Search

An aerobic methane oxidizing bacterium, designated XLMV4T, was isolated from the oxic surface layer of an oil sands tailings pond in Alberta, Canada. Strain XLMV4T is capable of growth on methane and methanol as energy sources. NH4Cl and sodium nitrate are nitrogen sources. Cells are Gram-negative, beige to yellow-pigmented, motile (via a single polar flagellum), short rods 2.0–3.3 µm in length and 1.0–1.6 µm in width. A thick capsule is produced. Surface glycoprotein or cup shape proteins typical of the genera Methylococcus, Methylothermus and Methylomicrobium were not observed. Major isoprenoid quinones are Q-8 and Q-7 at an approximate molar ratio of 71 : 22. Major polar lipids are phosphoglycerol and ornithine lipids. Major fatty acids are C16 : 1 ω8+C16 : 1 ω7 (34 %), C16 : 1 ω5 (16 %), and C18 : 1 ω7 (11 %). Optimum growth is observed at pH 8.0 and 25 °C. The DNA G+C content based on a draft genome sequence is 46.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes and a larger set of conserved genes place strain XLMV4T within the class Gammaproteobacteria and family Methylococcaceae , most closely related to members of the genera Methylomicrobium and Methylobacter (95.0–97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). In silico genomic predictions of DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain XLMV4T to the nearest phylogenetic neighbours were all below 26 %. On the basis of the data presented, strain XLMV4T is considered to represent a new genus and species for which the name Methylicorpusculum oleiharenae is proposed. Strain XLMV4T (=DSMZ DSM 27269=ATCC TSD-186) is the type strain.

An isolate of aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and light-pink pigmented bacteria, designated SBC68T, was obtained from slightly decomposed thalli of the lichen Cladonia sp. collected from the forested tundra of north-western Siberia. Cells of this isolate occurred singly, in pairs or in rosettes. These bacteria were acidophilic (optimum growth at pH 4.3–5.6) and mesophilic (optimum growth at 20–30 °C) but were also capable of growth at low temperatures, down to 7 °C. The preferred growth substrates were sugars, some organic acids and lichenan. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, Cω7t, and 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid. The only quinone was MK-8, and the G+C content of the DNA was 54.7 mol%. SBC68T represented a member of the family Acidobactericeae; the closest taxonomically described relatives were Edaphobacter dinghuensis DHF9T and Granulicella aggregans TPB6028T (97.2 and 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). In 16S rRNA gene-based trees, SBC68T clustered together with species of the genus Edaphobacter . However, this isolate differed from all previously described species of the genus Edaphobacter with respect to the pink pigmentation, formation of cell rosettes and substrate utilization pattern. On the basis of these data, strain SBC68T should be considered to represent a novel species of acidobacteria, for which the name Edaphobacter lichenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SBC68T (=DSM 104462T=VKM B-3208T).

An aerobic, mildly acidophilic actinobacterium was isolated from the Ochre Beds bog in Kootenay National Park, Canada. Cells of isolate OB1T were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, pink- to purple-pigmented filaments. The pH range for growth was pH 3.5–6.5 (optimum pH 5.5), and the temperature range was 13–30°C. The major cellular fatty acids were i-C16 : 0 (28.5 %), i-C15 : 0 (14.6 %) and ai-C15 : 0 (14.3 %), and the major polar lipid was phosphohexose. The major quinone was menaquinone-11 (MK-11), and the peptidoglycan type was A1γ. The DNA G+C content was 70.2 %. Along with growth on complex media including yeast extract, proteose peptone, casamino acids and tryptic soy broth, growth occured on mono- and disaccharides (glucose, sucrose, galactose and xylose) and polysaccharides (starch, gellan, pectin, xylan and alginate). Anaerobic growth was not observed. The cells did not fix atmospheric nitrogen. On the basis of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, this isolate belonged to the family Actinospicaceae , in the suborder Catenulisporineae of the order Actinomycetales . The most closely related species was Actinospica robiniae . However, the 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to this bacterium was low (92.8 %) and there were several chemotaxonomic differences from this species. We therefore propose a novel genus and species, Actinocrinis puniceicyclus gen. nov., sp. nov., with strain OB1T (=DSM 45618T=ATCC BAA-2771T) as the type strain.

Pirellula-like planctomycetes are ubiquitous aquatic bacteria, which are often detected in anoxic or micro-oxic habitats. By contrast, the taxonomically described representatives of these bacteria, with very few exceptions, are strict aerobes. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the facultatively anaerobic planctomycete, strain PX69T, which was isolated from a boreal lake. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence is affiliated with the Pirellula-related Pir4 clade, which is dominated by environmental sequences retrieved from a variety of low-oxygen habitats. Strain PX69T was represented by ellipsoidal cells that multiplied by budding and grew on sugars, some polysaccharides and glycerol. Anaerobic growth occurred by means of fermentation. Strain PX69T grew at pH 5.5–7.5 and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C. The major fatty acids were C18:1ω9c, C16:0 and C16:1ω7c; the major intact polar lipid was dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine. The complete genome of strain PX69T was 6.92 Mb in size; DNA G + C content was 61.7 mol%. Among characterized planctomycetes, the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity (90.4%) was observed with ‘Bythopirellula goksoyri’ Pr1d, a planctomycete from deep-sea sediments. We propose to classify PX69T as a novel genus and species, Lacipirellula parvula gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain is strain PX69T (=KCTC 72398T = CECT 9826T = VKM B-3335T). This genus is placed in a novel family, Lacipirellulaceae fam. nov., which belongs to the order Pirellulales ord. nov. Based on the results of comparative genome analysis, we also suggest establishment of the orders Gemmatales ord. nov. and Isosphaerales ord. nov. as well as an emendation of the order Planctomycetales.

