17468^T (97.4%). The phylogenomic analysis indicated that strain 6D36^T formed an independent branch distinct from reference-type strains of species within this genus. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain 6D36^T and the three type strains above were, respectively, 20.2-21.3% and 79.5-81.5%, of which were far below their respective threshold for species definition, implying that the strain represents a novel genospecies. The genomic DNA G + C content was 63.3%. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 6D36^T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Qipengyuania, for which the name Qipengyuania soli sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the species is 6D36^T (= GDMCC 1.1977^T = KCTC 82333^T).

Genomic-based taxonomic classification of the family Erythrobacteraceae

The family Erythrobacteraceae, belonging to the order Sphingomonadales, class Alphaproteobacteria, is globally distributed in various environments. Currently, this family consist of seven genera: Altererythrobacter, Croceibacterium, Croceicoccus, Erythrobacter, Erythromicrobium, Porphyrobacter and Qipengyuania. As more species are identified, the taxonomic status of the family Erythrobacteraceae should be revised at the genomic level because of its polyphyletic nature evident from 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Phylogenomic reconstruction based on 288 single-copy orthologous clusters led to the identification of three separate clades. Pairwise comparisons of average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity (AAI), percentage of conserved protein and evolutionary distance indicated that AAI and evolutionary distance had the highest correlation. Thresholds for genera boundaries were proposed as 70 % and 0.4 for AAI and evolutionary distance, respectively. Based on the phylo-genomic and genomic similarity analysis, the three clades were classified into 16 genera, including 11 novel ones, for which the names Alteraurantiacibacter, Altericroceibacterium, Alteriqipengyuania, Alteripontixanthobacter, Aurantiacibacter, Paraurantiacibacter, Parerythrobacter, Parapontixanthobacter, Pelagerythrobacter, Tsuneonella and Pontixanthobacter are proposed. We reclassified all species of Erythromicrobium and Porphyrobacter as species of Erythrobacter. This study is the first genomic-based study of the family Erythrobacteraceae, and will contribute to further insights into the evolution of this family.

Description of Erythrobacter mangrovi sp. nov., an aerobic bacterium from rhizosphere soil of mangrove plant (Kandelia candel)

A novel Gram-stain negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain EB310^T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of mangrove plant Kandelia candel in Fugong village, Zhangzhou, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain EB310^T belonged to the genus Erythrobacter, clustering with Erythrobacter pelagi JCM 17468^T, Erythrobacter lutimaris KCTC 42109^T and Erythrobacter marisflavi KCTC 62896^T, and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.5% to Erythrobacter pelagi JCM 17468^T. The genomic average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain EB310^T and the reference strains were 71.0-75.5% and 19.8-20.0%, respectively. Growth ranges of the isolate occurred at 10-45 °C (optimum 28-30 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.5) and 0-9.0% NaCl concentrations (optimum 2.0%, w/v). The strain did not produce bacteriochlorophyll a and flexirubin, but produced carotenoids. The strain contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c/C_16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C_18:1 ω6c/C_18:1 ω7c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Differential phenotypic characteristics, together with chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic distinctiveness, indicated that strain EB310^T is distinguishable from other members of the genus Erythrobacter. On the basis of the data exhibited, strain EB310^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Erythrobacter, for which the name Erythrobacter mangrovi sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is EB310^T (= KCTC 72109^T = MCCC 1K03690^T). The genomic DNA G + C content is 62.9 mol%.

Sulfur-Containing Carotenoids from A Marine Coral Symbiont Erythrobacter flavus Strain KJ5

Erythrobacter flavus strain KJ5 (formerly called Erythrobacter sp. strain KJ5) is a yellowish marine bacterium that was isolated from a hard coral Acropora nasuta in the Karimunjawa Islands, Indonesia. The complete genome sequence of the bacterium has been reported recently. In this study, we examined the carotenoid composition of this bacterium using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ESI-MS/MS. We found that the bacterium produced sulfur-containing carotenoids, i.e., caloxanthin sulfate and nostoxanthin sulfate, as the most abundant carotenoids. A new carotenoid zeaxanthin sulfate was detected based on its ESI-MS/MS spectrum. The unique presence of sulfated carotenoids found among the currently known species of the Erythrobacter genus were discussed.

