Rhodotorula grinbergsii sp. nov. isolated from decayed wood in the evergreen rainy Valdivian forest of southern Chile

An unusual Rhodotorula isolated from decayed wood of Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. is described and illustrated. This species differs enough from all accepted Rhodotorula species (1–5) to warrant its establishment as a new species, Rhodotorula grinbergsii sp. nov.The DNA base composition of this species was not calculated, since our laboratory is not properly equipped for that purpose.     

Rhodotorula matritense sp. nov., isolated from powdered red pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.)

A new species of Rhodotorula Harrison was recovered in May 1978 from Spanish powdered red pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Madrid, Spain. It could not be identified with any hitherto described species of yeast and it was assigned to the genus Rhodotorula Harrison as representative of a new species on the bases of both its morphological and physiological characteristics, for which the name of Rhodotorula matritense is proposed.     

In Vitro Interactions of Amphotericin B Combined with Non-antifungal Agents Against Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Strains

Rhodotorula species are emerging as opportunistic pathogens, causing catheter-associated fungemia in patients with compromised immunity. R. mucilaginosa is considered the most common species involved in human infections. Correct identification and susceptibility testing of Rhodotorula isolates recovered from the blood stream or central nervous system are essential to determine the best management of this unusual infection. The antifungal susceptibility tests showed that Rhodotorula was susceptible to low concentrations of amphotericin B (AMB) but was less susceptible to voriconazole. Combinations of AMB plus several non-antifungal medications were evaluated against 35 susceptible (Rm AMB-S) and resistant (Rm AMB-R) clinical Rhodotorula isolates using the broth microdilution checkerboard technique. We showed that in vitro exposure to increasing concentrations of AMB changed the susceptibility profile to these strains, which were named the Rm AMB-R group. The most synergistic interactions were AMB?+?simvastatin, followed by AMB?+?amlodipine and AMB?+?warfarin. Synergism and antagonism were observed in both groups for the combination AMB?+?cyclosporine A. AMB combined with a fluoroquinolone (AMB?+?levofloxacin) also demonstrated antagonism for the Rm AMB-S strains, but a high percentage of synergistic interactions was observed for the Rm AMB-R group. A combination drug approach can provide a different strategy to treat infections caused by AMB-resistant R. mucilaginosa.

     

Species ofRhodotorula isolated from laryngeal swabs

Summary Three species of the genusRhodotorula were isolated from laryngeal swabs. A new species,Rhodotorula laryngis, is described. The technical assistance of MissAnna Helgerud is gratefully acknowledged.     

Carotenoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodotorula</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaffia</Emphasis>: yeasts of biotechnological importance

Carotenoids represent a group of valuable molecules for the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and feed industries, not only because they can act as vitamin A precursors, but also for their coloring, antioxidant and possible tumor-inhibiting activity. Animals cannot synthesize carotenoids, and these pigments must therefore be added to the feeds of farmed species. The synthesis of different natural commercially important carotenoids (β-carotene, torulene, torularhodin and astaxanthin) by several yeast species belonging to the genera Rhodotorula and Phaffia has led to consider these microorganisms as a potential pigment sources. In this review, we discuss the biosynthesis, factors affecting carotenogenesis in Rhodotorula and Phaffia strains, strategies for improving the production properties of the strains and directions for potential utility of carotenoid-synthesizing yeast as a alternative source of natural carotenoid pigments.     

Two new species of the genus Sporobolomyces and a new Rhodotorula species from leaf surfaces

Two new species of the genus Sporobolomyces and one of the genus Rhodotorula are described. Sporobolomyces elongatus and Rhodotorula armeniaca spp. nov. were isolated from the surfaces of leaves of Callistemon viminalis (Soland ex Gaertn.) G. Don ex Loud. and Sporobolomyces foliicola from the leaves of Banksia collina R. Br. growing at Armidale.     

The numbers of yeasts associated with wine grapes of Bordeaux

Summary A few days before vintage, yeasts were isolated quantitatively from three varieties of wine grape from three châteaux of the Graves region of the Gironde. There were about 10⁵ viable yeasts/g of grape, from which only Kloeckera apiculata, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and one or more species of Rhodotorula were isolated.     