Planctomycetes of the family Gemmataceae are characterized by large genome sizes and cosmopolitan distribution in freshwater and terrestrial environments but their ecological functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a novel representative of this family, strain PL17T, which was isolated from a littoral tundra wetland and was capable of growth on xylan and cellulose. Cells of this isolate were represented by pink-pigmented spheres that multiplied bybudding and occurred singly or in short chains and aggregates. Strain PL17 T was obligately aerobic, mildly acidophilic chemoorganotrophic bacterium, which displayed good tolerance of low temperatures. The majorfatty acids were C18:0, C16:1ω5, and βOH-C 16:1; the major polar lipid was trimethylornithine. The genome of strain PL17T consisted of a 9.83 Mb chromosome and a 24.69 kb plasmid. The G + C contents of the chromosomal and plasmid DNA were 67.4 and 62.3 mol%, respectively. Over 8900 potential protein-coding genes were identified in the genome including a putative cellulase that contains a domain from the GH5 family of glycoside hydrolases. The genome of strain PL17T contained one linked and one unlinked rRNA operons with16S rRNA gene sequences displaying 94.5% similarity to that in Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM2246T. Based on the results of comparative phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenomic analyses, we propose to classify strain PL17T (= CECT 9407T = VKMB-3467T) as representing a novel genus and species of the family Gemmataceae, Frigoriglobus tundricola gen. nov., sp. nov.

Anaerobic enrichments with acetate as electron donor and carbon source, and elemental sulfur as electron acceptor at 4 M NaCl using anaerobic sediments and brines from several hypersaline lakes in Kulunda Steppe (Altai, Russia) resulted in isolation in pure culture of four strains of obligately anaerobic haloarchae growing exclusively by sulfur respiration. Such metabolism has not yet been demonstrated in any known species of Halobacteria, and in the whole archaeal kingdom, acetate oxidation with sulfur as acceptor was not previously demonstrated. The four isolates had nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and formed a novel genus-level branch within the family Halobacteriaceae. The strains had a restricted substrate range limited to acetate and pyruvate as electron donors and elemental sulfur as electron acceptor. In contrast to aerobic haloarchaea, the biomass of anaerobic isolates completely lacked the typical red pigments. Growth with acetate+sulfur was observed between 3–5 M NaCl and at a pH range from 6.7 to 8.0. The membrane core lipids were dominated by archaeols. On the basis of distinct physiological and phylogenetic data, the sulfur-respiring isolates represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Halanaeroarchaeaum sulfurireducens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is HSR2T (=JCM 30661T=UNIQEM U935T).

An isolate of strictly aerobic, pale-pink pigmented bacteria, strain AF10T, was obtained from an organic soil layer in forested tundra, Nadym region, West Siberia. Cells of strain AF10T were Gram-negative, non-motile rods that produced an amorphous extracellular polysaccharide-like substance and formed large cell aggregates in old cultures. These bacteria were chemoorganotrophic, mildly acidophilic and psychrotolerant, and grew between pH 3.5 and 7.0 (optimum, pH 4.5–5.0) and at temperatures between 2 and 30 °C. The preferred growth substrates were sugars and some polysaccharides. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1∆9 c and 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid. The genome of strain AF10T was 6.14 Mbp in size and encoded a wide repertoire of carbohydrate active enzymes. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain AF10T is a member of the genus Granulicella, family Acidobacteriaceae , but displays 94.4–98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to currently described members of this genus. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses, we propose to classify this bacterium as representing a novel species of the genus Granulicella, Granulicella sibirica sp. nov. Strain AF10T (=DSM 104461T=VKM B-3276T) is the type strain.

A novel member of the phylum Verrucomicrobia was isolated from an oilsands tailings pond in Alberta, Canada. Cells of isolate NVTT are Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-pigmented, non-motile cocci to diplococci 0.5–1.0 µm in diameter. The bacterium is neutrophilic (optimum pH 6.0–8.0) but alkalitolerant, capable of growth between pH 5.5 and 11.0. The temperature range for growth is 15–40 °C (optimum 25–37 °C). Carbon and energy sources include sugars and organic acids. Nitrogen sources include nitrate, urea, l-glycine, l-alanine, l-proline and l-serine. Does not fix atmospheric nitrogen. Does not require NaCl and is inhibited at NaCl concentrations above 3.0 % (w/v). The DNA G+C content of strain NVTT, based on a draft genome sequence, is 66.1 mol%. MK-6 and MK-7 are the major respiratory quinones. Major cellular fatty acids are anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain belongs to the family Opitutaceae of the phylum Verrucomicrobia . The most closely related validated species is Opitutus terrae (93.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to its type strain PB90-1T). Based on genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it was concluded that this strain represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Oleiharenicola alkalitolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this novel species is NVTT (=ATCC BAA-2697T;=DSM 29249T).

