Identification, classification, and functional characterization of novel sponge-associated acidimicrobiial species

Sponges are known to harbour an exceptional diversity of uncultured microorganisms, including members of the phylum Actinobacteriota. While members of the actinobacteriotal class Actinomycetia have been studied intensively due to their potential for secondary metabolite production, the sister class of Acidimicrobiia is often more abundant in sponges. However, the taxonomy, functions, and ecological roles of sponge-associated Acidimicrobiia are largely unknown. Here, we reconstructed and characterized 22 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Acidimicrobiia from three sponge species. These MAGs represented six novel species, belonging to five genera, four families, and two orders, which are all uncharacterized (except the order Acidimicrobiales) and for which we propose nomenclature. These six uncultured species have either only been found in sponges and/or corals and have varying degrees of specificity to their host species. Functional gene profiling indicated that these six species shared a similar potential to non-symbiotic Acidimicrobiia with respect to amino acid biosynthesis and utilization of sulfur compounds. However, sponge-associated Acidimicrobiia differed from their non-symbiotic counterparts by relying predominantly on organic rather than inorganic sources of energy, and their predicted capacity to synthesise bioactive compounds or their precursors implicated in host defence. Additionally, the species possess the genetic capacity to degrade aromatic compounds that are frequently found in sponges. The novel Acidimicrobiia may also potentially mediate host development by modulating Hedgehog signalling and by the production of serotonin, which can affect host body contractions and digestion. These results highlight unique genomic and metabolic features of six new acidimicrobiial species that potentially support a sponge-associated lifestyle.

Saccharopolyspora soli sp. nov., isolated from Northern Cyprus soil

A novel Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain K220^T, was isolated from soil collected from Cape Andreas (Zafer Burnu), Northern Cyprus, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The organism was shown to have phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Saccharopolyspora. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain K220^T showed that it is closely related to the type strains of Saccharopolyspora maritima 3SS5-12 ^T, Saccharopolyspora kobensis JCM 9109 ^T and Saccharopolyspora hirsuta ATCC 27875 ^T with 97.6, 97.5 and 97.0% sequence similarity, respectively. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain K220^T and type strains of the genus Saccharopolyspora with publicly available genomes were 22.1-31.2% and 76.0-83.16%, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain K220^T was 68.3 mol%. The genome of strain K220^T has genes associated with 24 biosynthetic gene clusters. The strain contained MK-9(H₄) and iso-C_16: 0 as the predominant respiratory quinone and fatty acid, respectively. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine. Based on evidence collected from the genotypic, phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, strain K220^T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K220^T (= JCM 33912^T = KCTC 49395^T).

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).

Cebulantin, a Cryptic Lanthipeptide Antibiotic Uncovered Using Bioactivity-Coupled HiTES

The majority of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria are silent under standard laboratory growth conditions, making it challenging to uncover any antibiotics that they may encode. Herein, bioactivity assays are combined with high-throughput elicitor screening (HiTES) to access cryptic, bioactive metabolites. Application of this strategy in Saccharopolyspora cebuensis, with inhibition of Escherichia coli growth as a read-out, led to the identification of a novel lanthipeptide, cebulantin. Extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis allowed the elucidation of the structure of cebulantin. Subsequent bioactivity assays revealed it to be an antibiotic selective for Gram-negative bacteria, especially against Vibrio species. This approach, referred to as bioactivity-HiTES, has the potential to uncover cryptic metabolites with desired biological activities that are hidden in microbial genomes.

Corynebacterium alimapuense sp. nov., an obligate marine actinomycete isolated from sediment of Valparaíso bay, Chile

A novel Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and aerobic bacterium, designated strain VA37-3^T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected at 19.2 m water depth from Valparaíso bay, Chile. Strain VA37-3^T exhibits 97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Corynebacterium marinum D7015^T, 96.4 % to Corynebacterium humireducens MFC-5^T and 96 % to Corynebacterium testudinoris M935/96/4^T; and a rpoB gene sequence similarity of 85.1 % to Corynebacterium pollutisoli VMS11^T, both analyses suggesting that strain VA37-3^T represents a novel species of Corynebacterium. Physiological testing indicated that strain VA37-3^T requires artificial sea water or sodium-supplemented media for growth, representing the first obligate marine actinomycete of the genus Corynebacterium. The genome of the proposed new species, along with the type strains of its most closely related species were sequenced and characterized. In silico genome-based similarity analyses revealed an ANIb of 72.8 % (C. marinum D7015^T), ANIm of 85.0 % (Corynebacterium mustelae DSM 45274^T), tetra of 0.90 (Corynebacterium callunae DSM 20147^T) and ggdc of 24.7 % (Corynebacterium kutscheri DSM 20755^T) when compared with the closest related strains. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain VA37-3^T was 57.0 %. Chemotaxonomic assessment of strain VN6-2^T showed the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. Menaquinones predominantly consisted of MK-8(II-H2). Polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, glycolipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid and phosphatidylinositol. Mycolic acids also were present. Overall, the results from phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic analyses confirmed that strain VA37-3^T represents a novel species of the genus Corynebacterium, for which the name Corynebacterium alimapuense sp. nov. is proposed, with VA37-3^T as the type strain (=CCUG 69366^T=NCIMB 15118^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.