Distribution and identification of red yeasts in deep-sea environments around the northwest Pacific Ocean

We isolated 99 yeast strains, including 40 red yeasts, from benthic animals and sediments collected from the deep-sea floor in various areas in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Comparing the yeast isolates from animals and sediments collected from shallow locations, the proportion of red yeasts differed considerably, comprising 81.5% and 10.6% of the isolates from animals and sediments, respectively. All of the red yeast isolates belonged to the genera Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces. On the basis of morphological and physiological characteristics, the isolates were identified as R. aurantiaca, R. glutinis, R. minuta and R. mucilaginosa of the genus Rhodotorula, and S. salmonicolor and S. shibatanus of the genus Sporobolomyces. Only R. glutinis and R. mucilaginosa were isolated from sediments. All of the others were isolated from animal sources. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and 5.8S rRNA gene sequences allowed us to establish the precise taxonomic placement of each of the isolates and thereby investigate the intraspecific relationships among the isolates. Twenty-two strains identified as members of R. glutinis, which showed a wide distribution in the deep-sea, and five isolates identified as R. minuta, which were isolated only from benthic animals, showed substantial heterogeneity within the species. The isolates phenotypically identified as Sporobolomyces species and R. mucilaginosa phylogenetically occupied the placements corresponding to these species. Some strains assigned to known species on the basis of phenotypic features should be regarded as new species as suggested by the results of molecular analysis.     

Two new yeasts from Hawaiian fruit flies

Summary One yeast isolate from the feces of the fruit flyD. crucigera is new and is described asCandida sorbosa nov. sp. A new species ofRhodotorula from the living larva ofDrosophila pilimanae is described asRhodotorula pilimanae.Supported in part by a grant-in-aid from the Graduate School, Illinois Institute of Technology.     

Microbiological Characteristics and Susceptibility Patterns of Strains of Rhodotorula Isolated from Clinical Samples

The members of the genus Rhodotorula show a marked ubiquity. In man, they have been isolated from faeces, nails, skin, sputum, digestive tract and adenoids, forming part of the normal human flora, although in recent years cases have been reported of both local and systemic infection by this yeast. There are virtually no studies in the literature on the sensitivity of this genus to the antifungal agents in common clinical use. Therefore, it is considered of interest to study the microbiological characteristics and the susceptibility patterns of Rhodotorula isolated from clinical samples. A total of 35 different strains of Rhodotorula were studied. In vitro susceptibility testing to 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole was performed. All the strains were considered sensitive to 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole and resistant to fluconazole. As a conclusion, we can state that all the antifungal agents tested, except fluconazole, are useful medicaments for the treatment of infections by the Rhodotorula genus. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rhodotorula himalayensis sp. nov., a novel psychrophilic yeast isolated from Roopkund Lake of the Himalayan mountain ranges, India

Twenty-five psychrophilic yeasts were isolated from the soil of Roopkund Lake, Himalayas, India. Two colony morphotypes were identified and representatives of ‘morphotype 1’ were identified as Cryptococcus gastricus. Representatives of ‘morphotype 2’, namely 3A^T, 4A, 4B and Rup4B, showed similar phenotypic properties and are identical with respect to the nucleotide sequence of the ITS1-5.8S rRNA gene-ITS2 region and D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. The sequence of D1/D2 domain of 3A^T shows 97.6–98.8% similarity with Rhodotorula psychrophila CBS10440^T, Rhodotorula glacialis CBS10437^T and Rhodotorula psychrophenolica CBS10438^T and in the neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree strains; 3A^T, 4A, 4B and Rup4B form a cluster with Rhodotorula glacialis and Rhodotorula psychrophila. Strains 3A^T, 4A, 4B and Rup4B also differ from their nearest phylogenetic relatives in several biochemical characteristics such as in assimilation of d-galactose, l-sorbose, maltose, citrate, d-glucuronate and creatinine. Thus, based on the phylogenetic analysis and the phenotypic differences 3A^T, 4A, 4B and Rup 4B are assigned the status of a new species of Rhodotorula for which the name Rhodotorula himalayensis sp. nov. is proposed with 3A^T as the type strain (=CBS10539^T =MTCC8336^T). GenBank/EMBL accession numbers for (partial) 18SrRNA gene-ITS1-5.8S rRNA gene-ITS2-26S rRNA gene (partial) sequences of Rhodotorula himalayensis sp. nov. 3A^T is AM410635.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodotorula taiwanensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel yeast species from a plant in Taiwan

