Halorubrum rubrum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a Chinese salt lake

Two halophilic archaeal strains, YC87^T and YCA11, were isolated from Yuncheng salt lake in Shanxi, China. Cells of the two strains were observed to be pleomorphic rod-shaped, stained Gram-negative and produced red-pigmented colonies. Strain YC87^T was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.1 M NaCl), at 0.05–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.3 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) while strain YCA11 was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.1–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0.01–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.1 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.5). The cells of both isolates were observed to lyse in distilled water. The minimum NaCl concentrations that prevented cell lysis were determined to be 8 % (w/v) for strain YC87^T and 12 % (w/v) for strain YCA11. The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and one major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether; another major glycolipid and trace amounts of several unidentified lipids were also detected. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 99.8 % identical, showing 93.2–98.2 % similarity to members of the genus Halorubrum of the family Halobacteriaceae. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains YC87^T and YCA11 was 99.3 % and showed 87.5–95.2 % similarity to the closest relative members of the genus Halorubrum. The DNA G+C content of strains YC87^T and YCA11 were determined to be 64.9 and 64.5 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain YC20^T and strain YC77 was 87 % and the two strains showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Halorubrum cibi JCM 15757^T and Halorubrum aquaticum CGMCC 1.6377^T, the most related members of the genus Halorubrum. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strains YC87^T and YCA11 represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC87^T (=CGMCC 1.12124^T = JCM 18365^T).     

Haloplanus litoreus sp. nov. and Haloplanus ruber sp. nov., from a marine solar saltern and an aquaculture farm,respectively

Two halophilic archaea, strains GX21^T and R35^T, were isolated from a marine solar saltern and an aquaculture farm in China, respectively. Cells of the two strains were observed to be pleomorphic, flat, to contain gas vesicles, stain Gram-negative and produce red-pigmented colonies. Strain GX21^T was found to be able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.6–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.4 M NaCl), at 0.05–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.1 M MgCl₂) and at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum pH 6.5) while strain R35^T was found to be able to grow at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 2.1–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.03 M MgCl₂) and at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 6.5–7.0). The cells of both isolates were observed to lyse in distilled water. The minimum NaCl concentrations that prevented cell lysis were determined to be 15 % (w/v) for strain GX21^T and 12 % (w/v) for strain R35^T. The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid and a minor lipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and mannosyl glucosyl diether, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains GX21^T and R35^T show 97.1 % sequence similarity to each other and are closely related to Haloplanus aerogenes TBN37^T (96.8 and 95.8 %), Haloplanus vescus RO5-8^T (96.7 and 96.1 %), Haloplanus salinus YGH66^T (96.4 and 95.8 %) and Haloplanus natans JCM 14081^T (96.3 and 95.4 %). The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains GX21^T and R35^T is 90.5 % and show 88.5–90.8 % similarity to the Haloplanus species with validly published names. The DNA G+C content of strain GX21^T and R35^T were determined to be 65.8 and 66.0 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain GX21^T and strain R35^T, and the two strains with the Haloplanus species with validly published names, showed less than 50 % DNA–DNA relatedness. It was concluded that strain GX21^T (=CGMCC 1.10456^T = JCM 17092^T) and strain R35^T (=CGMCC 1.10594 ^T = JCM 17271^T) represent two new species of Haloplanus, for which the names Haloplanus litoreus sp. nov. and Haloplanus ruber sp. nov. are proposed.     

Marinobacter persicus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a saline lake in Iran

A Gram-negative, non-endospore-forming, rod shaped, strictly aerobic, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain M9B^T, was isolated from the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain M9B^T were found to be motile and produce colonies with an orange-yellow pigment. Growth was determined to occur between 5 and 20 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 7.5–10 % (v/w) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were determined to be pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over pH and temperature ranges of 6–8 and 25–45 °C, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M9B^T is a member of the genus Marinobacter. The closest relative to this strain was found to be Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus MBIC 1303^T with a similarity level of 97.7 %. DNA–DNA hybridization between the novel isolate and this phylogenetically related species was 13 ± 2 %. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were identified as C_16:0, C_19:1 ω6c, C_18:1 ω9c and C_16:1 ω9c. The polar lipid pattern of strain M9B^T was determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and three phospholipids. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the only lipoquinone detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was determined to be 58.6 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter persicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinobacter persicus is strain M9B^T (=IBRC-M 10445^T = CCM 7970^T = CECT 7991^T = KCTC 23561^T).     

