Search

A novel psychrotolerant bacterium, designed strain M6-79T, was isolated from an arctic glacial foreland soil sample collected from Ny-Alesund in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Cells of strain M6-79T were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and produced a red-pigment. Strain M6-79T was strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-endospore-forming, oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain M6-79T was phylogenetically related to Roseomonas aquatica TR53T (95.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Roseomonas lacus TH-G33T (94.3 %), ‘Roseomonas sediminicola’ FW-3 (94.3 %), Roseomonas terrae DS-48T (94.1 %) and Roseomonas soli 5N26T (94.1 %). The unique isoprenoid quinone detected in strain M6-79T was Q-9. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, one unknown aminolipid and one unknown lipid. Strain M6-79T possessed C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) as the predominant fatty acids, and the DNA G+C content was 71.2 mol%. Combined data from phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic studies revealed that strain M6-79T represents a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas arctica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain M6-79T ( = CCTCC AB 2013101T = LMG 28251T).

A yellow, Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, designated D07T, was isolated from a tundra soil near Ny-Alesund, Svalbard archipelago, Norway (78° N). Growth occurred at 4–37 °C (optimum 28–30 °C) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0–8.0). The strain produced flexirubin-type pigments. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain D07T belonged to the genus Chryseobacterium in the family Flavobacteriaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain showed 93.83 and 93.31 % sequence similarity, respectively, to those of Chryseobacterium contaminans C26T and Chryseobacterium taklimakanense X-65T. Strain D07T contained anteiso-C15 : 0 (25.91 %), iso-C15 : 0 (16.05 %), iso-C16 : 0 3-OH (9.64 %), iso-C16 : 0 (9.42 %) and iso-C14 : 0 (7.36 %) as the predominant cellular fatty acids, MK-6 as the major respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, five unknown aminolipids and three unknown lipids as the main polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 49.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain D07T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium frigidum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D07T ( = CCTCC AB 2011160T = KCTC 42897T). Emended descriptions of Chryseobacterium bernardetii and Chryseobacterium taklimakanense are also provided.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic and non-motile strain, designated 4-T-34T, was isolated from a till sample of Collins icecap front, Antarctica, and its taxonomic position was investigated by genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis. The isolate grew at 4-30 °C (optimum 20-25 °C), at pH 6.0-10.0 and with 0-1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 4-T-34T belonged to the genus Pseudorhodobacter, with the closest relatives being Pseudorhodobacter wandonensis WT-MW11T (96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Pseudorhodobacter antarcticus ZS3-33T (96.8 %), Pseudorhodobacter ferrugineus IAM 12616T (96.5 %) and Pseudorhodobacter aquimaris HDW-19T (95.4 %). Strain 4-T-34T contained Q-10 as the only ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content of strain 4-T-34T was 61 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 4-T-34T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudorhodobacter, for which the name Pseudorhodobacter collinsensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 4-T-34T ( = CCTCC AB 2014005T = LMG 28256T).

A novel rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, non-gliding and aerobic strain surrounded by a multilayer capsule, designated 4-T-2T, was isolated from a till sample of Collins glacier front, Antarctica. The bacterium formed yellow, circular, convex and smooth colonies. Growth occurred at 4-28 °C (optimum18-20 °C), at pH 7.0-10.0 (optimum pH 9.0) and with 0-1 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 4-T-2T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium. Strain 4-T-2T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strain of Flavobacterium algicola (96.7 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 4-T-2T was 36.2 mol%. The only menaquinone was MK-6. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C16 : 0 and summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0). Polar lipid profile consisted phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid and one unidentified lipid. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 4-T-2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium collinsense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 4-T-2T ( = CCTCC AB 2014004T = LMG 28257T).

Background and Aims The aim of this study was to explore the effects of space flight on Klebsiella pneumoniae . Methods A strain of K. pneumoniae was sent to space for 398 h aboard the ShenZhou VIII spacecraft during November 1, 2011–November 17, 2011. At the same time, a ground simulation with similar temperature conditions during the space flight was performed as a control. After the space mission, the flight and control strains were analyzed using phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic techniques. Results The flight strains LCT-KP289 exhibited a higher cotrimoxazole resistance level and changes in metabolism relative to the ground control strain LCT-KP214. After the space flight, 73 SNPs and a plasmid copy number variation were identified in the flight strain. Based on the transcriptomic analysis, there are 232 upregulated and 1879 downregulated genes, of which almost all were for metabolism. Proteomic analysis revealed that there were 57 upregulated and 125 downregulated proteins. These differentially expressed proteins had several functions that included energy production and conversion, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, posttranslational modification, protein turnover, and chaperone functions. At a systems biology level, the ytfG gene had a synonymous mutation that resulted in significantly downregulated expression at both transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Conclusions The mutation of the ytfG gene may influence fructose and mannose metabolic processes of K. pneumoniae during space flight, which may be beneficial to the field of space microbiology, providing potential therapeutic strategies to combat or prevent infection in astronauts.