Porphyrobacter algicida sp. nov., an algalytic bacterium isolated from seawater

A novel Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-endospore-forming, flagellated bacterium, designated strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T, was isolated from surface seawater of Geoje Island, Republic of Korea. Strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T showed algalytic activity against the seven strains tested: Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Chattonella marina, Heterosigma akashiwo, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Heterocapsa triquetra, Prorocentrum minimum and Skeletonema costatum. A taxonomic study was carried out based on a polyphasic approach to characterize the exact taxonomic position of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T. The bacterium was able to grow at 10-40 °C, at salinities from 0 to 9 %, at pH from 4.0 to 9.0 and was not able to degrade gelatin or casein. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Porphyrobacter, which belongs to the family Erythrobacteraceae, and was related most closely to Porphyrobacter dokdonensis DSW-74^T with 97.23 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The dominant cellular fatty acids of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T were C18 : 1ω7c (49.7 %), C16 : 0 (12.0 %) and 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c (11.5 %), and ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the predominant respiratory lipoquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^T was calculated to be 63.0 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics of the novel strain also differed from other members of the genus Porphyrobacter. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic data, strain Yeonmyeong 2-22^Trepresents as a novel species of the genus Porphyrobacter, for which the name of Porphyrobacter algicida sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Yeonmyeong 2-22^T (=KEMB 9005-328^T=JCM 31499^T).

Diversity of culturable bacteria in deep-sea water from the South Atlantic Ocean

The variability of culturable bacterial diversity and distribution was studied by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences. Seventeen water samples were examined and were collected, from different depths in the range of 5 m to 2700 m at 3 sampling sites (CTD06, CTD10 and CTD11) in the South Atlantic Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a significant diversity of culturable bacteria. A total of 247 strains clustered into 8 classes: γ-Proteobacteria, α-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Actinomycetales, Bacilli, Flavobacteria, Opitutae and Sphingobacteria. The 17 water samples were dominated by populations of strains belonging to the genus Erythrobacter (16.60%). Of the 247 strains, 10 were potential new species and might form a minor population in the deep sea. To our knowledge, this is the first report to analyze the diversity of culturable bacteria in the South Atlantic Ocean from different depths across the water column.

Erythrobacter atlanticus sp. nov., a bacterium from ocean sediment able to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, rod-shaped, orange-pigmented bacterium able to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Atlantic Ocean and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain, designated s21-N3T, could grow at 4–37 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 5–10 (optimum pH 7–8) and with 1–7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2–3 %). Strain s21-N3T was positive for nitrate reduction, denitrification, aesculin hydrolysis, oxidase and catalase, but negative for indole production and urease. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain s21-N3T formed a distinct branch within the genus Erythrobacter, sharing high similarities with three closely related strains, Erythrobacter marinus HWDM-33T (98.67 %), ‘Erythrobacter luteus’ KA37 (97.80 %) and Erythrobacter gangjinensis K7-2T (97.59 %). The similarities between strain s21-N3T and other type strains of recognized species within the genus Erythrobacter ranged from 95.00 to 96.47 %. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain s21-N3T and the three closely related strains Erythrobacter marinus HWDM-33T, ‘Erythrobacter luteus’ KA37 and Erythrobacter gangjinensis K7-2T were 18.60, 18.00 and 18.50 % and 74.24, 72.49 and 72.54 %, respectively. The principal fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/ω6c). The respiratory lipoquinone was identified as Q-10. The major polar lipids comprised sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and diphosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was determined to be 58.18 mol%. The combined genotypic and phenotypic distinctiveness demonstrated that strain s21-N3T represents a novel species of the genus Erythrobacter, for which the name Erythrobacter atlanticus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain s21-N3T ( = MCCC 1A00519T = KCTC 42697T).

