Three novel Luteimonas species from a root and rhizosphere soil of Kalidium cuspidatum: Luteimonas endophytica sp. nov., Luteimonas rhizosphaericola sp. nov. and Luteimonas kalidii sp. nov

Three Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated RD2P54T, M1R5S18T and M1R5S59T, were isolated from a root and rhizosphere soil of Kalidium cuspidatum, in Baotou, PR China. The three strains showed 94.1–98.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Luteimonas strains, indicating they belonged to the genus Luteimonas . The phylogenomic tree based on core genomes showed that strain RD2P54T tightly clustered with Luteimonas salinisoli SJ-92T, while strains M1R5S18T and M1R5S59T clustered with each other and with Luteimonas viscosa XBU10T and Luteimonas saliphila SJ-9T. Though strains M1R5S18T and M1R5S59T showed high 16S rRNA similarity (99.4 %) to each other, the low average nucleotide identity based on blast (ANIb; 88.6 %) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH; 31.6 %) values between them indicated that they belonged to two different species. The ANIb and dDDH values of strains RD2P54T, M1R5S18T and M1R5S59T with their closely neighbours are well below the delineation threshold values for identifying strains as representing different species. All three strains take iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 9 (C16 : 0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17 : 1  ω9c) as major fatty acids, and ubiquinone-8 as the sole respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids of all three strains are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic data, these three strains should be considered to represent three novel species of the genus Luteimonas , for which the names Luteimonas endophytica sp. nov. (type strain RD2P54T=CGMCC 1.61535T =KCTC 92470T), Luteimonas rhizosphaericola sp. nov. (type strain M1R5S18T=CGMCC 1.61537T =KCTC 92469T) and Luteimonas kalidii sp. nov. (type strain M1R5S59T=CGMCC 1.61536T =KCTC 92471T) are proposed.

Phylogenomics and comparative genomic analyses support the creation of the novel family Ignatzschineriaceae fam. nov. comprising the genera Ignatzschineria and Wohlfahrtiimonas within the order Cardiobacteriales

The genera Ignatzschineria and Wohlfahrtiimonas were originally classified as members of the family Xanthomonadaceae, order Xanthomonadales of the class Gammaproteobacteria. With the recent taxonomic revisions in the order Xanthomonadales, the two genera were left unclassified in both family and order level. As members of these genera were considered emerging pathogens, their proper classification is therefore relevant. Here, a phylogenomics and comparative genomic approach was used to ascertain the taxonomic position of the two genera. Result showed that the members of the two genera formed a highly supported monophyletic clade with the members of the order Cardiobacteriales. This close affiliation was further supported by the results of the comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence similarity values. The comparative analyses of the 16S rRNA sequence similarity and average amino acid identity values also implied that the two genera represent a single novel family. Conserved signature indels (CSIs) in seven protein sequences were exclusively shared by the members of the novel family. In addition, four CSIs were also found to be useful in delimiting members of the two genera at the genus level. To accommodate the two genera in a single family within the order Cardiobacteriales, the name Ignatzschineriaceae fam. nov. is proposed.

Pseudoxanthomonas composti sp. nov., isolated from compost

A Gram-staining negative bacterium, designated as GSS15^T, was isolated from compost in Guangzhou, China. Cells of strain GSS15^T were rod-shaped and non-motile. The isolate was able to grow at 15-42 °C (optimum 30 °C) and pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum pH 8.0), and tolerate up to 6.0% NaCl (w/v). When the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate was compared with those of other bacteria, the highest similarity was observed with Pseudoxanthomonas helianthi roo10^T (96.9%). Furthermore, strain GSS15^T showed low ANI (75.7-79.5%) and DDH (24.2-18.3%) values to the closely related species. Q-8 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids ( > 5%) were iso-C_15:0 (18.7%), C_16:1ω7c (18.6%), anteiso-C_15:0 (13.2%), C_16:0 (9.8%), and iso-C_16:0 (8.8%). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain GSS15^T (= KCTC 52974^T = MCCC 1K03334^T) is designated as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, for which the name Pseudoxanthomonas composti sp. nov. is proposed.

Nevskia lacus sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from a eutrophic lake

A novel Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped and motile bacterial strain, designated strain Seoho-38^T, was isolated from a eutrophic lake in South Korea. Polyphasic taxonomic studies were performed to investigate the taxonomic position of the new isolate. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Seoho-38^T formed a distinct cluster with Nevskia ramosa Soe1^T, Nevskia persephonica G6M-30^T, Nevskia soli GR15-1^T, Nevskia terrae KIS13-15^T and Nevskia aquatilis F2-63^T with bootstrap resampling value of 100%. Of those Nevskia strains, the new isolate shows high sequence similarity with N. ramosa Soe1^T (98.7%) and N. persephonica G6M-30^T (97.2%), and values lower than 96.5% with the other type strains. The new isolate was observed to grow aerobically in 0-1.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%), at pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and temperature 15-36 °C (optimum 20-30 °C) on R2A medium. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain Seoho-38^T and the type strains of reference species in the genus Nevskia were < 24%. The genomic DNA G + C content was determined to be 67.4 mol%. Ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) (95%) and ubiquinone-7 (Q-7) (5%) were identified as the respiratory quinones. The cellular polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, a phosphoaminolipid, two glycolipids, an aminolipid and four unidentified lipids. The major fatty acid components were found to include summed feature 3 (C_16:1ω7c and/or C_16:1ω6c), summed feature 8 (C_18:0ω7c and/or C_18:0ω6c), C_16:0 and C_14:0. Based on the above polyphasic evidence, strain Seoho-38^T (= KCTC 52221^T = JCM 31888^T) represents a new species of the genus Nevskia, for which the name Nevskia lacus sp. nov. is proposed.