A red-pigmented, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, strain R2-28T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Ardley Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 18 °C in TSB. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain R2-28T was most closely related to the genus Pedobacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceae. The highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found with respect to Pedobacter alluvionis NWER-II11T (95.6 %) and Pedobacter terrae DS-57T (95.2 %). The DNA G+C content was 39.9 mol%, and MK-7 was the only respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and a sphingolipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). These chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data supported the allocation of strain R2-28T to the genus Pedobacter. Additionally, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain R2-28T from species of the genus Pedobacter with validly published names. Therefore, strain R2-28T represents a novel species within the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter ardleyensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R2-28T ( = CCTCC AB 2013365T = LMG 28255T).

A pale yellow, ovoid- to rod-shaped and budding bacterium, designated strain M-S13-148T, was isolated from a decayed bone of whale from the eastern coast of King George Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica. Strain M-S13-148T exhibited motility, aerobic growth and was Gram-stain-negative. Strain M-S13-148T was positive for catalase and oxidase. Growth was observed at pH 6.0–9.0, at 4–42 °C and with 0–14 % (w/v) NaCl. The novel strain contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid as the major polar lipids. The dominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), (58.8 %) and C16 : 0 (11.7 %). The respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and minimum-evolution phylogenetic trees, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain M-S13-148T belonged to the genus Roseovarius and was most closely related to Roseovarius nanhaiticus CCTCC AB 208317T (93.72 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to members of the genus Roseovarius ranged from 91.81 to 93.94 %. On the basis of phenotypic, molecular and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain M-S13-148 is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius antarcticus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is M-S13-148T ( = CCTCC AB2014072T = LMG 28420T).

A pale yellow, Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, designated MC 3726T, was isolated from a tundra soil near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (78 °N). Growth occurred at 4–37 °C (optimum 25–30 °C) and at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum pH 8.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MC 3726T belonged to the genus Luteolibacter in the family Verrucomicrobiaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain showed 93.18, 92.54 and 92.44 % similarity to those of Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis E100T, Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis A4T-83T and Luteolibacter yonseiensis EBTL01T, respectively. The cell wall of strain MC 3726T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid. Strain MC 3726T contained iso-C14:0 (38.28 %), C16:0 (15.89 %), C16:1ω9c (14.24 %), iso-C16:0 (10.42 %) and anteiso-C15:0 (5.75 %) as the predominant cellular fatty acids, MK-9 and MK-10 as the major respiratory quinones, and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol as the main polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 60.7 mol %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain MC 3726T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Luteolibacter, for which the name Luteolibacter arcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MC 3726T ( = CCTCC AB 2014275T = LMG 28638T). An emended description of the genus Luteolibacter is also provided, along with emended descriptions of Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis, Luteolibacter yonseiensis and Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis.

Although clinical antibiotic-resistant bacteria have attracted tremendous attention in the microbiology community, the resistant bacteria that persist in natural environments have been overlooked for a longtime. We previously proposed a new species Paramesorhizobium desertii, isolated from the soil of the Taklimakan Desert in China that is highly resistant to most β-lactam antibiotics. To identify potential β-lactamase(s) in this bacteria, we first confirmed the carbapenemase activity in the freeze–thawed supernatant of a P. desertii A-3-ET culture using the modified Hodge assay. We then identified a novel chromosome-encoded carbapenemase (PAD-1) in strain A-3-ET, using a shotgun proteomic analysis of the supernatant and genomic information. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that PAD-1 is a class A carbapenemase. Subsequent enzyme kinetic assays with purified PAD-1 confirmed its carbapenemase activity, which is similar to that of clinically significant class A carbapenemases, including BKC-1 and KPC-2. Because the location in which A-3-ET was isolated is not affected by human activity, PAD-1 is unlikely to be associated with the selection pressures exerted by modern antibiotics. This study confirmed the diversity of antibiotic-resistant determinants in the environmental resistome.

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated R9-86T, was isolated from tundra soil collected near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (78° N). Growth occurred at 4–28 °C (optimum, 22–25 °C) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain R9-86T belonged to the genus Terrimonas in the family Chitinophagaceae . 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain R9-86T and the type strains of species of the genus Terrimonas with validly published names ranged from 93.7 to 95.0 %. Strain R9-86T contained iso-C15 : 1-G (25.7 %), iso-C15 : 0 (24.5 %), iso-C17 : 0-3OH (18.3 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 8.7 %) as its major cellular fatty acids; phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown polar lipid as its main polar lipids, and MK-7 as its predominant respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content was 48.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain R9-86T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Terrimonas , for which the name Terrimonas arctica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R9-86T ( = CCTCC AB 2011004T = NRRL B-59114T).