Two strains of aerobic, budding, pink-pigmented bacteria, P12T and P515, were isolated from a lichen-dominated peatland and a forested tundra soil of north-western Siberia, respectively. Cells of these isolates were represented by non-motile spheres that occurred singly or were arranged in short chains and aggregates. While growing on solid media, cells of strains P12T and P515 attached to the surface by means of holdfast-like appendages. These isolates were mildly acidophilic (optimum growth at pH 5.5–6.0), psychrotolerant bacteria, which displayed tolerance of low temperatures (4–15 °C), grew optimally at 15–22 °C and did not grow at temperatures above 28 °C. The preferred growth substrates were sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. Trimethylornithine lipid was the major polar lipid. The only quinone was MK-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 61.2–62.2 mol%. Strains P12T and P515 possessed identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, which affiliated them with the family Isosphaeraceae , order Planctomycetales , and these displayed the highest similarity (93–94 %) to 16S rRNA gene sequences from members of the genus Singulisphaera . However, the signature fatty acid of species of the genus Singulisphaera , i.e. C18 : 2 ω6c,12c, was absent in cells of strains P12T and P515. They also differed from members of the genus Singulisphaera by substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolates should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Tundrisphaera lichenicola gen. nov., sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is P12T (=LMG 29571T=VKM B-3044T).

A novel bacterium was isolated from a freshwater hot spring, the Hale House Spring, located at Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, AR, USA. Cells of strain MP-01T stained Gram-negative, were rod-shaped, non-motile, strictly anaerobic and chemo-organotrophic and did not form spores. Growth occurred at 50–65 °C, with an optimum at 60 °C, at pH 6.0–8.0, with an optimum at pH 6.5–7.0, and at NaCl concentrations up to 0.5 % (w/v), with optimum growth in the absence of NaCl. Strain MP-01T was capable of fermentative growth on pyruvate or proteinaceous substrates as well as reducing Fe(III) and Mn(IV). Major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-10. In the polyamine pattern, sym-homospermidine was the predominant compound. The DNA G+C content was 62.7 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate indicated that strain MP-01T represents the first reported cultivated member of subdivision 23 of the Acidobacteria . It is proposed that strain MP-01T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Thermoanaerobaculum aquaticum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Thermoanaerobaculum aquaticum is MP-01T ( = DSM 24856T = JCM 18256T).

An aerobic, budding, dark pink to red-pigmented bacterium was isolated from an acidic boreal Sphagnum peat bog and designated strain SP5T. Cells of this strain were non-motile spheres that were uniformly covered with crateriform pits and fimbria, and tended to form aggregates during growth in liquid media. Strain SP5T was capable of growth between pH 4.0 and pH 6.8 (optimum at pH 5.5–6.0) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum at 20–25 °C). The preferred growth substrates were sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. The major fatty acids were C20 : 1 ω9c, C16 : 1 ω9c and C16 : 0, and the major polar lipid was trimethylornithine. Cells contained also significant amounts of bound (ω-1)OH-C30 : 1 fatty acid. The quinone was menaquinone-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 60.7 mol%. Strain SP5T was a member of the order Planctomycetales and belonged to the phylogenetic lineage defined by the genus Gemmata . It displayed 88 and 89 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Gemmata obscuriglobusUQM 2246T and ‘ Gemmata massiliana’ IIL30, 89 % to Zavarzinella formosa A10T and 86 % to Telmatocola sphagniphila SP2T. However, strain SP5T differed from members of these genera by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and fatty acid composition. Based on these data, the novel isolate should be considered as representing a novel species of a new genus of planctomycetes, for which the name Fimbriiglobus ruber gen. nov., sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is SP5T (=LMG 29572T=VKM B-3045T). We also suggest the establishment of a novel family, Gemmataceaefam. nov., which includes the phylogenetically related genera Gemmata , Zavarzinella , Telmatocola and Fimbriiglobus .