Saccharopolyspora griseoalba sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from the Dead Sea

A novel halotolerant actinomycete, designated strain AFM 10238^T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the Dead Sea of Israel. The isolate grew at 15-45 °C, pH 6-12 and with 0-15 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain AFM 10238^T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid as cell wall diamino acid, and galactose and arabinose as the whole cell sugars. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. Major fatty acids are iso-C_16:0, iso-C_17:0, iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0 and C_17:1 ω8c. MK-9(H₄) is the predominant menaquinone and the DNA G + C content is 72.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AFM10238^T belongs to the genus Saccharopolyspora. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain AFM 10238^T and its close neighbours, Saccharopolyspora halophila YIM 90500^T , Saccharopolyspora spinosa DSM 44228^T, Saccharopolyspora dendranthemae KLBMP 1305^T and Saccharopolyspora cebuensis DSM 45019^T were 98.2, 97.2, 97.1 and 97.0 %, respectively. Sequence similarities to other type strains of this genus were below 97 %. DNA-DNA relatedness data, together with phenotypic and chemotaxonomic differences, clearly distinguished the isolate from its close neighbours. On the basis of the data from this polyphasic analysis, a novel species Saccharopolyspora griseoalba sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AFM 10238^T (= DSM 46,663 = CGMCC 4.7124).

Streptomyces spongiicola sp. nov., an actinomycete derived from marine sponge

A novel actinomycete (strain HNM0071^T) was isolated from an unidentified marine sponge collected from the coast of Sanya City, PR China and its taxonomic position was investigated. The major menaquinones were MK-9 (H₆) (65.6 %), MK-9 (H₄) (23.8 %) and MK-9 (H₈) (10.6 %). The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0 (25.5 %), iso-C_16 : 0 (19.5 %) and iso-C_15 : 0 (15.4 %). The predominant phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. In addition, four unidentified phospholipids were found. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.8 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain HNM0071^T was most closely related to Streptomyces wuyuanensis FX61^T (97.3 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to all other species of the genus Streptomyces was less than 97.0 %. DNA-DNA hybridization between strain HNM0071^T and its closest phylogenetic relative, Streptomyces wuyuanensis FX61^T, showed 25.0 % relatedness. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain HNM0071^T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces whose name is proposed as Streptomyes spongiicola sp. nov. The type strain is HNM0071^T ( = CCTCCAA2015018^T = KCTC 39604^T).

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).

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).

Diversity, abundance and natural products of marine sponge-associated actinomycetes

This review discusses the diversity, abundance and natural products repertoire of actinomycetes associated with marine sponges. Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis was carried out and qPCR data on actinomycete abundances in sponge ecosystems are presented.

Cultivation-independent methods applied to the microbial prospection of oil and gas in soil from a sedimentary basin in Brazil

The upper parts of oil field structures may leak gas which is supposed to be indirectly detected by the soil bacterial populations. Such microorganisms are capable of consuming this gas, supporting the Microbial Prospection of Oil and Gas (MPOG) methodology. The goal of the present work was to characterize microbial communities involved in short-chain alkane metabolism, namely methane, ethane and propane, in samples from a petroliferous (P) soil through clone libraries of the 16S rRNA gene of the Domains Bacteria and Archaea and the catabolic gene coding for the soluble di-iron monooxygenase (SDIMO) enzyme alpha subunit. The microbial community presented high abundance of the bacterial phylum Actinobacteria, which represented 53% of total clones, and the Crenarchaeota group I.1b from the Archaea Domain. The analysis of the catabolic genes revealed the occurrence of seven Operational Protein Families (OPF) and higher richness (Chao = 7; Ace = 7.5) and diversity (Shannon = 1.09) in P soil when compared with a non-petroliferous (Np) soil (Chao = 2; Ace = 0, Shannon = 0.44). Clones related to the ethene monooxygenase (EtnC) and methane monooxygenase (MmoX) coding genes occurred only in P soil, which also presented higher levels of methane and lower levels of ethane and propane, revealed by short-chain hydrocarbon measures. Real-time PCR results suggested that the SDIMO genes occur in very low abundance in the soil samples under study. Further investigations on SDIMOs genes in natural environments are necessary to unravel their still uncharted diversity and to provide reliable tools for the prospection of degrading populations.