A novel orange-pigmented strain, designated R2-35T, was isolated from a glacier till near Ny-Alesund, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The cells were aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and sometimes filamentous. Growth occurred at 4–28 °C (optimum, 20 °C), at pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and with 0–1 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain R2-35T belonged to the genus Spirosoma with sequence similarity to related species ranging from 91.65 to 95.19 %. Strain R2-35T contained C16 : 0 (10.7 %), C18 : 0 (9.2 %), C16 : 1ω5c (16.5 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) (24.6 %) as the major cellular fatty acids, MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine as the main polar lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain R2-35T was 54.9 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain R2-35T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Spirosoma , for which the name Spirosoma arcticum sp. nov., is proposed, The type strain is R2-35T ( = CCTCC AB 2012849T = LMG 28141T).

The microgravity environment of spaceflight expeditions has been associated with altered microbial responses. This study explores the characterization of Serratia marcescensis grown in a spaceflight environment at the phenotypic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels. From November 1, 2011 to November 17, 2011, a strain of S. marcescensis was sent into space for 398 h on the Shenzhou VIII spacecraft, and ground simulation was performed as a control (LCT-SM213). After the flight, two mutant strains (LCT-SM166 and LCT-SM262) were selected for further analysis. Although no changes in the morphology, post-culture growth kinetics, hemolysis or antibiotic sensitivity were observed, the two mutant strains exhibited significant changes in their metabolic profiles after exposure to spaceflight. Enrichment analysis of the transcriptome showed that the differentially expressed genes of the two spaceflight strains and the ground control strain mainly included those involved in metabolism and degradation. The proteome revealed that changes at the protein level were also associated with metabolic functions, such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism and the degradation of valine, leucine and isoleucine. In summary S. marcescens showed alterations primarily in genes and proteins that were associated with metabolism under spaceflight conditions, which gave us valuable clues for future research.

The environment in space could affect microorganisms by changing a variety of features, including proliferation rate, cell physiology, cell metabolism, biofilm production, virulence, and drug resistance. However, the relevant mechanisms remain unclear. To explore the effect of a space environment on Bacillus cereus , a strain of B. cereus was sent to space for 398 h by ShenZhou VIII from November 1, 2011 to November 17, 2011. A ground simulation with similar temperature conditions was simultaneously performed as a control. After the flight, the flight and control strains were further analyzed using phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic techniques to explore the divergence of B. cereus in a space environment. The flight strains exhibited a significantly slower growth rate, a significantly higher amikacin resistance level, and changes in metabolism relative to the ground control strain. After the space flight, three polymorphic loci were found in the flight strains LCT-BC25 and LCT-BC235. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis was performed, and this analysis revealed that the flight strains had changes in genes/proteins relevant to metabolism. In addition, certain genes/proteins that are relevant to structural function, gene expression modification and translation, and virulence were also altered. Our study represents the first documented analysis of the phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes that occur in B. cereus during space flight, and our results could be beneficial to the field of space microbiology.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile rod-shaped bacterium, designated 6-67T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Its taxonomic position was investigated by genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses. This isolate grew at 4–28 °C (optimum, 20 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0–0.2 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain 6-67T contained Q-8 as a major respiratory quinone and MK-7 as a minor component; the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c) and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified aminophospholipid. The polyamines were putrescine and 2-hydroxyputrescine. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the novel strain 6-67T belonged to the family Oxalobacteraceae within the class Betaproteobacteria . The DNA G+C content of strain 6-67T was 56.21 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 6-67T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Undibacterium , for which the name Undibacterium arcticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 6-67T (=CCTCC AB 2015162T=KCTC 42986T).

A Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and pink-pigmented bacterial strain, designated strain HYL7-26(T), was isolated from a soil in the Desert Park of Huyang forest located in Xinjiang, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain HYL7-26(T) belongs to the genus Pontibacter in the family Cytophagaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain HYL7-26(T) and type strains of Pontibacter species ranged from 93.2 to 96.0 %. Strain HYL7-26(T) was found to contain iso-C15:0 (15.9 %), iso-C17:0 3-OH (9.5 %) and summed feature 4 (comprising anteiso-C17:1 B and/or iso-C17:1 I, 21.0 %, as defined by the MIDI system) as the major cellular fatty acids. The major respiratory quinone was identified as MK-7 and the DNA G+C content was determined to be 43.8 mol%. sym-Homospermidine was the major polyamine observed in the cells. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain HYL7-26(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HYL7-26(T) (=CCTCC AB 206240(T) = NRRL B-59490(T)).