An aerobic, pink-pigmented, chemo-organotrophic bacterium, designated strain SN10T, was isolated from a methanotrophic enrichment culture obtained from an acidic Sphagnum peat. This isolate was represented by Gram-negative, non-motile rods that multiply by normal cell division and form rosettes. Strain SN10T is an obligately acidophilic, mesophilic bacterium capable of growth at pH 3.2–6.6 (with an optimum at pH 4.7–5.2) and at 6–32 °C (with an optimum at 20–24 °C). The preferred growth substrates are sugars and several heteropolysaccharides of plant and microbial origin, such as pectin, lichenan, fucoidan and gellan gum. While not being capable of growth on C1 compounds, strain SN10T can develop in co-culture with exopolysaccharide-producing methanotrophs by utilization of their capsular material. The major fatty acids determined in strain SN10T using the conventional lipid extraction procedure are iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c. Upon hydrolysis of total cell material, substantial amounts of the uncommon membrane-spanning lipid 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid (isodiabolic acid) were also detected. The polar lipids are two phosphohexoses, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and several phospholipids of unknown structure. The major quinone is MK-8. Pigments are carotenoids. The G+C content of the DNA is 60.7 mol%. Strain SN10T forms a separate lineage within subdivision 1 of the phylum Acidobacteria and displays 94.0–95.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the genera Edaphobacter and Granulicella, 93.0–93.7 % similarity to members of the genus Terriglobus and 92.2–92.3 % similarity to the type strains of Telmatobacter bradus and Acidobacterium capsulatum. Therefore, strain SN10T is classified within a novel genus and species, for which the name Bryocella elongata gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain SN10T ( = LMG 25276T = DSM 22489T) is the type strain of Bryocella elongata. An emended description of Edaphobacter aggregans Koch et al. 2008 is also given.

Two isolates of aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, strains Sph1T and Sph2, were obtained from cold methane seeps in a floodplain of the river Mukhrinskaya, Irtysh basin, West Siberia. Another morphologically and phenotypically similar methanotroph, strain OZ2, was isolated from a sediment of a subarctic freshwater lake, Archangelsk region, northern Russia. Cells of these three strains were Gram-stain-negative, light-pink-pigmented, non-motile, encapsulated, large cocci that contained an intracytoplasmic membrane system typical of type I methanotrophs. They possessed a particulate methane monooxygenase enzyme and utilized only methane and methanol. Strains Sph1T, Sph2 and OZ2 were able to grow at a pH range of 4.0–8.9 (optimum at pH 6.0–7.0) and at temperatures between 2 and 36 °C. Although their temperature optimum was at 20–25 °C, these methanotrophs grew well at lower temperatures, down to 4 °C. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1ω5c, C16 : 1ω6c, C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 1ω8c, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0; the DNA G+C content was 51.4–51.9 mol%. Strains Sph1T, Sph2 and OZ2 displayed nearly identical (99.1–99.7 % similarity) 16S rRNA gene sequences and belonged to the family Methylococcaceae of the class Gammaproteobacteria . The most closely related organism was Methylovulum miyakonense HT12T (96.0–96.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 90 % pmoA sequence similarity). The novel isolates, however, differed from Methylovulum miyakonense HT12T by cell morphology, pigmentation, absence of soluble methane monooxygenase, more active growth at low temperatures, growth over a broader pH range and higher DNA G+C content. On the basis of these differences, we propose a novel species, Methylovulum psychrotolerans sp. nov., to accommodate these methanotrophs. Strain Sph1T (=LMG 29227T=VKM B-3018T) is the type strain.

Two isolates of aerobic, budding, pink-pigmented bacteria, designated strains PX4T and PT1, were isolated from a boreal Sphagnum peat bog and a forested tundra wetland. Cells of these strains were non-motile spheres that occurred singly or in short chains. Novel isolates were capable of growth at pH values between 3.5 and 6.5 (optimum at pH 5.0–5.5) and at temperatures between 6 and 30 °C (optimum at 15–25 °C). Most sugars and a number of polysaccharides including pectin, xylan, lichenin and Phytagel were used as growth substrates. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9 and C18 : 0; the major polar lipids were phosphocholine and trimethylornithine. The quinone was menaquinone-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 66 mol%. Strains PX4T and PT1 were members of the order Planctomycetales and displayed 93–94 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Aquisphaera giovannonii, 91–92 % to species of the genus Singulisphaera and 90–91 % to Isosphaera pallida. The two novel strains, however, differed from members of these genera by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolates should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Paludisphaera borealis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is PX4T ( = DSM 28747T = VKM B-2904T). We also suggest the establishment of a novel family, Isosphaeraceae fam. nov., to accommodate stalk-free planctomycetes with spherical cells, which can be assembled in short chains, long filaments or shapeless aggregates. This family includes the genera Isosphaera, Aquisphaera, Singulisphaera and Paludisphaera.

An aerobic, budding, non-pigmented and rosette-forming bacterium was isolated from a littoral wetland of a boreal lake located in Valaam Island, northern Russia, and designated strain P3T. Ellipsoidal to pear-shaped cells of this bacterium were covered with crateriform pits and possessed stalks suggesting a planctomycete morphotype. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain P3T was a member of the order Planctomycetales and belonged to a phylogenetic lineage defined by the genus Planctomyces , with 89 and 86 % sequence similarity to Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris , respectively. Strain P3T was a mildly acidophilic, mesophilic organism capable of growth at pH values between pH 4.2 and 7.1 (with an optimum at pH 6.0–6.5) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum at 20–28 °C). Most sugars, a number of polysaccharides and several organic acids were the preferred growth substrates. Compared with Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris , which require NaCl for growth, strain P3T was salt-sensitive and did not develop at NaCl concentrations above 0.5 % (w/v). The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c; the cells also contained significant amounts of C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0. The major intact polar lipids were diacylglycerol-O-(N,N,N-trimethyl)homoserine (DGTS) lipids; the major neutral lipids were long-chain 1,(ω-1)-diols and C31 : 9 hydrocarbon. The quinone was MK-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 59.0 mol%. Strain P3T differed from Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolate should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Planctomicrobium piriforme gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is P3T ( = DSM 26348T = VKM B-2887T).