Diversity and temporal shifts of the bacterial community associated with a toxic cyanobacterial bloom: An interplay between microcystin producers and degraders

The biodegradation of microcystins (MCs) by bacteria constitutes an important process in freshwater ecosystems to prevent the accumulation of toxins. However, little is known about the diversity and the seasonal dynamics of the bacterial community composition (BCC) involved in the degradation of MCs in nature. To explore these BCC shifts, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyse the 16S rRNA, mcyE and mlrA genes during a year in a freshwater reservoir with a toxic cyanobacterial bloom episode. The analysis of the mcyE and mlrA genes from water samples revealed the coexistence of different MC-producing and MC-degrading genotypes, respectively. The patchy temporal distribution of the mlrA genotypes (from the families Sphingomonadaceae and Xanthomonadaceae) suggests their dissimilar response to environmental conditions and the influence of other factors besides the MCs that may control their presence and relative abundance. During the maximum toxic cyanobacterial biomass and cell lysis, other bacterial taxa that lack mlr genes increased their relative abundance. Among these bacteria, those with a recognized role in the degradation of xenobiotic and other complex organic compounds (e.g., orders Myxococcales, Ellin6067, Spirobacillales and Cytophagales) were the most representative and suggest their possible involvement in the removal of MCs in the environment.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate biodegradation and denitrification by a Pseudoxanthomonas sp. strain

A bacterial strain (designated as N4) of Pseudoxanthomonas was isolated from a denitrification biofilter reactor. This study examined its degradation capability of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its denitrification ability. All results showed that, strain N4 could use DEHP as a carbon and energy source. Strain N4 demonstrated good DEHP degradation ability over a broad pH and temperature range. The optimal temperature and pH for DEHP degradation were 32°C and 6.0, respectively. The kinetics of DEHP degradation by strain N4 were exponential in nature. Strain N4 showed denitrification ability and could reduce nitrate and nitrite but not with DEHP as its carbon source.

Arenimonas maotaiensis sp. nov., isolated from fresh water

A translucent, white, Gram-reaction-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-flagellated, slightly curved or curved bacterial strain, designated YT8(T), was isolated from the fresh water of the Maotai section of Chishui River, China. Cells were catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YT8(T) is a member of the genus Arenimonas with similarity to other members of this genus ranging from 93.7 to 95.0 %. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8), major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids, while major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain YT8(T) was 66.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic features studied, strain YT8(T) is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Arenimonas, for which the name Arenimonas maotaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YT8(T) ( = CGMCC 1.12726(T) = JCM 19710(T)).

Rhodanobacter glycinis sp. nov., a yellow-pigmented gammaproteobacterium isolated from the rhizoplane of field-grown soybean

A novel, yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain MO64(T), was isolated from the rhizoplane of field-grown soybean, collected from an experimental plot at Coimbatore, India. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, motile, non-spore-forming rods that produced yellow-pigmented colonies on R2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain MO64(T) belonged to the genus Rhodanobacter. Strain MO64(T) was related most closely to Rhodanobacter ginsengisoli GR17-7(T) (98.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Rhodanobacter spathiphylli B39(T) (97.9%), Rhodanobacter panaciterrae LnR5-47(T) (97.7%), Rhodanobacter terrae GP18-1(T) (97.6%), Rhodanobacter soli DCY45(T) (97.3%) and Rhodanobacter caeni MJ01(T) (97.2%); levels of similarity to the type strains of all other recognized species of the genus Rhodanobacter were less than 97.0%. Chemotaxonomic data (Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, and iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(17 : 0) cyclo, iso-C(17 : 1)ω9c, iso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(11 : 0) as the major fatty acids) also supported the affiliation of strain MO64(T) with the genus Rhodanobacter. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64 mol%. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic analysis showed that strain MO64(T) can be distinguished from all known species of the genus Rhodanobacter and therefore represents a novel species of the genus, for which the name Rhodanobacter glycinis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MO64(T) ( = ICMP 17626(T) = NBRC 105007(T)).

Co-metabolic degradation of benzo(e)pyrene by halophilic bacterial consortium at different saline conditions

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with high molecular weight (more than three benzene rings) were difficult to degrade in saline environment. The present study details about the bacterial consortium enriched from industrial sludge from salt manufacturing company, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu (India), which was capable of degrading 1, 4 dioxane (Emerging micropollutant) and also phenanthrene as sole carbon source under saline condition. The halophilic bacterial consortium was able to degrade low molecular weight (LMW) phenanthrene, but unable to degrade high molecular weight (HMW) benzo(e)pyrene. To overcome this problem, phenanthrene was added as co-substrate along with benzo(e)pyrene which enhanced the biodegradation process by co-metabolism under saline conditions. The consortium potentially degraded 80% and 99% of benzo(e)pyrene in 7 days and phenanthrene in 5 days at 30 g l⁻¹ of NaCl concentration. When the saline concentration increased to 60 g l⁻¹, degradation of phenanthrene (97% in 8 days) and benzo(e)pyrene (65% in 10 days) was observed. Further increase in saline concentration to 90 g I⁻¹ of NaCI showed reduction in the percent degradation of phenanthrene and benzo(e)pyrene leads to 30.3% and 9% respectively in 6 days. Potential bacterial strains, present in PAHs degrading bacterial consortium were identified as Achromobacter sp. AYS3 (JQ419751), Marinobacter sp. AYS4 (JQ419752) and Rhodanobacter sp. AYS5 (JQ419753). The present study details about the effect of salinity on PAHs degradation and vital role of co-metabolism on biodegradation of benzo(e)pyrene with phenanthrene under saline conditions.

Co-metabolic transformation of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid by the new soil isolate Pseudoxanthomonas indica CGMCC 6648

A new imidacloprid (IMI) degrading bacterium Z-9 (deposited number CGMCC 6648) was isolated and identified as Pseudoxanthomonas indica by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Two metabolites were identified as olefin and 5-hydroxy IMI by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. P. indica CGMCC 6648 degraded 70.1% of IMI (1.22 mmol L(-1)) and formed 0.93 mmol L(-1) 5-hydroxy IMI and 0.05 mmol L(-1) olefin IMI in 6 days and in the presence of 100 mmol L(-1) glucose. The half-life of IMI degradation was 3.6 days. P. indica CGMCC 6648 transforms IMI via a co-metabolism mechanism and different carbohydrates have significant effects on 5-hydroxy IMI formation, whereas different organic acids have substantial effects on olefin IMI production. Lactose is the best co-substrate for IMI degradation and 5-hydroxy IMI formation with 0.77 mmol L(-1) degraded and 0.67 mmol L(-1) formed in 48 h, respectively. Pyruvate is the best co-substrate for olefin IMI formation with 0.17 mmol L(-1) produced in 96 h for all carbon sources tested. Pyruvate significantly stimulates the conversion of 5-hydroxy IMI to olefin IMI, whereas glucose slightly inhibits this reaction. P. indica CGMCC 6648 rapidly degrades IMI and forms olefin IMI, which may enhance its potential for biodegradation of IMI and increase its insecticidal activity, which can decrease the IMI dosage required.