A psychrotolerant, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain R-S7-29T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Svalbard Archipelago in Norway (78° N). Cells were non-motile, aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred at 4–28 °C (optimum, 18 °C). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain R-S7-29T belongs to the genus Dyadobacter (family ‘ Flexibacteraceae ’) with sequence similarity to related members of the genus ranging from 95.2 to 96.7 %. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content of strain R-S7-29T was 50 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain R-S7-29T represents a novel species of the genus Dyadobacter , for which the name Dyadobacter arcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R-S7-29T ( = CCTCC AB 2011022T = NRRL B-59659T).

A novel Gram-staining-negative bacterial strain, designated XH4T, was isolated from soil of a Populus euphratica forest in the Hotan River valley, Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, PR China. The cells were strictly aerobic, non-motile, short rods. The isolate grew optimally at 37 °C and at pH 7.0–8.0. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain XH4T belonged to the genus Sphingobacterium and was closely related to Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299T (96.1 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content was 41.2 mol%. The major polar lipid of strain XH4T was phosphatidylethanolamine, and several unidentified polar lipids were also present. Strain XH4T showed the typical chemotaxonomic features of the genus Sphingobacterium , with the presence of ceramide phosphorylethanolamine 2 (CerPE-2) as the major ceramide. The major cellular fatty acids of strain XH4T were iso-C15 : 0 (34.0 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 20.7 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (14.7 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. On the basis of phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference, strain XH4T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium hotanense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XH4T ( = NRRL B-59204T = CCTCC AB 209007T). Emended descriptions of Sphingobacterium daejeonense and Sphingobacterium shayense are also given.

A novel, strictly aerobic, red-pigmented, Gram-reaction-negative bacterium, designated strain R9-9T, was isolated from tundra soil collected near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (78° N). The novel strain was subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. It grew optimally at 20–22 °C and at pH 7.0. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain R9-9T represents a distinct phyletic line that reflects a novel generic status within the family Cytophagaceae . The novel strain showed relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (T contained summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω5c as its major cellular fatty acids, phosphatidylethanolamine as its main polar lipid, and MK-7 as its major respiratory quinone. The genomic DNA G+C content was 56.1 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain R9-9T is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus in the family Cytophagaceae , for which the name Huanghella arctica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R9-9T ( = CCTCC AB 2010418T = NRRL B-59750T).

Two Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-sporulating bacteria forming short rods and cocci, designated MB1-7 and MB1-14T, were isolated from the Taklamakan desert. The isolates could oxidize manganese (II) ions. The isolates shared 95.4–98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with members of the genus Mycetocola . Although the isolates possessed chemotaxonomic properties similar to those of Mycetocola reblochoni , they were readily distinguished from this taxon by DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic characters. According to morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness, the two isolates represent a novel species of the genus Mycetocola , for which the name Mycetocola manganoxydans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MB1-14T ( = CCTCC AB 209002T = KCTC 19753T).

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of “ Paramesorhizobium deserti ” A-3-E T , a strain isolated from the Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang, China, which is resistant to multiple β-lactam antibiotics and other antibiotics (kanamycin, erythromycin, streptomycin, etc.) as well.

A Gram-stain-negative, short rod-shaped, motile (by gliding) bacterial strain, designated A12T, was isolated from tundra soil collected from Ny-Ålesund, in the Arctic region of Norway. The temperature, NaCl and pH ranges for growth were 4–25 °C (optimum, 18 °C), 0–2 % (optimum, 0 %) and pH 6–9 (optimum, pH 7). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the Arctic isolate belonged to the genusPedobacterand showed highest sequence similarity (94.4 %) toPedobacter daechungensisKCTC 12637T. The DNA G+C content (38.3 mol%), polar lipid profile, presence of sphingolipid, MK-7 as the only respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7cand/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0and iso-C17 : 03-OH as major fatty acids supported the allocation of strain A12Tto the genusPedobacteras a representative of a novel species, for which the namePedobacterarcticussp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A12T( = CCTCC AB 2010223T = NRRL B-59457T). Emended descriptions of the genusPedobacterand ofPedobacter heparinus,Pedobacter daechungensis,Pedobacter terricola,Pedobacter glucosidilyticusandPedobacter lentusare also given.