Bacillus sediminis sp. nov., isolated from an electroactive biofilm

A Gram-stain positive, facultative anaerobic, motile, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium with peritrichous flagella, designated DX-5^T, was isolated from an electroactive biofilm. Growth was observed to occur at 35–60 °C, at pH 7.0–10.0 and with 0.5–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum growth: 50 °C, pH 8.0 and 0.5–3 % NaCl). Cells were determined to be catalase- and oxidase-positive. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as MK-7; the major polar lipids were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid, aminoglycolipid and an unidentified phospholipid; the DNA G+C content was determined to be 46.6 mol%; and the major fatty acids (>5 %) were identified as anteiso-C_15:0 (33.6 %), iso-C_15:0 (24.1 %) and anteiso-C_17:0 (13.4 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that strain DX-5^T should be assigned to the genus Bacillus, and was related most closely to the type strains of B. fortis DSM 16012^T (96.3 %), B. composti KACC 16872^T (96.3 %) and B. fordii DSM 16014^T (95.8 %). Results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic analysis indicated that strain DX-5^T represents a novel species, for which the name B. sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DX-5^T (=CGMCC 1.12412^T = KCTC 33102^T).     

Halorubrum salinum sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern

The halophilic archaeal strain GX71^T was isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells of the strain were pleomorphic and lysed in distilled water, stained Gram-negative and formed red-pigmented colonies. Strain GX71^T was able to grow at 25–45 °C (optimum 30 °C), in the presence of 1.7–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M NaCl), with 0.005–0.7 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.05 M MgCl₂) and at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0–7.5). Cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell lysis was 10 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-3) and an unidentified lipid was also detected. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain GX71^T showed 94.0–97.0 % similarity to members of the genus Halorubrum of the family Halobacteriaceae. The rpoB′ gene sequence of strain GX71^T was 87.3–93.4 % similarity to current members of the genus Halorubrum. The DNA G+C content of GX71^T was 67.1 mol%. Strain GX71^T showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Halorubrum lipolyticum CGMCC 1.5332^T, Halorubrum saccharovorum CGMCC 1.2147^T, Halorubrum kocurii CGMCC 1.7018^T and Halorubrum arcis CGMCC 1.5343^T, the most closely related members of the genus Halorubrum. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX71^T represents a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum salinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GX71^T (= CGMCC 1.10458^T = JCM 17093^T).     

Halococcus sediminicola sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a marine sediment

A novel, red-pigmented and coccoid haloarchaeon, designated strain CBA1101^T, was isolated from a marine sediment. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CBA1101^T is most closely related to the genus Halococcus in the family Halobacteriaceae. Strain CBA1101^T had a highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.4 % with Halococcus dombrowskii DSM 14522^T, followed by 93.7–98.3 % with sequences of other type strains in the genus Halococcus. The RNA polymerase subunit B′ gene sequence similarity of strain CBA1101^T with that of Halococcus qingdaonensis JCM 13587^T is 89.5 % and lower with those of other members of the genus Halococcus. Strain CBA1101^T was observed to grow at 25–40 °C, pH 6.0–9.0 and in the presence of 15–30 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 35–40 °C, pH 7.0 and with 20 % NaCl. The cells of strain CBA1101^T are Gram-negative and did not lyse in distilled water. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglyerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, sulfated diglycosyl diether, unidentified phospholipids and unidentified glycolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined 66.0 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization experiment showed that there was less than 40 % relatedness between strain CBA1101^T and the reference species in the genus Halococcus. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain CBA1101^T is considered to represent a new species in the genus Halococcus, for which the name Halococcus sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBA1101^T (=JCM 18965^T = CECT 8275^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Deinococcus knuensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from river water

Strain 16F3H^T, a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, and oval-shaped bacterium, was isolated from river water collected from the Han River in South Korea. Growth of strain 16F3H^T was observed at 10–42 °C (optimum at 25–30 °C), but no growth occurred at 4 °C. The strain is able to grow at pH 4–10 (optimum at pH 7–8) and tolerates up to 4% NaCl (w/v), with optimum growth at 0.5% NaCl. The isolate was found to be resistant to UV irradiation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it is closely related to ‘Deinococcus seoulensis’ 16F1E (98.8%), Deinococcus aquaticus PB314^T (98.1%) and Deinococcus caeni Ho-08^T (98.0%). The level of DNA–DNA homology between the novel strain and the three related strains was 57.4, 41.2, and 35.8%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain 16F3H^T possesses MK-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid as the major polar lipid, and C_15:1 ω6c and C_16:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 65.7 mol%. Based on polyphasic evidence, strain 16F3H^T (=KCTC 33794^T = JCM 31406^T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel Deinococcus species, for which the name Deinococcus knuensis sp. nov. is proposed.     