A novel anamorphic yeast strain, A1-01^T, belonging to the genus Rhodotorula was isolated from a plant in Taiwan and analysed morphologically, physiologically and phylogenetically. Neither ballistoconidia nor sexual reproduction was observed. Sequence analysis of the 26S rRNA gene and the ITS region indicate that Rhodosporidium sphaerocarpum is the most closely related species, with 14 and 24 nucleotide substitutions, respectively. The novel species differed physiologically from R. sphaerocarpum in its ability to assimilate ethylamine and cadaverine, its inability to assimilate ethanol and nitrite. From these comparative analyses, the following novel yeast species is proposed: Rhodotorula taiwanensis sp. nov. with the type strain of A1-01^T (BCRC 23118^T = CBS 11729^T).     

酵母菌促进铅和镉胁迫下麻疯树生长的研究

为了筛选对铅和镉具有抗性和吸附性的酵母菌,构建麻疯树根系-酵母菌联合修复体系,促进高浓度铅和镉胁迫下麻疯树的生长。该研究分别从麻疯树的根段、珙桐的茎段、珙桐的根段分离到3株具有铅、镉抗性的酵母菌,分别命名为Jc、Di1、Di2,测定了三者对铅、镉的抗性和吸附性,并将筛选出的2株能吸附铅、镉的酵母菌菌株接种到麻疯树幼苗,研究接种两种酵母菌的麻疯树植株对铅、镉胁迫的响应。结果表明:经形态学和生理生化特征观察,Jc初步鉴定红酵母属(Rhodotorula sp.),Di1为假丝酵母属(Candida sp.),Di2为德巴利酵母属(Debaryomyces sp.)。三种酵母菌对铅、镉都有一定的抗性,其抗性能力的大小为JcDi2Di1。Di1和Jc对铅和镉都具有一定的吸附性将其用于接种麻疯树幼苗。与不接种酵母菌(CK)的麻疯树植株相比,接种Di1和Jc的麻疯树植株在根、茎、叶、全株干重方面显著增加,叶绿素、全株氮、全株磷浓度显著增加,SOD、POD、CAT的活性提高,丙二醛(MDA)浓度显著下降。从综合接种效应来看,Jc、Di1作为铅、镉的钝化剂,是铅、镉胁迫下促进麻疯树生长的备选菌株,这对于提高麻疯树对铅、镉污染土壤修复效率具有重要的意义。     

On the existence of H+-symport in yeasts

34 yeast strains representing 22 species and two varieties were investigated for the existence of a proton-sugar symport. The changes in pH of unbuffered cell suspensions on the addition of alkali, acid, transportable sugars and uncouplers were recorded. Responses indicating the existence of an energy dependent proton extrusion and H⁺-sugar symport were found in most cases, particularly in Rhodotorula but rarely in Saccharomyces species. Remarkable differences were found among strains belonging to the same species.List of Abbreviations DNP 2,4-dinitrophenole - CCCP carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone     

Ecology of yeasts in polluted water

The general size and composition of the extant yeast populations in 13 polluted freshwater habitats were surveyed. Subsequently the yeast populations in three of the 13 locations were quantitatively determined and compared. The three locations had (A) low pollution levels, (B) heavy industrial waste pollution, and (C) heavy domestic waste pollution.The yeast population at location A was dominated byRhodotorula andCryptococcus isolates. At station BRhodotorula andCandida were predominant.Candida isolates were in the majority at location C andRhodotorula strains were second in frequency, but were much lower in proportion of the population than at the other two habitats.These polluted waters in general had large yeast populations, ranging as high as 27,000 yeasts per 100 ml, and averaging approximately 3000 yeasts per 100 ml.The presence of human wastes was especially associated with large increases in the proportion ofCandida yeasts in the environment. The genusRhodotorula was consistently present at all locations, but the genusCryptococcus was a major component of the yeast population only in non-polluted or lightly polluted fresh water.We appreciate the assistance of the Calumet Area Surveillance Program, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, Chicago, in the collection of water samples. This investigation was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Research Grant No. AI 04642 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodotorula oryzae</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from paddy rice

A basidiomyetous yeast strain RO-203, which formed orange-red colored colonies, was isolated from a sample of paddy rice crops at the ripe stage in Japan. Morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Rhodotorula. Molecular taxonomic analysis based on the 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences showed that RO-203 represents an undescribed yeast species, for which the name Rhodotorula oryzae sp. nov. is proposed (type strain: AS 2.2363^T = MAFF 516128^T). The new species clustered in a branch together with Sakaguchia dacryoidea in phylogenetic trees based on the D1/D2 and ITS sequences. These two species differed by 2.3% and 12% nucleotide divergences in the D1/D2 and ITS regions, respectively.     

