Thermaerobacter nagasakiensis sp. nov., a novel aerobic and extremely thermophilic marine bacterium

A novel, extremely thermophilic bacterium was isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal vent at depth of 22 m in Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Cells were gram-negative, non-spore-forming, motile rods. Growth was observed between 52 and 78 degrees C (optimum 70 degrees C), pH 5 and 8 (optimum pH 7) and 0-4.5% NaCl (optimum 1.0%). The isolate was a strictly aerobic heterotroph utilizing yeast extract and trypticase peptone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 69 mol%. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequences indicated that strain Ts1a is closely related to Thermaerobacter marianensis. The differences in physiology and DNA-DNA similarity between strain Ts1a and T. marianensis showed that strain Ts1a represents a new species of Thermaerobacter. The type strain of T. nagasakiensis is strain Ts1a (=JCM11223, DSM 14512).     

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.     

Thermosipho japonicus sp. nov., an extremely thermophilic bacterium isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent in Japan

A novel barophilic, extremely thermophilic bacterium was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney at the Iheya Basin, in the Okinawa area, Japan. The cells were found to be rod shaped and surrounded by a sheath-like outer structure; the organism did not possess flagella and was not motile. Growth was observed between 45° and 80°C (optimum, 72°C, 45 min doubling time), pH 5.3 and 9.3 (optimum, pH 7.2–7.6), 6.6 and 79 g/l sea salts (optimum, 40 g/l), and 0.1 and 60 MPa (optimum, 20 MPa). Strain IHB1 was found to be a strictly anaerobic chemoorganotroph capable of utilizing yeast extract and proteinaceous substrates such as peptone and tryptone. Elemental sulfur or thiosulfate acted as electron acceptors improving growth. The isolate was able to utilize casein as a sole carbon and energy source in the presence of thiosulfate. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 31.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences and DNA–DNA hybridization analysis indicated that the isolate is closely related to Thermosipho africanus; however, it represents a species distinct from the previously described members of the genus Thermosipho. On the basis of the physiological and molecular properties, we propose that the new isolate represents a new species, which we name Thermosipho japonicus sp. nov. (type strain: IHB1; JCM10495). Received: May 26, 1999 / Accepted: August 7, 1999     

Caldimonas taiwanensis sp. nov., a amylase producing bacterium isolated from a hot spring

During screening for amylase-producing bacteria, a strain designated OnlT was isolated from a hot spring located in Pingtung area, which is near the very southern part of Taiwan. Cells of this organism were Gram-negative rods motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Optimum conditions for growth were 55 degrees C and pH 7. Strain On1(T) grew well in minimal medium containing starch as the sole carbon source, and its extracellular products expressed amylase activity. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicates that strain On1(T) is a member of beta-Proteobacteria. On the basis of a phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, DNA-DNA similarity data, physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as fatty acid compositions, the organism belonged to the genus Caldimonas and represented a novel species within this genus. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain On1(T) were 16:0 (about 30%), 18:1 omega 7c (about 20%) and summed feature 3 (16:1 omega 7c or 15:0 iso 2OH or both [about 31%]). Its DNA base ratio was 65.9 mol% G + C. We propose to classify strain On1(T) (= BCRC 17405T = LMG 22827T) as Caldimonas taiwanensis sp. nov.     

Balneomonas flocculans gen. nov., sp. nov., a new cellulose-producing member of the alpha-2 subclass of Proteobacteria

A new bacterial strain capable of producing cellulose was isolated from a hot spring. The isolate was Gram-negative, aerobic, and rod-shaped. The optimum temperature for growth was 40-45 degrees C. Methanol, glucose and other common carbohydrates were not utilized as sole growth substrates. Thiosulfate was not oxidized. The G+C content of the DNA was determined to be 64.0 mol%. Comparative 16S rDNA analysis indicated that Bosea thiooxidans and some strains of the genus Methylobacterium were the nearest relatives. The isolate can be distinguished from these relatives by its defectiveness in methanol utilization and thiosulfate oxidation. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogeny, it is proposed that the isolate be designated Balneomonas flocculans gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is TFBT (= JCM 11936T, = KCTC 12101T, = IAM 15034T, = ATCC BAA-817T).     