Haloplanus salinus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon from a Chinese marine solar saltern

Halophilic archaeal strain YGH66^T was isolated from the Yinggehai marine solar saltern near the Sanya city of Hainan Province, China. Cells were pleomorphic, flat, stained Gram-negative, and produced pink-pigmented colonies. Strain YGH66^T was able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M NaCl), at 0.005–1.0 M MgCl₂ (optimum 0.05 M MgCl₂), and at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells of strain YGH66^T were lysed in distilled water, and the minimum NaCl concentration that prevented cell lysis was 5 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, one major glycolipid (GL1) chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and a minor unidentified lipid (GL2), respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YGH66^T was closely related to Haloplanus natans JCM 14081^T, Haloplanus aerogenes TBN37^T, and Haloplanus vescus RO5-8^T with the similarities of 98.0, 97.6, and 96.9 %, respectively. The rpoB′ gene similarity between strain YGH66^T and the current three members of Haloplanus were 90.4–92.8 %. The DNA G+C content of strain YGH66^T was 67.2 mol %. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain YGH66^T and three members of Haloplanus, H. natans JCM 14081^T, H. aerogenes TBN37^T, H. vescus RO5-8^T were 50, 46 and 39 %, respectively. It was concluded that strain YGH66^T represents a novel species of the genus Haloplanus, for which the name Haloplanus salinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YGH66^T (=CGMCC 1.12127^T = JCM 18368^T).     

Haloarchaeobius litoreus sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX1^T and GX60 were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern, China. Cells from the two strains were observed to be rod-shaped and stained Gram-negative, with red-pigmented colonies. Strains GX1^T and GX60 were found to be able to grow at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6 M), at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg²⁺ for growth. The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was found to be 8 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were identified as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and three glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Haloarchaeobius iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that each strain had two dissimilar 16S rRNA genes and both strains were phylogenetically related to Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T (94.9–98.9 % nucleotide identity). The rpoB′ gene similarity between strains GX1^T and GX60, and between these strains and Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T were found to be 99.6, 96.0 and 95.8 %, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain GX1^T and GX60 were determined to be 67.7 and 67.8 mol %, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value of strains GX1^T and GX60 was 86 % and the two strains showed low DNA–DNA relatedness with Hab. iranensis IBRC-M 10013^T (38 and 32 %). It was concluded that strain GX1^T (= CGMCC 1.10390^T = JCM 17114^T) and strain GX60 (= CGMCC 1.10389 = JCM 17120) represent a new species of Haloarchaeobius, for which the name Haloarchaeobius litoreus sp. nov. is proposed.     

Methanomethylovorans uponensis sp. nov., a methylotrophic methanogen isolated from wetland sediment

A novel mesophilic, methylotrophic, methanogenic archaeon, designated strain EK1^T, was enriched and isolated from wetland sediment. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain EK1^T was affiliated with the genus Methanomethylovorans within the family Methanosarcinaceae, and shared the highest 16S rRNA and methyl-coenzyme M reductase alpha-subunit gene sequence similarity with the type strain of Methanomethylovorans hollandica (98.8 and 92.6 %, respectively). The cells of strain EK1^T were observed to be Gram-negative, non-motile and irregular cocci that did not lyse in 0.1 % (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate. Methanol, mono-, di- and trimethylamine, dimethyl sulfide and methanethiol were found to be used as catabolic and methanogenic substrates, whereas H₂/CO₂, formate, 2-propanol and acetate were not. Growth was observed at 25–40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 5.5–7.5 (optimum, pH 6.0–6.5) and in the presence of 0–0.1 M NaCl (optimum, 0 M). Growth and methane production rates were stimulated in the presence of H₂/CO₂ although methane production and growth yields were not significantly affected; acetate, formate, 2-propanol and CO/CO₂/N₂ did not affect methane production. CoCl₂ (0.6–2.0 μM) and FeCl₂ (25 mg/l) stimulated growth, while yeast extract and peptone did not. The DNA–DNA hybridization experiment revealed a relatedness of <20 % between EK1^T and the type strains of the genus Methanomethylovorans. The DNA G+C content of strain EK1^T was determined to be 39.2 mol%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic study, strain EK1^T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Methanomethylovorans, for which the name Methanomethylovorans uponensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain EK1^T(=NBRC 109636^T = KCTC 4119^T = JCM 19217^T).     