Aphanomyces root rot of cauliflower

Résumé L'influence du cycloheximide sur la composition chimique des parois de deux levures Rhodotorula après 24 heures et 4 jours de croissance dans deux milieux de culture différents a été étudiée.La composition en glucides neutres ne varie que faiblement en fonction de l'âge des cellules, la détermination du rapport des oses neutres n'indiquant qu'un léger enrichissement en mannose dans les parois des cellules âgées. Chez Rhodotorula glutinis, les teneurs en hexosamines et aminoacides augmentent nettement en fonction de l'âge des cellules, cette variation ne se produit pas chez Rhodotorula rubra. Les teneurs en chitine sont dépendantes de la nature du milieu de culture mais non de l'âge des cellules sauf chez Rhodotorula glutinis.L'influence du cycloheximide sur la composition chimique se traduit par une baisse globale en protéines et par une perturbation des concentrations d'aminoacides.Le rapport molaire des oses neutres indique une baisse systématique du galactose. Les valeurs des hexosamines sont également plus faibles; la diminution de la chitine est surtout très nette lorsque les cellules se développent dans un milieu normalement favorable à son élaboration, cependant il n'apparaît pas de relation directe entre les baisses des teneurs en hexosamines et en chitine.

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Summary The influence of cycloheximide on the chemical composition of the cell walls of two Rhodotorula yeasts, cultivated during 24 and 96 hours in two different media, has been studied.The composition, of the neutral sugars varies only weakly with the age of the cells, the determination of the molar ratio revealing only a little increase of mannose.Hexosamine and aminoacids contents in Rhodotorula glutinis cells distinctly increase in old cells; this variation does not appear in Rhodotorula rubra. The content of chitine depends on the culture conditions but not on the age of cells, except with Rhodotorula glutinis.The influence of cycloheximide on the chemical structure is responsable of a general decrease of protein and a perturbation of the concentration of the different aminoacids. The molar ratio of the neutral sugars indicates a decrease of galactose in the cell walls. The values of hexosamine are also lower; the decrease of chitine is especialy appearant when the cells are cultivated in a medium which normaly favors the synthesis of this polymer, but there is no direct relation between the decrease of hexosamin and chitin.

     

Asymmetric reduction of aryl ketones with a new isolate Rhodotorula sp. AS2.2241

A yeast strain, Rhodotorula sp. AS2.2241, capable of reducing acetophenone and α-bromoacetophenone with high stereoselectivity, was isolated from soil samples through a novel screening procedure in which acetophenone was supplied in vapor state as the sole carbon and energy source. The biosynthesis of the ketone reductase in the yeast cells reached a maximum of 41.0 U/l at 20 h of cultivation. The reductase isolated from the Rhodotorula sp. cells was partially purified by 52.6-fold through a single column chromatography of DEAE–cellulose. The catalytic performance of the partially purified reductase was examined, and the highest activity was observed at pH 6.5 and 50 °C. The short-chain alkyl aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and those aldehydes or ketones with a benzoyl group were found to be good substrates for the reductase. In the preparative bioreductions of 50 mM acetophenone and 2 mM α-bromoacetophenone using resting cells of Rhodotorula sp. AS2.2241, (S)-(−)-1-phenylethanol (>99.5% enantiomeric excess (e.e.), 34.7% yield) and (R)-(−)-2-bromo-1-phenylethanol (>99.9% e.e., 19.9% yield) were obtained, respectively.     

Rhodotorula fujisanensis,a new taxonomic combination

The demonstration of carotenoid pigments in the type strain and one additional strain ofTorulopsis fujisanensis Soneda necessitates the transfer of this species to the genusRhodotorula asRhodotorula fujisanensis (Soneda) Johnson et Phaff comb. nov.