Thermocrinis ruber gen. nov., sp. nov., a Pink-Filament-Forming Hyperthermophilic Bacterium Isolated from Yellowstone National Park

A novel hyperthermophilic bacterium was isolated from pink filamentous streamers (pink filaments) occurring in the upper outflow channel (temperature, 82 to 88°C) of Octopus Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. The gram-negative cells grew at low salinity at temperatures up to 89°C in the neutral to alkaline pH range. Depending on the culture conditions, the organisms occurred as single motile rods, as aggregates, or as long filaments that formed streamer-like cell masses. The novel isolate grew chemolithoautotrophically with hydrogen, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur as electron donors and oxygen as the electron acceptor. Alternatively, under aerobic conditions, formate and formamide served as sole energy and carbon sources. The novel isolate had a 16S rRNA sequence closely related to the 16S rRNA sequence obtained from uncultivated pink filaments. It represents a new genus in the order Aquificales, the type species of which we name Thermocrinis ruber (type strain, OC 1/4 [= DSM 12173]).     

Methanol utilization by a novel thermophilic homoacetogenic bacterium,Moorella mulderi sp. nov., isolated from a bioreactor

A thermophilic, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium (strain TMS) was isolated from a thermophilic bioreactor operated at 65 degrees C with methanol as the energy source. Cells were gram-positive straight rods, 0.4-0.6 microm x 2-8 microm, growing as single cells or in pairs. The temperature range for growth was 40-70 degrees C with an optimum at 65 degrees C. Growth was observed from pH 5.5 to 8.5, and the optimum pH was around 7. The salinity range for growth was 0-45 g NaCl l(-1 )with an optimum at 10 g l(-1). The isolate was able to grow on methanol, H(2)-CO(2 )(80/20%, v/v), formate, lactate, pyruvate, glucose, fructose, cellobiose and pectin. The bacterium reduced thiosulfate to sulfide. The G+C content of the DNA was 53 mol%. Comparison of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain TMS is related to Moorella glycerini (96%, sequence similarity), Moorella thermoacetica (92%) and Moorella thermoautotrophica (92%). On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic differences, strain TMS is proposed as a new species within the genus Moorella, Moorella mulderi sp. nov. (=DSM 14980, =ATCC BAA-608).     

Thermotomaculum hydrothermale gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel heterotrophic thermophile within the phylum Acidobacteria from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney in the Southern Okinawa Trough

A novel heterotrophic, thermophilic bacterium, designated strain AC55^T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney at the Hatoma Knoll in the Okinawa Trough, Japan. Cells of strain AC55^T were non-motile, long rods (2.0- to 6.8-μm long and 0.3- to 0.6-μm wide). The strain was an obligatory anaerobic heterotroph capable of fermentative growth on complex proteinaceous substances. Elemental sulfur was reduced to hydrogen sulfide but did not stimulate growth. Growth was observed between 37 and 60°C (optimum 55°C), pH 5.5 and 8.5 (optimum pH 6.6), and in the presence of 1.5–4.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.5%, w/v). Menaquinone-7 and -8 were the major respiratory quinones. The G + C content of the genomic DNA from strain AC55^T was 51.6 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain AC55^T was the first cultivated representative of Acidobacteria subdivision 10. Based on the physiological and phylogenetic features of the novel isolate, the genus name Thermotomaculum gen. nov. is proposed, with Thermotomaculum hydrothermale sp. nov. as the type species. The type strain is AC55^T (=JCM 17643^T = DSM 24660^T = NBRC 107904^T).     