Halopenitus salinus sp. nov., isolated from the brine of salted brown alga Laminaria

A halophilic archaeal strain, SKJ47^T, was isolated from a commercial preparation of the brown alga Laminaria produced at Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. Cells of the strain were observed to be short rods, stain Gram-negative, and to form red-pigmented colonies on solid media. Strain SKJ47^T was found to be able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9–4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6–3.1 M), at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was found to be 5 % (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and two glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Halopenitus persicus IBRC 10041^T. The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB′ gene of strain SKJ47^T were found to be phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halopenitus malekzadehii IBRC-M 10418^T (96.3 and 91.9 % nucleotide identity, respectively) and Hpt. persicus IBRC 10041^T (96.2 and 93.8 %). The DNA G+C content of strain SKJ47^T was determined to be 65.0 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain SKJ47^T (=CGMCC 1.12229^T = JCM 18641^T) represents a new species of the genus Halopenitus, for which the name Halopenitus salinus sp. nov. is proposed.     

Natronomonas gomsonensis sp. nov., isolated from a solar saltern

A halophilic archaeal strain, SA3^T, was isolated from sediment of a solar saltern in Gomso Bay, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain SA3^T were observed to be coccoid-shaped, to lyse in distilled water, Gram stain-negative and to form red-pigmented colonies. Strain SA3^T was found to require at least 18 % (w/v) NaCl for growth. Optimal growth was observed at 24 % (w/v) NaCl and 6 % (w/v) MgCl₂. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were determined to be pH 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively, while the strain was found to grow within pH and temperature ranges of 5.5–8.0 and 20–45 °C, respectively. The polar lipids were determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, unidentified phosphoglycolipids and unidentified phospholipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SA3^T was most closely related to the members of the genus Natronomonas, Natronomonas moolapensis JCM 14361^T (95.2 %) and Natronomonas pharaonis JCM 8858^T (95.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content (61.8 mol%) determined for strain SA3^T was slightly lower than those of N. moolapensis JCM 14361^T (63.4 mol%) and N. pharaonis JCM 8858^T (64.3 mol%). DNA–DNA hybridization values between N. moolapensis JCM 14361^T and N. pharaonis JCM 8858^T and strain SA3^T were <20 %. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, we describe a new species of the genus Natronomonas, represented by strain SA3^T (=JCM 17867^T = KCTC 4088^T), for which we propose the name Natronomonas gomsonensis sp. nov.     

Tepidibacillus fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov.: a moderately thermophilic anaerobic and microaerophilic bacterium from an underground gas storage

A novel moderately thermophilic bacterium, strain STGH^T, was isolated from Severo-Stavropolskoye underground gas storage (Russia). Cells of strain STGH^T were spore-forming motile straight rods 0.3 μm in diameter and 2.0–4.0 μm in length having a Gram-positive cell wall structure. The temperature range for growth was 36–65 °C, with an optimum at 50–52 °C. The pH range for growth was 5.5–8.0, with an optimum at pH 7.0–7.5. Growth of strain STGH^T was observed at NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 to 4.0 % (w/v) with an optimum at 1.0 % (w/v). Strain STGH^T grew anaerobically by reduction of nitrate, thiosulfate, S⁰ and AQDS using a number of complex proteinaceous compounds, organic acids and carbohydrates as electron donors. Nitrate was reduced to nitrite; thiosulfate and sulfur were reduced to sulfide. It also was able to ferment pyruvate, glucose, fructose, and maltose. The strain STGH^T did not grow under aerobic conditions during incubation with atmospheric concentration of oxygen but was able to microaerobic growth (up to 10 % of oxygen in gas phase). The G+C content of DNA of strain STGH^T was 34.8 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolated organism belongs to the class Bacilli. We propose to assign strain STGH^T to a new species of a novel genus Tepidibacillus fermentans gen. nov., sp.nov. The type strain is STGH^T (=DSM 23802^T, =VKM B-2671^T).     