A facultatively anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming bacterium was isolated from a littoral wetland of a boreal lake located on Valaam Island, northern Russia, and designated strain P105T. Cells of this isolate were Gram-negative, non-motile rods coated by S-layers with p2 lattice symmetry. Sugars were the preferred growth substrates. Under anoxic conditions, strain P105T was capable of fermentation and dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. End products of fermentation were acetate, propionate and H2. Strain P105T was a mildly acidophilic, mesophilic organism, capable of growth at pH 4.0–7.2 (optimum pH 5.5–6.0) and at 4–35 °C (optimum at 20–28 °C). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c; the cells also contained significant amounts of 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid (isodiabolic acid). The major polar lipids were phosphocholine and phosphoethanolamine; the quinone was MK-8. The G+C content of the DNA was 60.5 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain P105T belongs to subdivision 3 of the Acidobacteria and is only distantly related (90 % sequence similarity) to the only currently characterized member of this subdivision, Bryobacter aggregatus . The novel isolate differs from Bryobacter aggregatus in its cell morphology and ability to grow under anoxic conditions and in the presence of iron- and nitrate-reducing capabilities as well as quinone and polar lipid compositions. These differences suggest that strain P105T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Paludibaculum fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Paludibaculum fermentans is P105T ( = DSM 26340T = VKM B-2878T).

A novel nitrite-oxidizing bacterium (NOB), strain LbT, was isolated from a nitrifying bioreactor with a high loading of ammonium bicarbonate in a mineral medium with nitrite as the energy source. The cells were oval (lancet-shaped) rods with pointed edges, non-motile, Gram-positive (by staining and from the cell wall structure) and non-spore-forming. Strain LbTwas an obligately aerobic, chemolitoautotrophic NOB, utilizing nitrite or formate as the energy source and CO2as the carbon source. Ammonium served as the only source of assimilated nitrogen. Growth with nitrite was optimal at pH 6.8–7.5 and at 40 °C (maximum 46 °C). The membrane lipids consisted of C20alkyl 1,2-diols with the dominant fatty acids being 10MeC18and C18 : 1ω9. The peptidoglycan lackedmeso-DAP but contained ornithine and lysine. The dominant lipoquinone was MK-8. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16s rRNA gene sequence placed strain LbTinto the classThermomicrobiaof the phylumChloroflexiwithSphaerobacter thermophilusas the closest relative. On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic data, it is proposed that strain LbTrepresents a novel species of a new genus, with the suggested nameNitrolancea hollandicagen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is LbT( = DSM 23161T = UNIQEM U798T).

A novel anaerobic succinate-producing bacterium, strain ZWBT, was isolated from sludge collected from a biogas desulfurization bioreactor (Eerbeek, the Netherlands). Cells were non-spore-forming, motile, slightly curved rods (0.4–0.5 µm in diameter and 2–3 µm in length), and stained Gram-negative. The temperature range for growth was 25–40 °C, with an optimum at 37 °C. The pH range for growth was 7.0–9.0, with an optimum at pH 7.5. Strain ZWBT was able to ferment glycerol and several carbohydrates mainly to H2, succinate and acetate. Sulfur and fumarate could be used as electron acceptors by strain ZWBT. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 37.6 mol%. The most abundant fatty acids were iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 DMA. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain ZWBT belongs to the family Ruminococcaceae and it is distantly related to Saccharofermentans acetigenes JCM 14006T (92.1 %). Based on the physiological features and phylogenetic analysis, strain ZWBT represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Ercella succinigenes gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Ercella succinigenes is ZWBT ( = DSM 27333T = JCM 19283T).

An aerobic chemoheterotrophic gliding bacterium, designated RYGT, was isolated from a soil in Germany. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, thin rods (0.4–0.6 µm in width and 2.0–5.5 µm in length). Cells multiplied by normal cell division and no resting stages were observed. Colonies were yellow and displayed swarming edges. Gliding motility was observed in wet mounts. Strain RYGT grew at pH 5.6–7.7 (optimum pH 6.6–7.0), at 13–37 °C (optimum 25–30 °C) and with 0–1.0 % NaCl (optimum 0–0.1 %). The isolate was incapable of atmospheric nitrogen fixation and grew on most mono- and disaccharides as well as a few polysaccharides and organic acids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7, the major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1ω5c and iso-C15 : 0 and the major intact polar lipids were composed of phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives and two unknown series. The DNA G+C content was 49.9 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes , class Cytophagia , order Cytophagales , but was only distantly related to any cultured bacteria. The closest relatives were Ohtaekwangia koreensis 3B-2T and Ohtaekwangia kribbensis 10AOT (both 93 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). We propose a novel genus and species, Chryseolinea serpens gen. nov., sp. nov.. Strain RYGT ( = DSM 24574T = ATCC BAA-2075T) is the type strain.