Phylogenomics and molecular signatures for species from the plant pathogen-containing order xanthomonadales

The species from the order Xanthomonadales, which harbors many important plant pathogens and some human pathogens, are currently distinguished primarily on the basis of their branching in the 16S rRNA tree. No molecular or biochemical characteristic is known that is specific for these bacteria. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses were conducted on 26 sequenced Xanthomonadales genomes to delineate their branching order and to identify molecular signatures consisting of conserved signature indels (CSIs) in protein sequences that are specific for these bacteria. In a phylogenetic tree based upon sequences for 28 proteins, Xanthomonadales species formed a strongly supported clade with Rhodanobacter sp. 2APBS1 as its deepest branch. Comparative analyses of protein sequences have identified 13 CSIs in widely distributed proteins such as GlnRS, TypA, MscL, LysRS, LipA, Tgt, LpxA, TolQ, ParE, PolA and TyrB that are unique to all species/strains from this order, but not found in any other bacteria. Fifteen additional CSIs in proteins (viz. CoxD, DnaE, PolA, SucA, AsnB, RecA, PyrG, LigA, MutS and TrmD) are uniquely shared by different Xanthomonadales except Rhodanobacter and in a few cases by Pseudoxanthomonas species, providing further support for the deep branching of these two genera. Five other CSIs are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and 1–3 species from the orders Chromatiales, Methylococcales and Cardiobacteriales suggesting that these deep branching orders of Gammaproteobacteria might be specifically related. Lastly, 7 CSIs in ValRS, CarB, PyrE, GlyS, RnhB, MinD and X001065 are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and a limited number of Beta- or Gamma-proteobacteria. Our analysis indicates that these CSIs have likely originated independently and they are not due to lateral gene transfers. The Xanthomonadales-specific CSIs reported here provide novel molecular markers for the identification of these important plant and human pathogens and also as potential targets for development of drugs/agents that specifically target these bacteria.

Phylogenomics and molecular signatures for species from the plant pathogen-containing order xanthomonadales

The species from the order Xanthomonadales, which harbors many important plant pathogens and some human pathogens, are currently distinguished primarily on the basis of their branching in the 16S rRNA tree. No molecular or biochemical characteristic is known that is specific for these bacteria. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses were conducted on 26 sequenced Xanthomonadales genomes to delineate their branching order and to identify molecular signatures consisting of conserved signature indels (CSIs) in protein sequences that are specific for these bacteria. In a phylogenetic tree based upon sequences for 28 proteins, Xanthomonadales species formed a strongly supported clade with Rhodanobacter sp. 2APBS1 as its deepest branch. Comparative analyses of protein sequences have identified 13 CSIs in widely distributed proteins such as GlnRS, TypA, MscL, LysRS, LipA, Tgt, LpxA, TolQ, ParE, PolA and TyrB that are unique to all species/strains from this order, but not found in any other bacteria. Fifteen additional CSIs in proteins (viz. CoxD, DnaE, PolA, SucA, AsnB, RecA, PyrG, LigA, MutS and TrmD) are uniquely shared by different Xanthomonadales except Rhodanobacter and in a few cases by Pseudoxanthomonas species, providing further support for the deep branching of these two genera. Five other CSIs are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and 1-3 species from the orders Chromatiales, Methylococcales and Cardiobacteriales suggesting that these deep branching orders of Gammaproteobacteria might be specifically related. Lastly, 7 CSIs in ValRS, CarB, PyrE, GlyS, RnhB, MinD and X001065 are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and a limited number of Beta- or Gamma-proteobacteria. Our analysis indicates that these CSIs have likely originated independently and they are not due to lateral gene transfers. The Xanthomonadales-specific CSIs reported here provide novel molecular markers for the identification of these important plant and human pathogens and also as potential targets for development of drugs/agents that specifically target these bacteria.

Genome sequences for six Rhodanobacter strains, isolated from soils and the terrestrial subsurface, with variable denitrification capabilities

We report the first genome sequences for six strains of Rhodanobacter species isolated from a variety of soil and subsurface environments. Three of these strains are capable of complete denitrification and three others are not. However, all six strains contain most of the genes required for the respiration of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen. The nondenitrifying members of the genus lack only the gene for nitrate reduction, the first step in the full denitrification pathway. The data suggest that the environmental role of bacteria from the genus Rhodanobacter should be reevaluated.

Silanimonas mangrovi sp. nov., a member of the family Xanthomonadaceae isolated from mangrove sediment, and emended description of the genus Silanimonas

A novel Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated strain AK13(T), was isolated from a sediment sample collected from mangrove of Namkhana, Sunderbans, West Bengal, India. Strain AK13(T) was positive for oxidase, DNase and lipase activities and negative for catalase, gelatinase, ornithine decarboxylase, lysine decarboxylase, nitrate reductase, aesculinase and urease activities. The fatty acids were dominated by iso-C(11 : 0), iso-C(11 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(17 : 1)ω9c and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH). Strain AK13(T) contained Q-8 as the major respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified lipid as the polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain AK13(T) was 55.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the type strain of Silanimonas lenta, of the family Xanthomonadaceae (phylum Proteobacteria), was the closest neighbour of strain AK13(T), with 95.2 % sequence similarity. Other members of the family showed sequence similarities <94.4 %. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic inference, strain AK13(T) is proposed as a member of a novel species of the genus Silanimonas, Silanimonas mangrovi sp. nov.; the type strain is AK13(T) (= MTCC 11082(T) = DSM 24914(T)). An emended description of the genus Silanimonas is also provided.

Promiscuous esterase activities of the C-C hydrolases from Dyella ginsengisoli

A C-C hydrolase gene (bphD(LA-4)) from strain Dyella ginsengisoli LA-4 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). BphD(LA-4) together with another hydrolase MfphA(LA-4), which derived from the same strain, possessed esterase activities. p-Nitrophenyl butyrate was the best substrate for both enzymes. BphD(LA-4) had high catalytic efficiency to p-nitrophenyl benzoate, whereas MfphA(LA-4) had no activity. Homology modeling and docking studies demonstrated that the proper hydrogen bond interaction was important for the reactivity of specific substrate.