A novel pale-pink-coloured strain, designated R9-65T, was isolated from a tundra soil near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (78° N). The cells were facultatively anaerobic, Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 4–32 °C (optimum, 25–28 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.0) and with 0–1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, no NaCl). Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain R9-65T belonged to the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae . The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain R9-65T and type strains of related species ranged from 93.4 to 96.6 %. Strain R9-65T contained summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 34.3 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (20.3 %) as major cellular fatty acids, MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine as the main polar lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain R9-65T was 47.2 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain R9-65T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter , for which the name Mucilaginibacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R9-65T ( = CCTCC AB 2010331T = NRRL B-59458T).

A psychrotolerant Gram-reaction-negative, rod-shaped and orange-pigmented bacterium, designated strain M9-62T, which was motile by means of peritrichous flagella, was isolated from tundra soil sampled near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard Islands, Norway (78° N). Growth occurred at 4–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.0). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain M9-62T placed it in the genus Cohnella ; sequence similarities of the isolate with type strains of members of related genera ranged from 92.0 to 96.3 %. Strain M9-62T contained anteiso-C15 : 0 (51.1 %), iso-C16 : 0 (7.5 %) and C16 : 0 (6.1 %) as the major cellular fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol as the main polar lipids. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the DNA G+C content was 50.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain M9-62T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Cohnella , for which the name Cohnella arctica sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is M9-62T ( = CCTCC AB 2010228T = NRRL B-59459T).

A Gram-negative-staining, rod-shaped, non-motile and pink bacterial strain was isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest located in Xinjiang, China. The strain, designated strain HYL7-15T, was subjected to a taxonomic analysis using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses indicated that the isolate belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes and was related to the genus Pontibacter, with sequence similarities ranging from 93.1 to 95.0 % with other species of the genus Pontibacter. Strain HYL7-15T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and its DNA G+C content was 44.9 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strain were iso-C15 : 0 (16.49 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (10.96 %) and summed feature 4 (comprising anteiso-C17 : 1 B and/or iso-C17 : 1 I, 18.46 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG); diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), three unknown aminophospholipids (APLs) and two unknown phospholipids (PLs) were also detected. On the basis of the evidence presented, it is concluded that strain HYL7-15T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter populi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HYL7-15T ( = CCTCC AB 206239T = NRRL B-59488T).

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated rod capable of degrading cypermethrin, designated LQY-18T, was isolated from activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plant in China. Strain LQY-18T grew at 8–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0–5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-7 (97 %) and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 40.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate belonged to the genus Sphingobacterium of the phylum Bacteroidetes and showed low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with recognized members of the genus Sphingobacterium. The closest neighbour was Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299T (92.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic data, strain LQY-18T ( = ACCC 05410T = CCTCC AB 2010005T = KCTC 23009T) should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium wenxiniae sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, strictly aerobic bacterium, strain S3-63T, was isolated from desert sand of Xinjiang, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S3-63T had highest similarity to type strains of the genus Altererythrobacter, i.e. Altererythrobacter marinus H32T (97.2 % similarity), Altererythrobacter marensis MSW-14T (95.9 %), Altererythrobacter aestuarii KCTC 22735T (95.5 %), Altererythrobacter epoxidivorans JCS350T (95.1 %), Altererythrobacter namhicola KCTC 22736T (95.1 %), Altererythrobacter luteolus SW-109T (95.0 %) and Altererythrobacter indicus LMG 23789T (93.5 %). Growth occurred at 20–37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and in 0–3 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1 %). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (50.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 12.6 %), C16 : 0 (12.3 %), C14 : 0 2-OH (7.3 %) and C17 : 1ω6c (4.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 64.6 mol%. Therefore, the phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data demonstrated that strain S3-63T represents a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter, for which the name Altererythrobacter xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is S3-63T ( = CCTCC AB 207166T = CIP 110125T). An emended description of the genus Altererythrobacter is provided.

A pink-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain 311T, was isolated from desert sand in Xinjiang, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 311T was related closely to Cesiribacter andamanensis AMV16T (94.6 % similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain 311T was 47.1 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The main cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1ω5c (29.9 %), iso-C15 : 0 (21.9 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (13.3 %) and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B; 13.0 %). Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data and phylogenetic analysis, strain 311T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Cesiribacter, for which the name Cesiribacter roseus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 311T ( = CCTCC AB 207142T = KACC 15456T).