Paenibacillus xylaniclasticus sp. nov., a xylanolytic-cellulolytic bacterium isolated from sludge in an anaerobic digester

A mesophilic, facultative, anaerobic, xylanolytic-cellulolytic bacterium, TW1(T), was isolated from sludge in an anaerobic digester fed with pineapple waste. Cells stained Gram-positive, were spore-forming, and had the morphology of straight to slightly curved rods. Growth was observed in the temperature range of 30 to 50°C (optimum 37°C) and the pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 (optimum pH 7.0) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7). Anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), anteiso-C(17:0), and C(16:0) were the predominant cellular fatty acids. The G+C content of the DNA was 49.5 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA showed that strain TW1(T) belonged within the genus Paenibacillus and was closely related to Paenibacillus cellulosilyticus LMG 22232(T), P. curdlanolyticus KCTC 3759(T), and P. kobensis KCTC 3761(T) with 97.7, 97.5, and 97.3% sequence similarity, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization values between the isolate and type strains of P. cellulosilyticus LMG 22232(T), P. curdlanolyticus KCTC 3759(T), and P. kobensis KCTC 3761(T) were found to be 18.6, 18.3, and 18.0%, respectively. The protein and xylanase patterns of strain TW1(T) were quite different from those of the type strains of closely related Paenibacillus species. On the basis of DNA-DNA relatedness and phenotypic analyses, phylogenetic data and the enzymatic pattern presented in this study, strain TW1(T) should be classified as a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus xylaniclasticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TW1(T) (=NBRC 106381(T) =KCTC 13719(T) =TISTR 1914(T)).     

Paradesulfovibrio onnuriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a chemolithoautotrophic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from the Onnuri vent field of the Indian Ocean and reclassification of Desulfovibrio senegalensis as Paradesulfovibrio senegalensis comb. nov.

An anaerobic, rod-shaped, mesophilic, chemolithoautotrophic, sulfate-reducing bacterial strain IOR2T was isolated from a newly found deep-sea hydrothermal vent (OVF, Onnuri Vent Field) area in the central Indian Ocean ridge (11°24′88″ S 66°25′42″ E, 2021 m water depth). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strain IOR2T was most closely related to Desulfovibrio senegalensis BLaC1T (96.7%). However, it showed low similarity with the members of the family Desulfovibrionaceae, such as Desulfovibrio tunisiensis RB22T (94.0%), D. brasiliensis LVform1T (93.9%), D. halophilus DSM 5663T (93.7%), and Pseudodesulfovibrio aespoeensis Aspo-2T (93.2%). The strain IOR2T could grow at 23–42°C (optimum 37°C), pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0.5–6.5% (optimum 3.0%) NaCl. The strain could use lactate, pyruvate, H2, and glycerol as electron donors and sulfate, thiosulfate, and sulfite as electron acceptors. The major fatty acids of the strain IOR2T were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0, ante-iso-C15:0, and summed feature 9 (C16:0 methyl/iso-C17:1ω9c). Both the strains IOR2T and BLaC1T could grow with CO2 and H2 as the sole sources of carbon and energy, respectively. Genomic evidence for the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway in both the strains reflects chemolithoautotrophic growth. The DNA G + C content of the strain IOR2T and BLaC1T was 58.1–60.5 mol%. Based on the results of the phylogenetic and physiologic studies, Paradesulfovibrio onnuriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. with the type strain IOR2T (= KCTC 15845T = MCCC 1K04559T) was proposed to be a member of the family Desulfovibrionaceae. We have also proposed the reclassification of D. senegalensis as Paradesulfovibrio senegalensis comb. nov.     