Erythrobacter luteus sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment

A Gram-staining-negative, orange-pigmented, aerobic bacterial strain, designated KA37T, was isolated from a mangrove sediment sample collected from Yunxiao mangrove National Nature Reserve, Fujian Province, China. Growth was observed at 4-37 °C, 0-3% (w/v) NaCl and pH 5-10. Mg2+ ions were required for growth. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolate was a member of the genus Erythrobacter, which belongs to the family Erythrobacteraceae. Strain KA37T was most closely related to Erythrobacter gangjinensis KCTC 22330T (96.9% sequence similarity), followed by Erythrobacter marinus KCTC 23554T (96.8%); similarity to other members of the genus was below 96.6%. The major fatty acids were C17 : 1ω6c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). Strain KA37T did not produce bacteriochlorophyll a. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10 (Q-10). The polar lipids of strain KA37T were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, five unknown lipids and one unidentified phospholipid. According to its morphology, physiology, fatty acid composition and 16S rRNA sequence, the novel strain most appropriately belongs to the genus Erythrobacter, but can be distinguished readily from species of the genus Erythrobacter with validly published names. The name Erythrobacter luteus sp. nov. is proposed, with strain KA37T ( = MCCC 1F01227T = KCTC 42179T) as the type strain.

Erythrobacter lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, coccoid- or oval-shaped bacterial strain, designated S-5T, belonging to the class Alphaproteobacteria , was isolated from a tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea, Korea and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain S-5T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 30 °C and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S-5T fell within the clade comprising the species of the genus Erythrobacter , clustering with the type strains of Erythrobacter pelagi , Erythrobacter citreus and Erythrobacter seohaensis with which it exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96.0–96.7 %). The DNA G+C content was 66.0 mol%. Strain S-5T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C17 : 1ω6c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain S-5T is distinguishable from other species of the genus Erythrobacter . On the basis of the data presented, strain S-5T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Erythrobacter , for which the name Erythrobacter lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-5T ( = KCTC 42109T = CECT 8624T).

Citrimicrobium luteum gen. nov., sp. nov., aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium isolated from the gut of a sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus

A Gram-stain negative, yellow-pigmented, motile, pleomorphic bacterium, designated strain CBA4602(T), was isolated from the gut of the sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus, which was collected from Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea. In a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, strain CBA4602(T) belonged to the order Sphingomonadales in the class Alphaproteobacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain CBA4602(T) and 'Citromicrobium bathyomarinum' JF-1, the most closely related strain having nonvalidly published name, was 98.4%, followed by 95.2-96.7% identities with sequence of the other closest strains in the genus Erythrobacter. Strain CBA4602(T) had bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids. Strain CBA4602(T) grew in 0-10% (w/v) NaCl, at 10-42°C and pH 6.0-8.0, with optimal growth in 1-2% NaCl, at 30-37°C and pH 7.0. Strain CBA4602(T) was positive for catalase and oxidase activities and was able to hydrolyse gelatine and Tween 20 and 40, but not starch, Tween 80 or L-tyrosine. The G+C content of genomic DNA from strain CBA4602(T) was 68.0 mol% and Q-10 was the major detected isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipids were three unidentified phospholipids, three unidentified glycolipids, and two unidentified lipids. The dominant fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C18:0. As considering the current taxonomic status of the genus 'Citromicrobium' and polyphasic taxonomic analyses, strain CBA4602(T) represents a novel genus and species. The name Citrimicrobium luteum is proposed for the type strain CBA4602(T) (=KACC 17668(T) =JCM 19530(T)).

Erythrobacter westpacificensis sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from the Western Pacific

A novel Gram-negative, orange-pigmented bacterial strain JLT2008(T) was isolated from the surface seawater of the Western Pacific and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain JLT2008(T) belonged to the genus Erythrobacter, sharing the highest similarity (96.6 %) with Erythrobacter gangjinensis K7-2(T) and the lowest similarity (94.9 %) with Erythrobacter litoralis DSM 8509(T). Strain JLT2008(T) did not contain bacteriochlorophyll a, and the predominant respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids were C(18:1) ω7c, C(16:0), C(16:1) ω7c/C(16:1) ω6c. The prominent polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic G + C content was 60.1 mol %. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, a novel species within the genus Erythrobacter, and with the name Erythrobacter westpacificensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is JLT2008(T) (=CGMCC 1.10993(T) = JCM 18014(T)).