Saccharopolyspora pathumthaniensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycetes isolated from termite guts (Speculitermes sp.)

Morphological and chemotaxonomic characterization of actinomycete strain S582 isolated from the gut of a termite (Speculitermes sp.) in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, clearly demonstrated that this strain is a member of the genus Saccharopolyspora. 16S rDNA sequence analysis for the strain supported the assignment of the strain to the genus Saccharopolyspora. The similarity value of sequences between this strain and the closely related species Saccharopolyspora endophytica was 99.5%. The DNA G+C content was 70.2 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization results (53.3%) and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that strain S582(T) was distinguished from the phylogenetically closest relatives. Based on these genotypic and phenotypic data, strain S582(T) should be a new species in the genus Saccharopolyspora and the name Saccharopolyspora pathumthaniensis sp. nov. is proposed for the strain. The type strain is S582(T) (=NBRC 104112(T) =BCC 28624(T)).

Detection of Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula by quantitative real-time PCR

The thermophilic actinomycete species Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula has been associated with the exogen allergic alveolitis (EAA). EAA is caused by the inhalation of high amounts of airborne spores that can be found for example in environments of agricultural production, compost facilities, mushroom cultivation rooms, or rooms with technical air moistening. Because of the medical relevance of S. rectivirgula, a reliable detection system is needed. Therefore, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primer system was designed, targeting the 16S rRNA gene of the type strain S. rectivirgula DSM 43747(T) and six other S. rectivirgula reference strains. Our investigation showed that S. rectivirgula presumably own four operons of the 16S rRNA gene, which has to be considered for estimation of cell equivalents. Furthermore, the DNA recovery efficiency from these strains was tested in combination with bioaerosol or material sample as well as the influence of non-target DNA to the recovery rate. Results showed a recovery DNA efficiency of 7-55%. The recovery rate of DNA in a mixture with non-target DNA resulted in ∼87%. In summary, a high amplification efficiency using real-time PCR was found, for which estimated concentrations revealed cell numbers of 2.7 × 10(5) cells m(-3) in bioaerosol and 2.8 × 10(6) cells g(-1) fw(-1) in material samples from a duck house. The specificity of the new developed quantification system was shown by generation of two clone libraries from bioarosol samples, from a duck house, and from a composting plant. Totally, the results clearly show the specificity and practicability of the established qPCR assay for detection of S. rectivirgula.

Microbial diversity associated with algae, ascidians and sponges from the north coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

Little is known about the microbial diversity associated with marine macroorganisms, despite the vital role microorganisms may play in marine ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity of bacteria and fungi isolated from eight marine invertebrate and one algae samples. Data derived from ARDRA and sequencing analyses allowed the identification of marine-derived microorganisms isolated from those samples. Microbial strains identified up to the genus level revealed 144 distinct ribotypes out of 256 fungal strains and 158 distinct ribotypes out of 181 bacterial strains. Filamentous fungi were distributed among 24 different genera belonging to Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Basidiomycota, some of which had never been reported in the literature as marine invertebrate-inhabiting fungi (Pestalotiopsis, Xylaria, Botrysphaeria and Cunnninghamella). Bacterial isolates were affiliated to 41 different genera, being Bacillus, Ruegeria, Micrococcus, Pseudovibrio and Staphylococcus the most abundant ones. Results revealed an unexpected high microbial diversity associated to the macroorganisms which have been collected and suggested the selection of certain microbial taxonomic groups according to the host. The combined data gathered from this investigation contribute to broaden the knowledge of microbial diversity associated to marine macroorganisms, including as a promising source for the discovery of new natural products.

Saccharopolyspora phatthalungensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Hevea brasiliensis

The taxonomic position of a rhizosphere soil isolate, designated strain SR8.15T, was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on an almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed that it formed a well-separated sub-branch within the radiation encompassing the genus Saccharopolyspora. Highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found between strain SR8.15T and Saccharopolyspora shandongensis CGMCC 4.3530T (98.9 %) and Saccharopolyspora spinosa DSM 44228T (98.5 %). However, these strains shared low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness (<26 %). Strain SR8.15T had chemical characteristics consistent with its classification in the genus Saccharopolyspora. It contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained arabinose and galactose. The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The main menaquinone was MK-9(H4). No mycolic acid was detected. The predominant cellular fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain SR8.15T was 70.3 mol%. Strain SR8.15T had a phenotypic profile that readily distinguished it from recognized representatives of the genus Saccharopolyspora. It is evident from its combined genotypic and phenotypic properties that strain SR8.15T represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora phatthalungensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SR8.15T (=TISTR 1921T=BCC 35844T=NRRL B-24798T).