Dasania marina gen. nov., sp. nov., of the order Pseudomonadales, isolated from Arctic marine sediment

An obligately aerobic bacterium, strain KOPRI 20902T, was isolated from a marine sediment in Ny-Arlesund, Spitsbergen Islands, Norway. Cells were irregular rods and motile with polar monotrichous flagellum. The optimum growth temperature was 17-22 degrees . Cells grew best in pH 7.0-10.0 and 3-4% sea salts (corresponding to 2.3-3.1% NaCl). The novel strain required Ca2+ or Mg2+ in addition to NaCl for growth. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Arctic isolate is distantly related with established species (<92.4% sequence similarity) and formed a monophyletic group with Cellvibrio, which formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage in the order Pseudomonadales. Predominant cellular fatty acids [C16:1 omega7c/15:0 iso 2OH (45.3%), C16:0 (18.4%), ECL 11.799 (11.2%), C10:0 3OH (10.4%)]; DNA G+C content (37.0 mol%); nitrate reduction to nitrogen; absence of aesculin hydrolysis, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and esterase; no assimilation of arabinose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose differentiated the strain from the genus Cellvibrio. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, Dasania marina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed in the order Pseudomonadales. Strain KOPRI 20902T (=KCTC 12566T=JCM 13441T) is the type strain of Dasania marina.     

Paraliobacillus ryukyuensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new Gram-positive,slightly halophilic,extremely halotolerant,facultative anaerobe isolated from a decomposing marine alga

A slightly halophilic, extremely halotolerant, alkaliphilic, and facultatively anaerobic rod bacterium was isolated from a decomposing marine alga collected in Okinawa, Japan. The isolate, designated O15-7(T), was Gram-positive, endospore-forming, catalase-positive, menaquinone-7-possessing bacterium that is motile by peritrichous flagella. The isolate was an inhabitant of marine environments; the optimum NaCl concentration for growth was 0.75-3.0% (w/v) with a range of 0-22.0%, and the optimum pH was 7.0-8.5 with a range of 5.5-9.5. Catalase was produced in aerobic cultivation but not in anaerobic cultivation. Carbohydrate, sugar alcohol or a related carbon compound was required for growth. In aerobic cultivation, the isolate produced pyruvate, acetate and CO(2) from glucose, and in anaerobic cultivation, it produced lactate, formate, acetate and ethanol with a molar ratio of approximately 2 : 1 : 1 for the last three products. No gas was produced anaerobically. Lactate yield per consumed glucose was markedly affected by the pH of the fermentation medium: 51% at pH 6.5 and 8% at pH 9.0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phylogenetically, the isolate occupied an independent lineage within the group composed of the halophilic/halotolerant/alkaliphilic and/or alkalitolerant species in Bacillus rRNA group 1 with the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 95.2% to the genus Gracilibacillus. For this isolate, Paraliobacillus ryukyuensis gen. nov., sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain, O15-7(T) (G+C535.6 mol%), has been deposited in the DSMZ, IAM, NBRC, and NRIC (DSM 15140(T)=IAM 15001(T)=NBRC 10001(T)=NRIC 0520(T)).     

Nocardioides tritolerans sp. nov., Isolated from soil in Bigeum Island, Korea

A Gram-positive strain designated as MSL-14T isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island, Korea, was subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. The isolate was strictly aerobic. Cells were short rods and motile. Optimum growth temperature and pH was 28 degrees and 7.0, respectively. It was characterized chemotaxonomically as having a cell-wall peptidoglycan type based on LL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid and MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C16:0, C17:1 omega8c, and C18:1 omega9c. The G+C content was 67.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MSL-14T is affiliated to the genus Nocardioides and formed a distinct lineage within the genus. MSL-14T showed highest sequence similarity to Nocardioides aestuarii JCM 12125T, having a similarity of 96.5%. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence and phenotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain MSL-14T should be classified as representing a novel member of the genus Nocardioides, for which we propose the name Nocardioides tritolerans sp. nov. The type strain is strain MSL-14T (=KCTC 19289T= DSM 19320T).     