A Sunflower Lectin with Antifungal Properties and Putative Medical Mycology Applications

Using a new culture method for unculturable soil bacteria, we discovered a novel species, NHI-38^T, from the forest soil of Kyonggi University campus, South Korea. It was a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and endospore-forming bacterial strain. It grew over a wide pH range (6.5–9.5), with an optimum range of pH 7–9, and in a wide range of temperatures (15–60 °C), with an optimum range of 35–45 °C. Growth was possible at 0–2 % NaCl concentration, and the optimal range was between 0.5 and 1.5 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this new species clustered within the genus Bacillus; it was closely related to “Bacillus abyssalis” SCSIO 15042^T (98.86 %), B. methanolicus NCIMB 13113^T (95.97 %), B. vietnamensis 15-1^T (95.8 %), B. seohaeanensis BH724^T (95.5 %), B. timonensis MM10403188^T (95.33 %), and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis NCIB 3610^T (94.87 %). The main fatty acid components of this bacterium were iso-C_15:0 (35.92 %), summed feature 3 (C_16:1ω7c/C_16:1ω6c; 16.92 %), and anteiso-C_15:0 (14.19 %). The predominant quinone in this bacterial strain was MK-7. The polar lipid profile primarily comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C composition of the isolate was 40.7 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization results indicated that this strain was distinct from other Bacillus species, the degree of similarity being 50 % with “B. abyssalis”, 56 % with B. methanolicus, 47 % with B. vietnamensis, 43 % with B. seohaeanensis, 46 % with B. timonensis, and 32 % with B. subtilis. Based on our results, we regard strain NHI-38^T as a novel member of the Bacillus genus, and we propose the name Bacillus thaonhiensis (=KACC 17216^T = KEMB 9005-019^T = JCM 18863^T).     

Halobellus rufus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt

A halophilic archaeon, designed strain CBA1103^T, was isolated from non-purified solar salt. The cells of strain CBA1103^T were observed to be Gram-stain negative and pleomorphic, and the colonies appear red. Strain CBA1103^T was observed to grow between 20 and 55 °C (optimum 37 °C), and in NaCl concentrations of 10–30 % (w/v) (optimum 15 %) with 0–0.5 M MgSO₄·7H₂O (optimum 0.1 M) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). Additionally, the cells lyse in distilled water. The major polar lipids of strain CBA1103^T are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and two glycolipids chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and manosyl glucosyl diether. Strain CBA1103^T is shown to belong to the Halobellus genus and exhibits similarity to related taxa; the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain CBA1103^T and Halobellus rarus 18362^T, Hbs. limi 16811^T, Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118^T, Hbs. inordinatus YC20^T, Hbs. clavatus TNN18^T and Hbs. salinus CSW2.24.4^T is 97.3, 96.5, 96.5, 94.5, 94.5 and 93.7 %, respectively. The RNA polymerase subunit B gene sequence of strain CBA1103^T shows 93.7 % similarity with the sequence of Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118^T; the similarity is lower with sequences from the type strains of other species of Halobellus. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA1103^T was determined to be 67.0 mol% a value which is in the range of the genomic DNA G+C content of members of the genus Halobellus (61.5–69.2 mol%). These results suggest that strain CBA1103^T should be considered to represent a new taxon for which the name Halobellus rufus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CBA1103^T (=CECT 8423^T =JCM 19434^T).     

Bacillus borbori sp. Nov., Isolated From an Electrochemically Active Biofilm

A Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, motile, endospore-forming rod strain, designated DX-4^T, was isolated from an electrochemically active biofilm. Growth occurred at 30–65 °C (optimum 55 °C), at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum pH 7.0–7.5) and with <6 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive. The main respiratory quinone was MK-7, the predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, and unidentified aminophospholipid, the DNA G+C content was 38.6 mol% and the major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C_15:0 (38.9 %), iso-C_17:0 (30.5 %), iso-C_16:0 (5.6 %), and anteiso-C_17:0 (5.2 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain DX-4^T is a member of the genus Bacillus. The results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic analyses clearly indicated that strain DX-4^T represents a novel species, for which the name Bacillus borbori sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DX-4^T (= CCTCC AB2012196^T = KCTC 33103^T).     