Saccharopolyspora gloriosae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the stem of Gloriosa superba L

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinomycete, strain YIM 60513T, was isolated from the stem of Gloriosa superba L. collected from tropical rainforest at Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain YIM 60513T belonged to the genus Saccharopolyspora and was closely related to Saccharopolyspora gregorii NCIB 12823T (99.1 % similarity) and Saccharopolyspora cebuensis SPE 10-1T (97.3 % similarity). Data for the predominant quinone [MK-9(H4)], major fatty acids (iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C17 : 1 cis9) and G+C content of the genomic DNA (71.6 mol%) were similar to those for members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM 60513T and S. gregorii NCIB 12823T was 43 %. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic differences, chemotaxonomic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the view that strain YIM 60513T should be distinguished from S. gregorii NCIB 12823T and S. cebuensis SPE 10-1T. Strain YIM 60513T therefore represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora gloriosae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 60513T (=KCTC 19243T =CCTCC AA 207006T).

Yuhushiella deserti gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the suborder Pseudonocardineae

A thermotolerant, Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, sporangium-forming actinomycete, strain RA45(T), was isolated from a desert region in Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region, north-western China. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phenotypic characterization revealed that strain RA45(T) belonged phylogenetically to the family Pseudonocardiaceae of the suborder Pseudonocardineae. Strain RA45(T) showed more than 5  % 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence from recognized species of genera in the family Pseudonocardiaceae, forming a distinct lineage within the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genera Amycolatopsis, Prauserella, Thermocrispum, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora and Sciscionella, but distinct from each of them. The affiliation to the family was supported by the presence of suborder- and family-specific 16S rRNA signature nucleotides, a DNA G+C content of 69.9 mol%, the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid, ribose, arabinose, glucose and galactose, which are characteristic components of cell-wall chemotype IV of actinomycetes, the presence of menaquinone MK-9(H₄) as the major respiratory lipoquinone, a lack of mycolic acids and the presence of an N-acetylated type of muramic acid. However, strain RA45(T) differed from known genera of the family in its polar lipid composition: the major phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipids of unknown structure and phospholipids of unknown structure containing glucosamine (phospholipid type IV). Based on its morphological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain RA45(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Pseudonocardiaceae, for which the name Yuhushiella deserti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Yuhushiella deserti is RA45(T) (=CGMCC 4.5579(T) =JCM 16584(T)).

Anti-parasitic compounds from Streptomyces sp. strains isolated from Mediterranean sponges

Actinomycetes are prolific producers of pharmacologically important compounds accounting for about 70% of the naturally derived antibiotics that are currently in clinical use. In this study, we report on the isolation of Streptomyces sp. strains from Mediterranean sponges, on their secondary metabolite production and on their screening for anti-infective activities. Bioassay-guided isolation and purification yielded three previously known compounds namely, cyclic depsipeptide valinomycin, indolocarbazole alkaloid staurosporine and butenolide. This is the first report of the isolation of valinomycin from a marine source. These compounds exhibited novel anti-parasitic activities specifically against Leishmania major (valinomycin IC₅₀ < 0.11 μM; staurosporine IC₅₀ 5.30 μM) and Trypanosoma brucei brucei (valinomycin IC₅₀ 0.0032 μM; staurosporine IC₅₀ 0.022 μM; butenolide IC₅₀ 31.77 μM). These results underscore the potential of marine actinomycetes to produce bioactive compounds as well as the re-evaluation of previously known compounds for novel anti-infective activities.

Saccharopolyspora rosea sp. nov., isolated from a patient with bronchial carcinoma

The taxonomic status of a bacterium isolated from a patient with bronchial carcinoma was established using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain had morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics consistent with those of members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The generic assignment was confirmed by comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, which showed that the strain constituted a distinct phyletic line, displaying 93.5-96.9 % sequence similarity with respect to members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The isolate was distinguished from the type strains of recognized members of the genus Saccharopolyspora by means of various biochemical tests. The genotypic and phenotypic data obtained demonstrated that strain IMMIB L-1070(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora rosea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMMIB L-1070(T) (=DSM 45226(T)=CCUG 56401(T)).

Saccharopolyspora endophytica sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the root of Maytenus austroyunnanensis

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-acid-alcohol-fast strain, designated YIM 61095(T), was isolated from the root of Maytenus austroyunnanensis collected from a tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, south-west China. Strain YIM 61095(T) exhibited chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics that were consistent with members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 61095(T) was a member of the genus Saccharopolyspora and was most closely related to Saccharopolyspora flava AS 4.1520(T) (97.7% sequence similarity). The major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), iso-C(17:0) and anteiso-C(17:0). The predominant quinone detected was MK-9(H(4)). The DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. The phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness data indicated that strain YIM 61095(T) should be distinguished from Saccharopolyspora flava AS 4.1520(T). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain YIM 61095(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61095(T) (=KCTC 19397(T)=CCTCC AA 208003(T)).