Kocuria flava HO-9041 isolated from the air of Xinjiang of China, is a Gram-positive, aerobic, coccoid, nonencapsulated, non-halophilic, and non-endospore-forming, in the genus Kocuria, and it shows the ability to remove heavy metal. Here, we report the finished and annotated genome sequence of this organism.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic bacterium, strain 2622T, was isolated from gamma-irradiated soil sampled from the Taklimakan desert in Xinjiang, China. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain 2622T formed a distinct lineage in the family Rhodospirillaceae and shared 91.7 and 90.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with its closest relatives, the type strains of Skermanella xinjiangensis and Skermanella aerolata, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain 2622T was 71.4 mol% and the isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data and phylogenetic analysis, strain 2622T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Rhodospirillaceae, for which the name Desertibacter roseus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Desertibacter roseus is strain 2622T ( = CCTCC AB 208152T = KCTC 22436T).

A yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated RCML-52T, was isolated from an abandoned gold mine in the desert in Xinjiang, China. Strain RCML-52T was Gram-negative, aerobic and non-motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RCML-52T was affiliated with the genus Lysobacter. Strain RCML-52T exhibited Lysobacter. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 (27.6 %), iso-C15 : 0 (19.1 %), iso-C17 : 1 ω9c (16.4 %), iso-C11 : 0 3-OH (6.5 %) and iso-C11 : 0 (5.3 %). The DNA G+C content was 69.7 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain RCML-52T should be assigned to a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RCML-52T (=CCTCC AB 208194T =KCTC 22558T).

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, motile and spore-forming bacterium, designated ZLD-8T, was isolated from a desert soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province in north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. This isolate grew optimally at 30°C and pH 7.0. It grew with 0–4% NaCl (optimum, 0–1%). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain ZLD-8T was closely related to members of the genus Bacillus, exhibiting the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Bacillus kribbensis DSM 17871T (98.0%). The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to other Bacillus species with validly published names were less than 96.3%. The DNA G + C content of strain ZLD-8T was 40.1 mol%. The strain contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids (>5% of total fatty acids) were anteiso-C15:0 (39.56%), iso-C14:0 (25.69%), C16:1 ω7c alcohol (10.13%) and iso-C15:0 (5.27%). These chemotaxonomic results supported the affiliation of strain ZLD-8T to the genus Bacillus. However, low DNA–DNA relatedness values and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain ZLD-8T from recognized Bacillus species. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, strain ZLD-8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus deserti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZLD-8T (=CCTCC AB 207173T = KCTC 13246T).

Two Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strains, 1-2T and 1-4 were isolated from dry riverbed soil collected from the Xietongmen area of Tibet, China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the novel strains were shown to belong to the genus Pedobacter, sharing Pedobacter. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). The DNA G+C contents were 37.2–37.6 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of the two new isolates to the genus Pedobacter and the results of physiological and biochemical tests confirmed that the new strains differed significantly from the recognized species of the genus Pedobacter. Therefore, the new isolates represent a novel species within the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter glucosidilyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1-2T (=CCTCC AB 206110T=KCTC 22438T).

A novel golden-yellow-coloured strain, designated RHYL-37(T), was isolated from a soil sample from a forest of Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) in Xinjiang, China. The cells were strictly aerobic, Gram-staining-negative, heterotrophic, non-spore-forming rods that were motile by gliding. Growth occurred at 17-37 degrees C (optimum, 30 degrees C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-1 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel isolate formed a cluster with members of the genera Segetibacter, Terrimonas, Niastella, Niabella and Chitinophaga in the family 'Chitinophagaceae' in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Sequence similarities with the type strains of recognized species ranged from 90.6 to 94.0 %. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 1), C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain RHYL-37(T) represents a novel genus and species in the family 'Chitinophagaceae', for which the name Parasegetibacter luojiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Parasegetibacter luojiensis is RHYL-37(T) (=CCTCC AB 208240(T)=KCTC 22561(T)).

A Gram-negative and rod-shaped bacterial strain, X-65(T), isolated from desert soil of Xinjiang, China, was subjected to phenotypic and phylogenetic studies. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, the isolate showed closest relationship to members of the genera Chryseobacterium (92.4-95.4 % similarity), Cloacibacterium (94.0 %), Sejongia (93.9 %) and Elizabethkingia (93.8 %) and to Riemerella columbina LMG 11607(T) (93.3 %). The strain differed from its phylogenetic neighbours by its swimming motility in liquid cultures and the presence of long appendages and large amounts of the straight-chain fatty acids 16 : 0 and 18 : 0. Growth was observed at 18-37 degrees C (optimum 30 degrees C), at pH 6-12 (optimum pH 7-8) and in the presence of 0-3 % NaCl (optimum 0 %). Flexirubin pigments were absent. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The DNA G+C content of X-65(T) was 41.5 mol%. The data presented in this study indicate that the isolate should be classified in a novel genus and species within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Planobacterium taklimakanense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Planobacterium taklimakanense is X-65(T) (=CCTCC AB 208154(T) =NRRL B-51322(T)).