Sporosarcina siberiensis sp. nov., isolated from the East Siberian Sea

A Gram-stain positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain 1111S-42^T, was isolated from the East Siberian Sea. The organism was found to grow at 4–30 °C, pH 7.0–8.5 and in 0–8 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth occurring at 28 °C, pH 7.5 and in 1 % NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain 1111S-42^T was found to belong to the genus Sporosarcina and to be most closely related to Sporosarcina contaminans CCUG53915^T (97.3 %) and Sporosarcina soli I80^T (97.2 %). The main polar lipids were found to include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C_15:0 (34.4 %), iso-C_15:0 (29.8 %) and anteiso-C_17:0 (22.4 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 1111S-42^T was determined to be 39 mol %. The values of DNA–DNA relatedness between the strain 1111S-42^T and related type strains of the genus Sporosarcina were less than 30 %. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, along with extensive physiological and chemotaxonomic testing, we conclude that the bacterium represents a novel species of the genus Sporosarcina, for which the name Sporosarcina siberiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain 1111S-42^T (=CGMCC 1.12516^T = LMG 27494^T).     

Halorubrum halophilum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt-fermented seafood

A novel, red-pigmented, pleomorphic and short rod-shaped haloarchaeon, designated B8^T, was isolated from a salt-fermented seafood. Strain B8^T was found to be able to grow at 20–45 °C, in the presence of 15–30 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0–9.0. The optimum requirements were found to be a temperature range of 35–40 °C, pH 8.0 and the presence of 25 % NaCl. The cells of strain B8^T were observed to be Gram-staining negative and lysed in distilled water. Anaerobic growth did not occur in the presence of nitrate, l-arginine, dimethyl sulfoxide or trimethylamine N-oxide. The catalase and oxidase activities were found to be positive and nitrate was reduced in aerobic conditions. Tween 20, 40 and 80 were found to be hydrolyzed, whereas casein, gelatin and starch were not hydrolyzed. Indole or H₂S was not formed and urease activity was not detected. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain B8^T is most closely related to members of the genus Halorubrum in the family Halobacteriaceae. Strain B8^T was found to have three 16S rRNA genes, rrnA, rrnB and rrnC; similarities between the 16S rRNA gene sequences are 99.0–99.8 %. Strain B8^T shared 99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Halorubrum (Hrr.) lipolyticum JCM 13559^T and Hrr. saccharovorum DSM 1137^T, 98.8 % with Hrr. kocurii JCM 14978^T, 98.3 % with Hrr. lacusprofundi DSM 5036^T, 98.0 % with Hrr. arcis JCM 13916^T, 97.7 % with Hrr. aidingense JCM 13560^T and 97.0 % with Hrr. aquaticum JCM 14031^T, as well as 93.7–96.5 % with other type strains in the genus Halorubrum. The RNA polymerase subunit B′ gene sequence similarity of strain B8^T with Hrr. kocurii JCM 14978^T is 97.2 % and lower with other members of the genus Halorubrum. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that strain B8^T shared equal or lower than 50 % relatedness with reference species in the genus Halorubrum. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain B8^T was determined to be 64.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone of strain B8^T was identified as menaquinone-8 and the major polar lipids as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and an unidentified phospholipid. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain B8^T is considered to represent a new species in the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Hrr. halophilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B8^T (=JCM 18963^T = CECT 8278^T).     

Roseovarius azorensis sp. nov., isolated from seawater at Espalamaca,Azores

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore forming, rod shaped aerobic bacterium, designated strain SSW084^T, was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected at Espalamaca (38°33′N; 28°39′W), Azores. Growth was found to occur from 15 to 40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 25–100 % seawater or 0.5–7.0 % NaCl in the presence of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺; no growth was found with NaCl alone. Colonies on seawater nutrient agar were observed to be punctiform, white, convex, circular, smooth, and translucent. Strain SSW084^T did not grow on Zobell marine agar and tryptic soy agar even when seawater supplemented. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10 and the G + C content was determined to be 61.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SSW084^T belongs to the genus Roseovarius and that its closest neighbours are Roseovarius tolerans EL-172^T, Roseovarius mucosus DFL-24^T and Roseovarius lutimaris 112^T with 95.7, 95.4 and 95.3 % sequence similarity respectively. The remaining species of Roseovarius showed <95 % similarity. The polar lipids of strain SSW084^T were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The major fatty acids identified were identified as C_18:1 ω7c (52.5 %) and C_16:0 (13.8 %). On the basis of phenotypic, molecular and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SSW084^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which Roseovarius azorensis sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is SSW084^T (=KCTC 32421^T = MTCC 11812^T).