Ferrovibrio denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel neutrophilic facultative anaerobic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium

A neutrophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium was isolated from the redox zone of a low-salinity spring in Krasnodar krai (Russia), at the FeS-Fe(OH)(3) interface deposited at the sediment surface. The cells of strain Sp-1 were short, thin motile vibrioids with one polar flagellum dividing by binary fission. The optimal values and ranges for pH and temperature were pH 6.2 (5.5-8) and 35?°C (5-45?°C), respectively. The organism was a facultative anaerobe. Strain Sp-1 was capable of organotrophic, lithoheterotrophic and mixotrophic growth with Fe(II) as an electron donor. The denitrification chain was 'disrupted'. Oxidation of Fe(II) was coupled to reduction of NO3 - to NO2 - or of N(2) O to N(2) , as well as under microaerobic conditions, with O(2) as an electron acceptor. The DNA G+C content was 64.2?mol%. According to the results of phylogenetic analysis, the strain was 10.6-12% remote from the closest relatives, members of the genera Sneathiella, Inquilinus, Oceanibaculum and Phaeospirillum within the Alphaproteobacteria. Based on its morphological, physiological and taxonomic characteristics, together with the results of phylogenetic analysis, strain Sp-1 is described as a member of a new genus Ferrovibrio gen. nov., with the type species Ferrovibrio denitrificans sp. nov. and the type strain Sp-1(T) (=?LMG 25817(T) =?VKM B-2673(T) ).     

Chimaereicella alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a Gram-negative alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a nonsaline alkaline groundwater

A Gram-negative bacterium designated AC-74(T) was isolated from a highly alkaline groundwater environment (pH 11.4). This organism formed rod-shaped cells, is strictly aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, tolerates up to 3.0% NaCl, has an optimum growth temperature of 30 degrees C, but no growth occurs at 10 or 40 degrees C, and an optimum pH value of 8.0, but no growth occurs at pH 7.0 or 11.3. The predominant fatty acids are iso-15:0, iso-17:1 omega9c and 16:1 omega7c and or iso-15:2OH. The G+C content of DNA was 43.5mol%. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of the 16s RNA genes indicated that strain AC-74(T) belongs to the family "Flexibacteriaceae" and is phylogenetically equidistant ( approximately 94.5%) from the majority of the species of the genus Algoriphagus and from the genus Hongiella. Based on the phylogenetic analyses and distinct phenotypic characteristics, we are of the opinion that strain AC-74(T), represents a new species of the novel genus for which we propose the name Chimaereicella alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov.     

Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus gen. nov., sp. nov., the first alkaliphilic representative of the family Geobacteraceae, isolated from a soda lake

Investigation of iron reduction in bottom sediments of alkaline soda lakes resulted in the isolation of a new obligately anaerobic iron-reducing bacterium, strain Z-0531, from Lake Khadyn (Tuva Republic, Russia) sediment samples. The cells of strain Z-0531 are short (1.0-1.5 by 0.3-0.5 microm), motile, non-spore-forming, gram-negative rods. The isolate is an obligate alkaliphile, developing in the pH range of 7.8-10.0, with an optimum at pH 8.6. It does not require NaCl but grows at NaCl concentrations of 0-50 g/1l. It can oxidize acetate with such electron acceptors as amorphous Fe(llI) hydroxide (AFH), EDTA-Fe(III), anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (quinone), Mn(IV), and S(0). On media with EDTA-Fe(III), the isolate can oxidize, apart from acetate, ethanol, pyruvate, oxalate, arginine, tartrate, lactate, propionate, and serine. H2 is not utilized. The reduced products formed during growth with AFH are siderite or magnetite, depending on the growth conditions. The isolate is incapable of fermenting sugars, peptides, and amino acids. Yeast extract or vitamins are required as growth factors. The organism is capable of dinitrogen fixation and harbors the nifH gene. The DNA G+C content is 55.3 mol %. 16S rRNA analysis places strain Z-0531 into the family Geobacteraceae. Its closest relative (93% similarity) is Desulfuromonas palmitatis. Based on phenotypic distinctions and phylogenetic position, it is proposed that strain Z-0531 be assigned to the new genus and species Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus gen. nov., sp. nov.     