Strain XM-003(T) was isolated from a soil sample that originated from the Ximo region in Tibet. Cells of strain XM-003(T) were Gram-negative-staining, non-motile, irregular-shaped rods and the strain grew optimally at 28 degrees C and grew at pH 5-8. It contained MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH as the major fatty acids. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The DNA G+C content was 43.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain showed the highest sequence similarity of 96.0 % to Mucilaginibacter kameinonensis SCK(T). A number of physiological biochemical tests and chemotaxonomic markers indicate that strain XM-003(T) represents a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter ximonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XM-003(T) (=CCTCC AB 207094(T) =KCTC 22437(T)).

A yellow-pigmented, moderately thermotolerant bacterial strain, designated S3-3(T), was isolated from desert sand in Xinjiang province, China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. This isolate was Gram-negative, aerobic and motile. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain S3-3(T) is phylogenetically affiliated to the genus Pseudomonas. Strain S3-3(T) exhibited levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of less than 96.3 % to the type strains of all Pseudomonas species, making it clear that strain S3-3(T) represents a species that is separate from previously recognized Pseudomonas species. Its major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C(18 : 1)omega6c and/or C(18 : 1)omega7c), summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH) and C(19 : 0) cyclo omega8c. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-9. The DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain S3-3(T) should be classified within a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S3-3(T) (=CCTCC AB 207151(T) =NRRL B-51270(T)).

Strain 10-1-101(T), isolated from a sand sample collected from the desert of Xinjiang, China, was a Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium. Colonies grown on 0.1x trypticase soy broth agar were circular, convex and light-pink-coloured. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strain were C(18 : 1)omega7c (72.71 %) and C(16 : 0) (7.05 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 10-1-101(T )was 68.8 mol% and Q-10 was the major respiratory quinone. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 10-1-101(T) was related to type strains of the genus Skermanella, with sequence similarity values of 94.07 % with Skermanella aerolata DSM 18479(T) and 92.74 % with Skermanella parooensis DSM 9527(T). On the basis of genotypic, phenotypic and phylogenetic data, this new strain represents a novel species of the genus Skermanella, for which the name Skermanella xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 10-1-101(T) (=CCTCC AB 207153(T)=NRRL B-51273(T)).

A bacterial isolate, strain XM415(T), obtained from soil of Tibet in China was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain XM415(T) was aerobic, Gram-negative, gliding, rod-shaped, oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. Strain XM415(T) showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Lysobacter niastensis GH41-7(T) (96.0 %). Ubiquinone Q-8 and branched fatty acids, such as iso-C(16 : 0) (24.0 %), iso-C(15 : 0) (22.6 %), iso-C(17 : 1)omega9c (6.7 %), iso-C(14 : 0) (6.1 %) and iso-C(11 : 0) 3-OH (5.2 %), were predominant in strain XM415(T) as well as in all type strains of recognized Lysobacter species. The DNA G+C content of XM415(T) was 63.5 mol%. The genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain XM415(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter ximonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XM415(T) (=CCTCC AB 207091(T) =NRRL B-51263(T)).

An alkaliphilic actinobacterium, designated strain CAAS 252(T), was isolated from the black liquor treatment system of a cotton pulp mill in Wuhan, China. Cells of strain CAAS 252(T) were Gram-positive, non-motile, non-endospore-forming, short rod-shaped, and grew optimally at 42 degrees C and pH 9-10 in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain CAAS 252(T) contained MK-7, MK-8 and MK-9 as the major menaquinones and anteiso-C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 0) as the predominant cellular fatty acids and had a peptidoglycan type of A4alpha, Lys-Gly-d-Asp. The DNA G+C content was 60.2 mol%. Based on analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences (94.7-96.8 % similarity), DNA-DNA hybridization (70 % relatedness) and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain CAAS 252(T) belonged to the genus Nesterenkonia, but differed from all recognized species. Therefore, it is proposed that strain CAAS 252(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nesterenkonia, for which the name Nesterenkonia alba sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAAS 252(T) (=CCTCC AB 207011(T)=DSM 19423(T)).