Luteimonas lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain G3(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Taean coast in South Korea. Cells were moderately halotolerant and non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain G3(T) was observed between 15 and 40 °C (optimum 30 °C) and between pH 5.5 and 9.0 (optimum pH 6.5-7.5). Strain G3(T) contained Q-8 as the predominant lipoquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 1)ω9c, iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(11 : 0) as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain G3(T) formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Luteimonas mephitis B1953/27.1(T) within the genus Luteimonas and was most closely related to L. mephitis B1953/27.1(T) with 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain G3(T) and L. mephitis B1953/27.1(T) was 35.2 ± 3.3 %. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, strain G3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Luteimonas, for which the name Luteimonas lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G3(T) (= KACC 14929(T) = JCM 16916(T)).

Dynamics of augmented soil system containing biphenyl with Dyellaginsengisoli LA-4

One high efficient biphenyl-degrading strain Dyella ginsengisoli LA-4 was inoculated into biphenyl-contaminated soil for bioaugmentation in this study. The results showed that bioaugmentation could accelerate the startup period of the biphenyl bioremediation process compared with the non-augmented one. PCR-DGGE fingerprints demonstrated that both of the diversity and pattern of microbial community were affected by the addition of strain LA-4 and biphenyl. Biphenyl-utilizing populations gradually increased and become the dominant species. The introduced strain LA-4 could be persistent and co-exist well with the indigenous populations. However, both of the strain LA-4 and indigenous microorganisms in the bioaugmented system would be partially inhibited by Zn(2+) and Ni(2+). This study suggests that it is feasible and potentially useful to remediate biphenyl-contaminated soil using bioaugmentation with D. ginsengisoli LA-4.

Endosymbiotic bacteria living inside the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

This study investigated the endosymbiotic bacteria living inside the poultry red mite collected from five samples of one commercial farm from the UK and 16 farms from France using genus-specific PCR, PCR-TTGE and DNA sequencing. Endosymbiotic bacteria are intracellular obligate organisms that can cause several phenotypic and reproductive anomalies to their host and they are found widespread living inside arthropods. The farm sampled from the UK was positive for bacteria of the genera Cardinium sp. and Spiroplasma sp. From France, 7 farms were positive for Cardinium sp., 1 farm was positive for Spiroplasma sp., 1 farm was positive for Rickettsiella sp. and 2 farms were positive for Schineria sp. However, it was not possible to detect the presence of the genus Wolbachia sp. which has been observed in other ectoparasites. This study is the first report of the presence of endosymbionts living inside the poultry red mite. The results obtained suggest that it may be possible that these bacterial endosymbionts cause biological modifications to the poultry red mite.

Network relationships of bacteria in a stable mixed culture

We investigated the network relationships of bacteria in a structurally stable mixed culture degrading cellulose. The mixed culture consists of four bacterial strains (a cellulose-degrading anaerobe [strain S], a saccharide-utilizing anaerobe [strain F], a peptide- and acetate-utilizing aerobe [strain 3] and a peptide-, glucose-, and ethanol-utilizing aerobe [strain 5]). Interspecies interactions were examined by analyzing the effects of culture filtrates on the growth of the other strains and by comprehensively analyzing population dynamics in the mixed-culture systems with all possible combinations of the four bacterial strains. The persistence of strain S depends on the effects of strain 5. However, strain 5 is a disadvantaged strain because strain 3 has bacteriocidal activity on strain 5. The extinction of strain 5 is indirectly prevented by strain F that suppresses the growth of strain 3. Although strain F directly has suppressive effects on the growth of strain S, strain F is essential for the persistence of strain S, considering the indirect effects (maintaining strain 5, which is essential for the survival of strain S, by inhibiting strain 3). These indirect relationships form a bacterial network in which all the relationships including suppressive effects were well balanced to maintain the structural stability. In addition to direct metabolite interactions, such kind of indirect relationships could have a great impact on microbial community structure in the natural environment.

[Thermophilic chitinolytic microorganisms of brown semidesert soil]

In brown semidesert soil, thermophilic prokaryotic organisms identified as Streptomyces roseolilacinus and Silanimonas lenta were shown to play the main role in chitin transformation at 50 degrees C. The phylogenetic positions of the isolated dominant chitinolytic microorganisms were determined on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The consumption of chitin as a source of carbon and nitrogen by both the bacterium and the actinomycete was shown by considerable biomass accumulation, high emission of carbon dioxide, and presence in the medium of the chitinase exoenzyme.

Luteimonas composti sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from food waste

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium (strain CC-YY255(T)) was isolated from compost generated from food waste collected from Kinmen County, Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strain formed a monophyletic branch at the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Luteimonas; its closest neighbour was the type strain of Luteimonas mephitis (94.4 % sequence similarity). The isolate was distinguished from Luteimonas mephitis on the basis of several phenotypic properties. The organism utilized glucose, maltose, gentiobiose, melibiose and turanose and only a few organic acids (acetate, propionate) and amino acids (L-alanyl glycine, glycyl L-aspartic acid and glycyl L-glutamic acid) as substrates. The fatty acid profile was slightly different from that reported for Luteimonas mephitis. It is evident from the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and physiological data presented that strain CC-YY255(T) represents a novel species of the genus Luteimonas, for which the name Luteimonas composti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-YY255(T) (=CCUG 53595(T)=CIP 109311(T)=BCRC 17598(T)).

Aspromonas composti gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Xanthomonadaceae

Two novel bacteria, strains TR7-09T and P2-12-1, were isolated from samples of compost and river sediment, respectively. The strains comprised Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming rods, produced creamy white colonies on R2A agar, contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, contained iso-15 : 0, iso-17 : 0ω9c and iso-11 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids, and had polar lipid profiles consisting of phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains were most closely related to Thermomonas haemolytica DSM 13605T, Silanimonas lenta KCTC 12236T and Xanthomonas campestris LMG 568T (with 92.5, 92.0 and 92.0 % sequence similarity, respectively) and formed a separate lineage within the family Xanthomonadaceae. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data supported the conclusion that the strains represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Aspromonas composti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TR7-09T (=KCTC 12666T=DSM 18010T).