日本三宅岛火山土壤中硫代硫酸盐氧化菌的分离、生物学特性及鉴定

【目的】利用培养法从日本三宅岛火山土壤(堆积年限131年)中分离到一株能氧化分解硫代硫酸盐的细菌MU2A-22T。【方法】用培养法对该菌株MU2A-22T进行了生理生化性质以及分类学位置上的确定。【结果】菌株MU2A-22T为革兰氏阴性,短杆状或球状。理化性质表明该菌株能利用葡萄糖、L-阿拉伯糖、葡萄糖酸盐、己二酸酯、dL-苹果酸钠、硫代硫酸钠(最适浓度为2.5 mmol/L)为唯一碳源进行自养生长。最适生长温度为25°C 30°C,最适pH为6.0 8.0。菌株MU2A-22T的16S rRNA序列与菌株Paracoccus solventivorans 6637T亲缘关系最近,序列相似性为97%,编码核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化酶/加氧酶(Rubisco)的基因也被确定。对Paracoccus属内几种近缘菌的脂肪酸分析,证明菌株MU2A-22T中含有Paracoccus属的特征氨基酸,其中含量大于10%的分别为C18:1(74.7%)和C18:0(12.1%)。DNA-DNA杂交实验表明,菌株MU2A-22T与Paracoccus solventivorans 6637TDNA的相似度为49.3%。MU2A-22T菌株G+C含量为66.5%66.7%。【结论】菌株MU2A-22T为Paracoccus属内的一新种菌(登录号GQ452286),命名为Paracoccus scorialis sp.nov.。     

Marinospirillum alkaliphilum sp. nov., a new alkaliphilic helical bacterium from Haoji soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China

A new helical, alkaliphilic, gram-negative, chemoorganotrophic bacterium designated strain Z4T was isolated from Haoji soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The isolate grows at salinities between 0.2% and 5.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH range 7.0-11.0, with an optimum at 2.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH 9.5. Its growth temperature ranges from 8 degrees to 49 degrees C with an optimum at 37 degrees C. The G+C content of the DNA is 46.8 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone is ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequence comparison indicates that strain Z4T is a member of the genus Marinospirillum. Phenotypic features and DNA-DNA homology of less than 20% with the described species of Marinospirillum support the view that strain Z4T represents a new species of the genus Marinospirillum. Strain Z4T (= AS 1.2746) is proposed as the type strain of a new species, named Marinospirillum alkaliphilum sp. nov.     

Methylophaga murata sp. nov.: a haloalkaliphilic aerobic methylotroph from deteriorating marble

The haloalkaliphilic methylotrophic bacterium (strain Kr3) isolated from material scraped off the deteriorating marble of the Moscow Kremlin masonry has been found to be able to utilize methanol, methylamine, trimethylamine, and fructose as carbon and energy sources. Its cells are gram-negative motile rods multiplying by binary fission. Spores are not produced. The isolate is strictly aerobic and requires vitamin B12 and Na+ ions for growth. It is oxidase- and catalase-positive and reduces nitrates to nitrites. Growth occurs at temperatures between 0 and 42 degrees C (with the optimum temperatures being 20-32 degrees C), pH values between 6 and 11 (with the optimum at 8-9), and NaCl concentrations between 0.05 and 3 M (with the optimum at 0.5-1.5 M). The dominant cellular phospholipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin. The major cellular fatty acids are palmitic (C16:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), and octadecenoic (C18:1) acids. The major ubiquinone is Q8. The isolate accumulates ectoine and glutamate, as well as a certain amount of sucrose, to function as osmoprotectants and synthesizes an exopolysaccharide composed of carbohydrate and protein components. It is resistant to heating at 70 degrees C, freezing, and drying; utilizes methanol, with the resulting production of formic acid, which is responsible for the marble-degrading activity of the isolate; and implements the 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate variant of the ribulose monophosphate pathway. The G+C content of its DNA is 44.6 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA homology levels (23-41%) with neutrophilic and alkaliphilic methylobacteria from the genus Methylophaga, the isolate has been identified as a new species, Methylophaga murata (VKM B-2303T = NCIMB 13993T).