Members of the phylum Planctomycetes are common inhabitants of northern wetlands. We used barcoded pyrosequencing to survey bacterial diversity in an acidic (pH 4.0) Sphagnum peat sampled from the peat bog Obukhovskoye, European North Russia. A total of 21189 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained, of which 1081 reads (5.1%) belonged to the Planctomycetes. Two-thirds of these sequences affiliated with planctomycete groups for which characterized representatives have not yet been available. Here, we describe two organisms from one of these previously uncultivated planctomycete groups. One isolate, strain OB3, was obtained from the peat sample used in our molecular study, while another strain, SP2(T) (=DSM 23888(T) = VKM B-2710(T)), was isolated from the peat bog Staroselsky moss. Both isolates are represented by aerobic, budding, pink-pigmented, non-motile, spherical cells that are arranged in unusual, dendriform-like structures during growth on solid media. These bacteria are moderately acidophilic and mesophilic, capable of growth at pH 4.0-7.0 (optimum pH 5.0-5.5) and at 6-30°C (optimum 20-26°C). The preferred growth substrates are various heteropolysaccharides and sugars, the latter being utilized only if provided in low concentrations (≤0.025%). In contrast to other described planctomycetes, strains SP2(T) and OB3 possess weak cellulolytic potential. The major fatty acids are C16:1ω5c, C18:1ω5c, C16:0, and C18:0. Characteristic lipids are the n-C31 polyunsaturated alkene (9-10 double bonds) and C30:1/C32:1 (ω-1) hydroxy fatty acids. The G + C content of the DNA is 58.5-59.0 mol%. Strains SP2(T) and OB3 share identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, which exhibit only 86 and 87% similarity to those of Gemmata obscuriglobus and Zavarzinella formosa. Based on the characteristics reported here, we propose to classify these novel planctomycetes as representatives of a novel genus and species, Telmatocola sphagniphila gen. nov., sp. nov.

An aerobic, pink-pigmented, budding bacterium, designated strain S26T, was isolated from an acidic Sphagnum peat bog of north-western Russia. Cells were non-motile and spherical, occurring singly, in pairs or in short chains, and were able to attach to surfaces by means of a holdfast material. Strain S26T was a moderately acidophilic, mesophilic organism capable of growth at pH 3.2–7.1 (optimum at pH 4.8–5.0) and at 4–33 °C (optimum at 20–26 °C). Most sugars, several organic acids and polyalcohols were the preferred growth substrates. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 2ω6c,12c. The major neutral lipids were n-C31 : 9 hydrocarbon and squalene; the polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and components with an unknown structure. The DNA G+C content of strain S26T was 62.2 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S26T is a member of the order Planctomycetales. Among taxonomically characterized representatives of this order, highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (95.1–95.2 %) were observed with strains of the non-filamentous, peat-inhabiting planctomycete Singulisphaera acidiphila. Strain S26T could be differentiated from Singulisphaera acidiphila based on pigmentation, significant differences in substrate utilization patterns, greater tolerance of acidic conditions and the presence of C16 : 1ω9c. Based on the data presented, strain S26T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Singulisphaera, for which the name Singulisphaera rosea sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is S26T ( = DSM 23044T = VKM B-2599T).

Two strains of subdivision 1 Acidobacteria , a pink-pigmented bacterium KA1T and a colourless isolate WH120T, were obtained from acidic Sphagnum peat and wood under decay by the white-rot fungus Hyploma fasciculare, respectively. Cells of these isolates were Gram-negative-staining, non-motile, short rods, which were covered by large polysaccharide capsules and occurred singly, in pairs, or in short chains. Strains KA1T and WH120T were strictly aerobic mesophiles that grew between 10 and 33 °C, with an optimum at 22–28 °C. Both isolates developed under acidic conditions, but strain WH120T was more acidophilic (pH growth range 3.5–6.4; optimum, 4.0–4.5) than strain KA1T (pH growth range 3.5–7.3; optimum , 5.0–5.5). The preferred growth substrates were sugars. In addition, the wood-derived isolate WH120T grew on oxalate, lactate and xylan, while the peat-inhabiting acidobacterium strain KA1T utilized galacturonate, glucuronate and pectin. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω8c; the cells also contained significant amounts of 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid. The quinone was MK-8. The DNA G+C contents of strains KA1T and WH120T were 54.1 and 51.7 mol%, respectively. Strains KA1T and WH120T displayed 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to each other. The closest recognized relatives were Acidobacterium capsulatum and Telmatobacter bradus (93.4–94.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). These species differed from strains KA1T and WH120T by their ability to grow under anoxic conditions, the absence of capsules, presence of cell motility and differing fatty acid composition. Based on these differences, the two new isolates are proposed as representing a novel genus, Acidicapsa gen. nov., and two novel species. Acidicapsa borealis gen. nov., sp. nov. is the type species for the new genus with strain KA1T ( = DSM 23886T = LMG 25897T = VKM B-2678T) as the type strain. The name Acidicapsa ligni sp. nov. is proposed for strain WH120T ( = LMG 26244T = VKM B-2677T = NCCB 100371T).