Lysobacter niabensis sp. nov. and Lysobacter niastensis sp. nov., isolated from greenhouse soils in Korea

Two bacterial strains, designated GH34-4T and GH41-7T, were isolated from greenhouse soil cultivated with cucumber. The bacteria were strictly aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and oxidase- and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains belong to the genus Lysobacter within the Gammaproteobacteria. Strain GH34-4T showed highest sequence similarity to Lysobacter yangpyeongensis GH19-3T (97.5 %) and Lysobacter koreensis Dae16T (96.4 %), and strain GH41-7T showed highest sequence similarity to Lysobacter antibioticus DSM 2044T (97.5 %), Lysobacter enzymogenes DSM 2043T (97.5 %) and Lysobacter gummosus ATCC 29489T (97.4 %). Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness indicated that strains GH34-4T and GH41-7T represented species clearly different from L. yangpyeongensis, L. antibioticus, L. enzymogenes and L. gummosus. The major cellular fatty acids of strains GH34-4T and GH41-7T were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, and the major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C contents of GH34-4T and GH41-7T were 62.5 and 66.6 mol%, respectively. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic data presented, it is evident that each of these strains represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the names Lysobacter niabensis sp. nov. (type strain GH34-4T=KACC 11587T=DSM 18244T) and Lysobacter niastensis sp. nov. (type strain GH41-7T=KACC 11588T=DSM 18481T) are proposed.

Pseudoxanthomonas yeongjuensis sp. nov., isolated from soil cultivated with Korean ginseng

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming bacterium, motile by means of single polar flagellum and rod-shaped, designated strain GR12-1T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Yeongju region, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain is related to members of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, showing sequence similarity values ranged from 92.3 to 96.2 %. This organism grew at 5–33 °C, with optimum growth at 28 °C. Strain GR12-1T grew optimally in the presence of 0–2 % NaCl. The whole-cell fatty acid profile included iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C11 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 0 as major components. The only isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The DNA G+C content was 63.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic data, strain GR12-1T should be classified as a member of a novel species of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, for which the name Pseudoxanthomonas yeongjuensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain GR12-1T (=KACC 11580T=DSM 18204T) as the type strain.

First reported infections caused by three newly described genera in the family Xanthomonadaceae

Members of the family of Xanthomonadaceae are typically characterized as environmental organisms. With the exception of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, these organisms are infrequently implicated as human pathogens. We describe three cases of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections caused by Dokdonella koreensis, Aquimonas voraii, and a Luteibacter sp., all newly named genera within the family Xanthomonadaceae. The three patients all had histories of underlying hematological disorders, presented with fever, and recovered fully following treatment. These isolates required 16S rRNA gene sequencing for identification and, unlike S. maltophilia, demonstrated susceptibility to most antibiotics tested. This report represents the first description of human infections caused by these organisms.

The evolutionary origin of Xanthomonadales genomes and the nature of the horizontal gene transfer process

Determining the influence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) on phylogenomic analyses and the retrieval of a tree of life is relevant for our understanding of microbial genome evolution. It is particularly difficult to differentiate between phylogenetic incongruence due to noise and that resulting from HGT. We have performed a large-scale, detailed evolutionary analysis of the different phylogenetic signals present in the genomes of Xanthomonadales, a group of Proteobacteria. We show that the presence of phylogenetic noise is not an obstacle to infer past and present HGTs during their evolution. The scenario derived from this analysis and other recently published reports reflect the confounding effects on bacterial phylogenomics of past and present HGT. Although transfers between closely related species are difficult to detect in genome-scale phylogenetic analyses, past transfers to the ancestor of extant groups appear as conflicting signals that occasionally might make impossible to determine the evolutionary origin of the whole genome.

Non-canonical CRP sites control competence regulons in Escherichia coli and many other gamma-proteobacteria

Escherichia coli's cAMP receptor protein (CRP), the archetypal bacterial transcription factor, regulates over a hundred promoters by binding 22 bp symmetrical sites with the consensus core half-site TGTGA. However, Haemophilus influenzae has two types of CRP sites, one like E.coli's and one with the core sequence TGCGA that regulates genes required for DNA uptake (natural competence). Only the latter 'CRP-S' sites require both CRP and the coregulator Sxy for activation. To our knowledge, the TGTGA and TGCGA motifs are the first example of one transcription factor having two distinct binding-site motifs. Here we show that CRP-S promoters are widespread in the gamma-proteobacteria and demonstrate their Sxy-dependence in E.coli. Orthologs of most H.influenzae CRP-S-regulated genes are ubiquitous in the five best-studied gamma-proteobacteria families, Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Vibrionaceae and Xanthomonadaceae. Phylogenetic footprinting identified CRP-S sites in the promoter regions of the Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae and Vibrionaceae orthologs, and canonical CRP sites in orthologs of genes known to be Sxy-independent in H.influenzae. Bandshift experiments confirmed that E.coli CRP-S sequences are low affinity binding sites for CRP, and mRNA analysis showed that they require CRP, cAMP (CRP's allosteric effector) and Sxy for gene induction. This work suggests not only that the gamma-proteobacteria share a common DNA uptake mechanism, but also that, in the three best studied families, their competence regulons share both CRP-S specificity and Sxy dependence.

Dyella yeojuensis sp. nov., isolated from greenhouse soil in Korea

A novel strain, R2A16-10T, was isolated from greenhouse soil in Yeoju, Korea. The taxonomy of strain R2A16-10Twas studied by using polyphasic methods. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain R2A16-10Twas found to be phylogenetically related to type strains ofDyellaspecies (96.7–96.9 %),Frateuria aurantiaDSM 6220T(96.5 %),Fulvimonas soliLMG 19981T(96.3 %) andRhodanobacterspecies (94.9–95.7 %). Strain R2A16-10T, which produced yellow-coloured colonies, was Gram-negative, rod-shaped (0.3–0.4×1.5–3.5 μm) and motile. The predominant fatty acids were 17 : 1 isoω9c(25.5 %), 15 : 0 iso (18.7 %) and 17 : 0 iso (14.6 %), and the major hydroxy fatty acids were 11 : 0 iso 3-OH (5.0 %), 13 : 0 iso 3-OH (3.4 %) and 17 : 0 iso 3-OH (1.0 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain was 63.0 mol%. On the basis of the data from this study, strain R2A16-10Trepresents a novel species of the genusDyella, for which the nameDyella yeojuensissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R2A16-10T(=KACC 11405T=DSM 17673T).

