Molecular genetic analysis of new Anabaena strains isolated from a plant-cyanobacterial community

Ecosystems of rice paddies are good sources of new strains of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria that can be used in biotechnological systems for production of photohydrogen. The morphological and physiological properties of two novel epiphytic strains of cyanobacteria, Anabaena sp. 182 and Anabaena sp. 281, were studied. DNA typing of these strains based on PCR amplification of hydrogenase-encoding genes and DNA analysis using RAPD and Rep primers was carried out. The properties of the genome of strain Anabaena sp. 281 differed considerably from those of two reference strains (Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 and Nostoc sp. PCC 7120) with sequenced genomes, whereas strain Anabaena sp. 182 was found to be a close relative of A. variabilis ATCC 29413. Due to a number of physiological and biochemical advantages, Anabaena sp. 182 may be considered a new promising model for molecular and genetic engineering studies aimed at the development of H₂ producers.