Soil nitrification is an important process for agricultural productivity and environmental pollution. Though one cultivated representative of ammonia-oxidizing Archaea from soil has been described, additional representatives warrant characterization. We describe an ammonia-oxidizing archaeon (strain MY1) in a highly enriched culture derived from agricultural soil. Fluorescence in situ hybridization microscopy showed that, after 2 years of enrichment, the culture was composed of >90% archaeal cells. Clone libraries of both 16S rRNA and archaeal amoA genes featured a single sequence each. No bacterial amoA genes could be detected by PCR. A [ 13 C]bicarbonate assimilation assay showed stoichiometric incorporation of 13 C into Archaea -specific glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers. Strain MY1 falls phylogenetically within crenarchaeal group I.1a; sequence comparisons to “ Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus” revealed 96.9% 16S rRNA and 89.2% amoA gene similarities. Completed growth assays showed strain MY1 to be chemoautotrophic, mesophilic (optimum at 25°C), neutrophilic (optimum at pH 6.5 to 7.0), and nonhalophilic (optimum at 0.2 to 0.4% salinity). Kinetic respirometry assays showed that strain MY1's affinities for ammonia and oxygen were much higher than those of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). The yield of the greenhouse gas N 2 O in the strain MY1 culture was lower but comparable to that of soil AOB. We propose that this new soil ammonia-oxidizing archaeon be designated “ Candidatus Nitrosoarchaeum koreensis.”

Aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MB) are the primary terrestrial sinks for the greenhouse gas methane. A distinct characteristic of MB is the presence of specific phospholipid ester-linked fatty acids (PLFA) in their membranes that differentiate them from each other and also from all other organisms. These distinct PLFA patterns facilitate microbial ecology studies. For example, the assimilation of C from methane into PLFA can be traced in environmental samples using stable isotope ((13)C) probing (SIP), which links the activity of MB to their community composition in situ. However, the phylogenetic resolution of this method is low because of a lack of PLFA profiles from cultured MB species. In this study, PLFA profiles of 22 alphaproteobacterial (type II) MB were analysed after growth on methane, methanol or both substrates together. Growth on different substrates did not affect the PLFA profiles of the investigated strains. A number of Methylocystis strains contained novel C18:2 fatty acids (omega 7c,12c and omega 6c,12c) that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. The detection of these novel PLFA, combined with the analyses of multiple type II strains, increased the phylogenetic resolution of PLFA analysis substantially. Multivariate analysis of the expanded MB PLFA database identified species groups that closely reflected phylogenies based on 16S rRNA and pmoA gene sequences. The PLFA database therefore provides a robust framework for linking identity to activity in MB communities with a higher resolution than was previously possible.

A bacterium (strain G5G6) that grows anaerobically with toluene was isolated from a polluted aquifer (Banisveld, the Netherlands). The bacterium uses Fe(III), Mn(IV) and nitrate as terminal electron acceptors for growth on aromatic compounds. The bacterium does not grow on sugars, lactate or acetate. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain G5G6 belonged to the Betaproteobacteria. Its closest, but only distantly related, cultured relative is Sterolibacterium denitrificans Chol-1S(T) (94.6% similarity of the 16S rRNA genes), a cholesterol-oxidizing, denitrifying bacterium. Strain G5G6 possesses the benzylsuccinate synthase A (bssA) gene encoding the alpha-subunit of Bss, which catalyzes the first step in anaerobic toluene degradation. The deduced BssA amino acid sequence is closely related to those of Azoarcus and Thauera species, which also belong to the Betaproteobacteria. Strain G5G6 is the first toluene-degrading, iron-reducing bacterium that does not belong to the Geobacteraceae within the Deltaproteobacteria. Based on phylogenetic and physiological comparison, strain G5G6 could not be assigned to a described species. Therefore, strain G5G6 (DSMZ 19032(T)=JCM 14632(T)) is a novel taxon of the Betaproteobacteria. We propose the name Georgfuchsia toluolica gen. nov., sp. nov.