Substrate specificity of nonribosomal peptide synthetase modules responsible for the biosynthesis of the oligopeptide moiety of cephabacin in Lysobacter lactamgenus

Lysobacter lactamgenus produces cephabacins, a class of beta-lactam antibiotics which have an oligopeptide moiety attached to the cephem ring at the C-3 position. The nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) system, which comprises four distinct modules, is required for the biosynthesis of this short oligopeptide, when one takes the chemical structure of these antibiotics into consideration. The cpbI gene, which has been identified in a region upstream of the pcbAB gene, encodes the NRPS - polyketide synthase hybrid complex, where NRPS is composed of three modules, while the cpbK gene -- which has been reported as being upstream of cpbI-- comprises a single NRPS module. An in silico protein analysis was able to partially reveal the specificity of each module. The four recombinant adenylation (A) domains from each NRPS module were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Biochemical data from ATP-PPi exchange assays indicated that L-arginine was an effective substrate for the A1 domain, while the A2, A3 and A4 domains activated L-alanine. These findings are in an agreement with the known chemical structure of cephabacins, as well as with the anticipated substrate specificity of the NRPS modules in CpbI and CpbK, which are involved in the assembly of the tetrapeptide at the C-3 position.

Dominance of Lysobacter sp. in the rhizosphere of two coastal sand dune plant species, Calystegia soldanella and Elymus mollis

Bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of beach morning glory (Calystegia soldanella) and wild rye (Elymus mollis), two of the major plant species inhabiting the coastal sane dune in Tae-An, Korea, was studied by the analysis of community 16S rRNA gene clones. The amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) of the clones using HaeIII exhibited significant differences in the community composition between the two plant species as well as regional differences, but also identified a specific ARDRA pattern that was most common among the clones regardless of plant species. Subsequent sequence analysis indicated that the pattern was that of Lysobacter spp., which is a member of the family Xanthomonadaceae, class Gamma proteobacteria. The Lysobacter clones comprised 50.6% of the clones derived from C. soldanella and 62.5% of those from E. mollis. Other minor patterns included those of Pseudomonas spp., species of Rhizobium, Chryseobacterium spp. and Pantoea spp. among C. soldanella clones, and Pseudomonas sp. and Aeromonas hydrophila among E. mollis clones. It is not yet clear what kind of roles Lysobacter plays in association with sand dune plants, but its universal presence in the rhizosphere, together with the potential of this taxon for antagonistic activity against plant pathogens, suggests that Lysobacter might form a symbiotic relationship with its host plants.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrading bacteria associated with trees in a PCB-contaminated site

The abundance, identities, and degradation abilities of indigenous polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrading bacteria associated with five species of mature trees growing naturally in a contaminated site were investigated to identify plants that enhance the microbial PCB degradation potential in soil. Culturable PCB degraders were associated with every plant species examined in both the rhizosphere and root zone, which was defined as the bulk soil in which the plant was rooted. Significantly higher numbers of PCB degraders (2.7- to 56.7-fold-higher means) were detected in the root zones of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) and goat willow (Salix caprea) than in the root zones of other plants or non-root-containing soil in certain seasons and at certain soil depths. The majority of culturable PCB degraders throughout the site and the majority of culturable PCB degraders associated with plants were identified as members of the genus Rhodococcus by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Other taxa of PCB-degrading bacteria included members of the genera Luteibacter and Williamsia, which have not previously been shown to include PCB degraders. PCB degradation assays revealed that some isolates from the site have broad congener specificities; these isolates included one Rhodococcus strain that exhibited degradation abilities similar to those of Burkholderia xenovorans LB400. Isolates with broad congener specificity were widespread at the site, including in the biostimulated root zone of willow. The apparent association of certain plant species with increased abundance of indigenous PCB degraders, including organisms with outstanding degradation abilities, throughout the root zone supports the notion that biostimulation through rhizoremediation is a promising strategy for enhancing PCB degradation in situ.

The role of clp-regulated factors in antagonism against Magnaporthe poae and biological control of summer patch disease of Kentucky bluegrass by Lysobacter enzymogenes C3

A global regulator was previously identified in Lysobacter enzymogenes C3, which when mutated, resulted in strains that were greatly reduced in the expression of traits associated with fungal antagonism and devoid of biocontrol activity towards bipolaris leaf-spot of tall fescue and pythium damping-off of sugarbeet. A clp gene homologue belonging to the crp gene family was found to globally regulate enzyme production, antimicrobial activity, and biological control activity expressed by Lysobacter enzymogenes C3 (Kobayashi et al. 2005). Here, we report on the expansion of the biocontrol range of L. enzymogenes C3 to summer patch disease caused by Magnaporthe poae. The clp- mutant strain 5E4 was reduced in its ability to suppress summer patch disease compared with the wild-type strain C3 and was completely devoid of antifungal activity towards M. poae. Furthermore, cell suspensions of 5E4 were incapable of colonizing M. poae mycelium in a manner that was distinct for C3. Strain C3 demonstrated biosurfactant activity in cell suspensions and culture filtrates that was associated with absorption into the mycelium during the colonization process, whereas 5E4 did not. These results describe a novel interaction between bacteria and fungi that intimates a pathogenic relationship.

Pseudoxanthomonas suwonensis sp. nov., isolated from cotton waste composts

Three strains, 4M1T, 4M9 and 4M12, were isolated from cotton waste composts. These strains are Gram-negative, aerobic and non-spore-forming rods. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons demonstrated that these isolates were clustered phylogenetically within the genusPseudoxanthomonasand 4M1Trevealed sequence similarity levels of 96·9–99·0 % to sixPseudoxanthomonasspecies with validly published names. According to DNA–DNA hybridization, relatedness values between 4M1Tand six knownPseudoxanthomonasspecies were in the range of 52–63 %. The DNA G+C content of the strains was 66·6–68·4 mol%. For a more detailed characterization of these strains, the physiological, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties were evaluated. From the results of this study, the namePseudoxanthomonas suwonensissp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 4M1T(=KACC 11320T=DSM 17175T).

Aquimonas voraii gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel gammaproteobacterium isolated from a warm spring of Assam, India

A bacterial strain designated GPTSA 20(T), which was isolated from a warm spring in Assam, India, was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The cells were Gram-negative, aerobic rods, which could not utilize or produce acid from most of the carbohydrates tested. The predominant fatty acids were C(15:0) iso (25.04%), C(17:1) iso omega9c (19.28%), C(16:0) iso (17.73%) and C(11:0) iso 3-OH (9.34%). The G+C content was 75 mol%. From 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (1433 nucleotides, continuous stretch), it was confirmed that strain GPTSA 20(T) belonged to the class 'Gammaproteobacteria'. The closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity found (98.2%) was with an uncultured bacterium clone, NB-03 (accession no. AB117707), from an autotrophic nitrifying biofilm. Among culturable bacteria, the closest sequence similarities were with Fulvimonas soli (93.0%), Silanimonas lenta (92.8%), Thermomonas hydrothermalis (92.4%), Frateuria aurantia (91.9%), Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus (91.9%), Thermomonas haemolytica (91.9%) and Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis (91.8%); similarities of less than 91.8% were obtained with other members of the class 'Gammaproteobacteria'. From the biochemical, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, it was clear that strain GPTSA 20(T) was quite different from members of known genera of the class 'Gammaproteobacteria'. Therefore, it is proposed that strain GPTSA 20(T) represents a novel species within a new genus, with the name Aquimonas voraii gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is GPTSA 20(T) (=MTCC 6713(T)=JCM 12896(T)).

Dyella koreensis sp. nov., a β-glucosidase-producing bacterium

A bacterial strain (designated BB4T), which has β-glucosidase activity, was isolated from soil around the roots of bamboo plants. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and straight-rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a clear affiliation with members of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain BB4T showed the following sequence similarities: 97·7 % to Dyella japonica XD53T, 97·1 % to Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, 96·2 % to Fulvimonas soli LMG 19981T, 94·3 % to Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus RP5575T and <90 % to other members of the ‘Gammaproteobacteria’. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63·8 mol%. The major fatty acids were branched forms, especially large proportions of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, similar to the profile of the genus Dyella. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization with D. japonica XD53T and Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, in combination with phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, demonstrated that strain BB4T should be classified as a novel Dyella species. The name Dyella koreensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain BB4T (=KCTC 12359T=NBRC 100831T) as the type strain.

Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis sp. nov. and Pseudoxanthomonas daejeonensis sp. nov

Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria, T7-09(T) and TR6-08(T), were isolated from soil from a ginseng field in South Korea and characterized to determine their taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two isolates shared 99.5 % sequence similarity. Strains T7-09(T) and TR6-08(T) were shown to belong to the Proteobacteria and showed the highest levels of sequence similarity to Pseudoxanthomonas broegbernensis DSM 12573(T) (98.1 %), Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana AMX 26B(T) (97.4-97.5 %), Pseudoxanthomonas japonensis 12-3(T) (96.5-96.6 %), Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis ATCC BAA-404(T) (95.7 %) and Xanthomonas campestris ATCC 33913(T) (96.3-96.5 %). The sequence similarity values with respect to any species with validly published names in related genera were less than 96.5 %. The detection of a quinone system with Q-8 as the predominant compound and a fatty acid profile with C(15 : 0) iso as the predominant acid supported the assignment of the novel isolates to the order 'Xanthomonadales'. The two isolates could be distinguished from the established species of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas by the presence of quantitative unsaturated fatty acid C(17 : 1) iso omega9c and by their unique biochemical profiles. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization clearly demonstrated that T7-09(T) and TR6-08(T) represent separate species. On the basis of these data, it is proposed that T7-09(T) (=KCTC 12208(T)=IAM 15116(T)) and TR6-08(T) (=KCTC 12207(T)=IAM 15115(T)) be classified as the type strains of two novel Pseudoxanthomonas species, for which the names Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis sp. nov. and Pseudoxanthomonas daejeonensis sp. nov., respectively, are proposed.

A clp gene homologue belonging to the Crp gene family globally regulates lytic enzyme production, antimicrobial activity, and biological control activity expressed by Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3

Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3, a biological control agent for plant diseases, produces multiple extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and displays antimicrobial activity against various fungal and oomycetous species. However, little is known about the regulation of these enzymes or their roles in antimicrobial activity and biocontrol. A study was undertaken to identify mutants of strain C3 affected in extracellular enzyme production and to evaluate their biocontrol efficacy. A single mini-Tn5-lacZ(1)-cat transposon mutant of L. enzymogenes strain C3 that was globally affected in a variety of phenotypes was isolated. In this mutant, 5E4, the activities of several extracellular lytic enzymes, gliding motility, and in vitro antimicrobial activity were reduced. Characterization of 5E4 indicated that the transposon inserted in a clp gene homologue belonging to the Crp gene family of regulators. Immediately downstream was a second open reading frame similar to that encoding acetyltransferases belonging to the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase superfamily, which reverse transcription-PCR confirmed was cotranscribed with clp. Chromosomal deletion mutants with mutations in clp and between clp and the acetyltransferase gene verified the 5E4 mutant phenotype. The clp gene was chromosomally inserted in mutant 5E4, resulting in complemented strain P1. All mutant phenotypes were restored in P1, although the gliding motility was observed to be excessive compared with that of the wild-type strain. clp mutant strains were significantly affected in biological control of pythium damping-off of sugar beet and bipolaris leaf spot of tall fescue, which was partially or fully restored in the complemented strain P1. These results indicate that clp is a global regulatory gene that controls biocontrol traits expressed by L. enzymogenes C3.

Pseudoxanthomonas kaohsiungensis, sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from oil-polluted site produces extracellular surface activity

During screening for biosurfactant-producing bacteria, a strain designated J36T was isolated from oil-polluted site near Kaohsiung city located in southern Taiwan. Cells of this organism were gram-negative rods motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Strain J36T grew well in complex media under optimum conditions of 35 degrees C and pH 7. The extracellular products of the strain expressed emulsification activity. During cultivation on olive oil as the sole carbon and energy source, the culture supernatant of strain J36T reduced surface tension of the medium from 68 to 32.6 dyne/cm. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicates that strain J36T is a member of Xanthomonas group within the gamma-Proteobacteria. The organism belongs to the genus Pseudoxanthomonas and represents a novel species within this genus according to phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, DNA-DNA similarity data, whole-cell protein analysis, physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as fatty acid compositions. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain J36T were 15:0 iso (about 26%), 17:1 iso omega9c (about 25%), and 15:0 anteiso (about 10%). Its DNA base ratio was 60.1 mol% G+C. We propose to classify strain J36T (= BCRC 17375T = LMG 22530T) as Pseudoxanthomonas kaohsiungensis sp. nov.