A novel sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain HB1(T), was isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating paper-mill wastewater operated at 37 degrees C. Cells of strain HB1(T) were oval to rod-shaped, 1-1.3 microm wide and 2.6-3.5 microm long and Gram-negative. The optimum temperature for growth was 28-30 degrees C. In the presence of sulfate, the isolate was able to grow on H(2)/acetate, formate, ethanol, propionate, fumarate, succinate, butyrate, crotonate, catechol, benzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, palmitate and stearate. The isolate only grew on H(2) when acetate was added as a carbon source; when grown on formate, acetate was not required. Growth was also possible on pyruvate and crotonate without an electron acceptor. The isolate showed very poor growth on acetate. Thiosulfate and sulfate were used as electron acceptors. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain HB1(T) represents a novel lineage within the Deltaproteobacteria; sequence similarities between strain HB1(T) and members of other related genera were less than 91%. Strain HB1(T) was also distinguished from members of related genera based on differences in several phenotypic characteristics. It is a member of the family Desulfobacteraceae. The major cellular fatty acids of strain HB1(T) were C(16:0), iso-C(15:0), anteiso-C(15:0) and C(14:0). beta-Hydroxy fatty acids were also present in the range of C(14:0) to C(18:0), of which C(16:0) was the most abundant. The G+C content of the DNA was 55.1 mol%. Based on physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain HB1(T) is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Desulfatirhabdium butyrativorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Desulfatirhabdium butyrativorans is HB1(T) (=DSM 18734(T) =JCM 14470(T)).

Three strains of budding, ellipsoid-shaped and rosette-forming bacteria were isolated from acidic Sphagnum-dominated boreal wetlands of northern Russia and were designated strains MPL7T, MOB77 and SB2. The presence of crateriform pits and numerous fibrillar appendages on the cell surface and an unusual spur-like projection on one pole of the cell indicated a planctomycete morphotype. These isolates are moderately acidophilic, mesophilic organisms capable of growth at pH values between 4.2 and 7.5 (with an optimum at pH 5.0–6.2) and at temperatures between 4 and 32 °C (optimum 15–26 °C). The major fatty acids are C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω7c; the major quinone is MK-6. The G+C content of the DNA is 54.4–56.5 mol%. Strains MPL7T, MOB77 and SB2 possess nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and belong to the planctomycete lineage defined by the genus Planctomyces, being most closely related to Planctomyces limnophilus DSM 3776T (86.9–87.1 % sequence similarity). However, strain MPL7T showed only 28 % DNA–DNA hybridization with P. limnophilus DSM 3776T. Compared with currently described members of the genus Planctomyces, the isolates from northern wetlands do not form long and distinctive stalks, have greater tolerance of acidic conditions and low temperatures, are more sensitive to NaCl, lack pigmentation and degrade a wider range of biopolymers. The data therefore suggest that strains MPL7T, MOB77 and SB2 represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Schlesneria paludicola gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. Strain MPL7T (=ATCC BAA-1393T =VKM B-2452T) is the type strain of Schlesneria paludicola.

Post-glacial Ace Lake (Vestfold Hills, Antarctica), which was initially a freshwater lake and then an open marine system, is currently a meromictic basin with anoxic, sulfidic and methane-saturated bottom waters. Lipid and 16S ribosomal RNA gene stratigraphy of up to 10,400-year-old sediment core samples from the lake revealed that these environmentally induced chemical and physical changes caused clear shifts in the species composition of archaea and aerobic methanotrophic bacteria. The combined presence of lipids specific for methanogenic archaea and molecular remains of aerobic methanotrophic bacteria (13C-depleted Δ8(14)-sterols and 16S rRNA genes) revealed that an active methane cycle occurred in Ace Lake during the last 3000 calendar years and that the extant methanotrophs were most likely introduced when it became a marine inlet (9400 y BP); rDNA sequences of known methanogens were only recovered from the oldest sediments deposited during the freshwater phase. The latter sequences showed 100% sequence similarity with Methanosarcinales species from freshwater environments and were the source of sn-2- and sn3-hydroxyarchaeols. Archaeal phylotypes related to uncultivated Archaea associated with various marine environments were recovered from the present-day anoxic water column and sediments deposited during the meromictic and marine period.

The family Gemmataceae accommodates aerobic, chemoorganotrophic planctomycetes, which inhabit various freshwater ecosystems, wetlands and soils. Here, we describe a novel member of this family, strain PX52T, which was isolated from a boreal eutrophic lake in Northern Russia. This isolate formed pink-pigmented colonies and was represented by spherical cells that occurred singly, in pairs or aggregates and multiplied by budding. Daughter cells were highly motile. PX52T was an obligate aerobic chemoorganotroph, which utilized various sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. Growth occurred at pH 5.0–7.5 (optimum pH 6.5) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum 20–25 °C). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ɷ7c, C18 : 0 and βOH-C16:0; the major intact polar lipid was trimethylornithine, and the quinone was MK-6. The complete genome of PX52T was 9.38 Mb in size and contained nearly 8000 potential protein-coding genes. Among those were genes encoding a wide repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) including 33 glycoside hydrolases (GH) and 87 glycosyltransferases (GT) affiliated with 17 and 12 CAZy families, respectively. DNA G+C content was 65.6 mol%. PX52T displayed only 86.0–89.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to taxonomically described Gemmataceae planctomycetes and differed from them by a number of phenotypic characteristics and by fatty acid composition. We, therefore, propose to classify it as representing a novel genus and species, Limnoglobus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is strain PX52T (=KCTC 72397T=VKM B-3275T).