Dyella japonica gen. nov., sp. nov., a γ-proteobacterium isolated from soil

Three strains isolated from the soil of a garden in Tokyo, Japan, were characterized physiologically, biochemically and in terms of fatty acid profile, DNA–DNA relatedness and 16S rRNA gene sequence. The isolates were Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped cells with polar flagellation. According to DNA–DNA similarity, the strains belonged to the same species. The bacteria grew at temperatures from 10 to 37 °C, with an optimum around 25–30 °C. Growth was observed at pH values from 5·6 to 8·0. The DNA G+C content ranged from 63·4 to 64·0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a clear affiliation with members of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. The closest relationship was seen with Fulvimonas soli and Frateuria aurantia, but, in terms of physiology and fatty acid profile, the bacteria described were rather distant from Fulvimonas and Frateuria. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctness, it is proposed that the isolates represent a novel species in a novel genus, namely Dyella japonica gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is XD53T (=IAM 15069T=DSM 16301T=ATCC BAA-939T).

Silanimonas lenta gen. nov., sp. nov., a slightly thermophilic and alkaliphilic gammaproteobacterium isolated from a hot spring

A moderately thermophilic aerobic bacterium, strain 25-4T, was isolated from a hot spring at Baekdoo Mountain in Korea. The cells were Gram-negative, motile rods each having a polar flagellum. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain represented a new lineage within the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’ of the ‘Gammaproteobacteria’, being most closely related to the genera Thermomonas, Xanthomonas, Luteimonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Xylella and having 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the most related species of the genera of between 92·9 and 94·4 %. The strain contained Q-8 as the major isoprenoid quinone and had a fatty acid profile with predominant iso-branched fatty acids. Growth occurred at pH 6·0–10, with an optimum at pH 9·0, and at 25–53 °C, with an optimum at 47 °C. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 50·7 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses and its phenotypic characteristics, strain 25-4T belongs to a new genus, Silanimonas gen. nov., within the ‘Gammaproteobacteria’. The sole species of this genus is Silanimonas lenta sp. nov. (type strain, 25-4T=DSM 16282T=KCTC 12236T).

A second lysine-specific serine protease from Lysobacter sp. strain IB-9374

A second lysyl endopeptidase gene (lepB) was found immediately upstream of the previously isolated lepA gene encoding a highly active lysyl endopeptidase in Lysobacter genomic DNA. The lepB gene consists of 2,034 nucleotides coding for a protein of 678 amino acids. Amino acid sequence alignment between the lepA and lepB gene products (LepA and LepB) revealed that the LepB precursor protein is composed of a prepeptide (20 amino acids [aa]), a propeptide (184 aa), a mature enzyme (274 aa), and a C-terminal extension peptide (200 aa). The mature enzyme region exhibited 72% sequence identity to its LepA counterpart and conserved all essential amino acids constituting the catalytic triad and the primary determining site for lysine specificity. The lepB gene encoding the propeptide and mature-enzyme portions was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the inclusion body produced generated active LepB through appropriate refolding and processing. The purified enzyme, a mature 274-aa lysine-specific endopeptidase, was less active and more sensitive to both temperature and denaturation with urea, guanidine hydrochloride, or sodium dodecyl sulfate than LepA. LepA-based modeling implies that LepB can fold into essentially the same three-dimensional structure as LepA by placing a peptide segment, composed of several inserted amino acids found only in LepB, outside the molecule and that the Tyr169 side chain occupies the site in which the indole ring of Trp169, a built-in modulator for unique peptidase functions of LepA, resides. The results suggest that LepB is an isozyme of LepA and probably has a tertiary structure quite similar to it.

Distribution of Nevskia ramosa and other rosette-forming neustonic bacteria

Samples from 27 natural and artificial aquatic environments were analyzed for the presence of rosette-forming bacteria by a combined cultivation and molecular biological approach. Rosette-forming bacteria developed in 20 enrichment cultures with ammonia-free medium under air. Three morphotypes could be distinguished. The most abundant type I resembled Nevskia ramosa and formed hydrophobic, flat, and dichotomously branching rosettes. Type II rosettes were three-dimensional and were observed in 10 enrichments, often together with those of type I. These rosettes were hydrophilic indicating life in the hyponeuston underneath the air-water interface. Rosettes of a third type consisted of hydrophilic slime stalks that were excreted at the cell poles and were observed in only one sample. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the Nevskia-specific probes NEV177 and NEV656, the presence of Nevskia ramosa was demonstrated in exactly those samples that showed type I rosettes. In a series of most-probable-number experiments, during a calm and sunny weather period 430,000 Nevskia-like bacteria per mL were found in surface samples, while during rainy weather and within the water body the numbers were lower by several orders of magnitude. Five pure cultures isolated from various enrichments were characterized in detail. The two isolates forming type I rosettes were identified as Nevskia ramosa by 16S rDNA analysis. However, comparison by genomic fingerprinting (ERIC-PCR) revealed differences between the two isolates and previously characterized strains. The 16S rDNA of two isolates forming type II rosettes showed 97.6% similarity to that of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The closest relative of the isolate forming type III rosettes was Sphingomonas parapaucimobilis (96.4% sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA sequence). All isolates grew homogeneously submersed if ammonia was added to the medium. Our results indicate that Nevskia ramosa is a widely distributed epineustonic bacterium, which can specifically be deleted by its flat and hydrophobic rosettes on ammonia-free media.

Thermomonas fusca sp. nov. and Thermomonas brevis sp. nov., two mesophilic species isolated from a denitrification reactor with poly( -caprolactone) plastic granules as fixed bed, and emended description of the genus Thermomonas

Previously, 22 aerobic Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from biofilms growing on granules of the synthetic polyester poly(epsilon-caprolactone); the granules were used as a fixed bed in a denitrification reactor. All the strains showed similar fatty acid profiles. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of five strains were phylogenetically related to Thermomonas spp. Repetitive extragenic palindromic DNA-PCR (REP-PCR) fingerprinting revealed four groups, and DNA hybridizations between representative strains showed that the strains belonged to two new species within the genus Thermomonas, for which the names Thermomonas fusca (type strain LMG 21737(T)=DSM 15424(T)) and Thermomonas brevis (type strain LMG 21746(T)=DSM 15422(T)) are proposed. Both species are able to grow at low temperatures, but not at 50 degrees C, and are non-haemolytic. Both species can be differentiated by several other phenotypic features from earlier described species of the genus Thermomonas. Cell extracts contain mainly branched fatty acids, with C(15 : 0) iso, C(17 : 1) iso omega9c, C(11 : 0) iso 3OH and C(11 : 0) iso as main constituents. The G+C content of the DNA of the novel species is between 67.6 and 68.7 mol%.