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to study strain 12116T, which was isolated from desert sand in Xinjiang, China. Cells of the isolate were Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped and aerobic. MK-7 was the predominant respiratory menaquinone. The DNA G+C content was 46.3 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was most closely related to the members of the genus Dyadobacter, with similarities ranging from 94.7 to 96.6 %. Therefore, on the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data, strain 12116T represents a novel species of the genus Dyadobacter, for which the name Dyadobacter alkalitolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 12116T (=CCTCC AB 207176T =NRRL B-51268T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic actinobacterium, designated TYLN1 T, was isolated from an air sample from the campus of Wuhan University, China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain TYLN1 T grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees C. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities revealed that the organism belongs to the genus Aeromicrobium. The G+C content of the strain was 73.3 mol%. The cell-wall diamino acid was ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, the predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-8(H4) and the predominant fatty acid was C18:1 omega9c (68.38 %). These chemotaxonomic data also support the affiliation of strain TYLN1 T to the genus Aeromicrobium. The values for DNA-DNA hybridization between strain TYLN1 T and the phylogenetically closest relatives Aeromicrobium tamlense DSM 19087T and Aeromicrobium panaciterrae DSM 17939T were respectively 35 and 11.5 %. On the basis of the data from this study, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Aeromicrobium flavum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TYLN1 T (=CCTCC AB 206046T =DSM 19355T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated CAAS 251T, was isolated from paper-mill effluent in Wuhan, China. The organism grew optimally at 40-42 degrees C and at pH 9.0-10.0. The major menaquinones were MK-7, MK-8 and MK-9. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (34.78 %), anteiso-C17:0 (25.24 %) and C16:0 (13.37 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 65.5 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CAAS 251T belongs to the genus Nesterenkonia, having sequence identities ranging from 96.0 to 97.0 % with respect to eight recognized species of the genus Nesterenkonia. Data from DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests indicated that strain CAAS 251T represents a novel species of the genus Nesterenkonia, for which the name Nesterenkonia flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAAS 251T (=CCTCC AB 207010T=JCM 14814T).

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped, gliding and pink-pigmented bacterial strains, X14-1T and X19-1, were isolated from a mixture of sand samples collected from the desert of Xinjiang, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strains X14-1T and X19-1 contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major cellular fatty acids included iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 and summed feature 4. The DNA G+C contents of strains X14-1T and X19-1 were 48.2 and 48.9 mol%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolates were highly related to each other (99.2 %) and confirmed their placement in the genus Pontibacter. Strains X14-1T and X19-1 exhibited 16S rRNA gene similarity levels of 95.0-97.2 % to the type strains of the two Pontibacter species with validly published names. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed a high level of relatedness between the two new isolates (82 %), but low levels of relatedness between strain X14-1T and the phylogenetically most closely related species Pontibacter actiniarum KMM 6156T (51 %). On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strains X14-1T and X19-1 are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter korlensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X14-1T (=CCTCC AB 206081T=NRRL B-51097T).

An orange, Gram-reaction-negative and aerobic bacterium, designated MC 3718T, was isolated from a tundra soil near Ny-Alesund, Svalbard archipelago, Norway (78° N). The cells were motile with either a polar or a subpolar flagellum and reproduced by budding or asymmetrical cell division. Growth occurred at 4-37 °C (optimum 28-30 °C) and at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH 9.0). Many cells accumulated poly-β-hydroxybutyrate granules and contained a single large polyphosphate granule at a pole or in the middle of the cell. Cell walls contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and ubiquinone 10 was the main respiratory quinone. Strain MC 3718T contained summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 29.49 %), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c; 29.38 %), C17 : 1ω6c (10.15 %), C14 : 0 2-OH (9.05 %) and C16 : 0 (6.84 %) as the major cellular fatty acids. The main polar lipids were two sphingoglycolipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unknown phospholipids and two unknown polar lipids. Carotenoids were detected. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MC 3718T belonged to the family Sphingomonadaceae. The DNA G+C content was 67.2 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain MC 3718T is considered to represent a novel genus and species in the family Sphingomonadaceae, for which the name Sphingoaurantiacus polygranulatus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Sphingoaurantiacus polygranulatus is MC 3718T ( = CCTCC AB 2014274T = LMG 28636T). Emended descriptions of the genera Sandarakinorhabdus, Polymorphobacter and Rhizorhabdus and the species Sandarakinorhabdus limnophila, Rhizorhabdus argentea and Sphingomonas wittichii are also provided.

The desert is a harsh habitat for flora and microbial life due to its aridness and strong radiation. In this study, we constructed the first complete and deeply annotated genome of the genus Pontibacter (Pontibacter korlensis X14-1T = CCTCC AB 206081T, X14-1). Reconstruction of the sugar metabolism process indicated that strain X14-1 can utilize diverse sugars, including cellulose, starch and sucrose; this result is consistent with previous experiments. Strain X14-1 is also able to resist desiccation and radiation in the desert through well-armed systems related to DNA repair, radical oxygen species (ROS) detoxification and the OstAB and TreYZ pathways for trehalose synthesis. A comparative transcriptomic analysis under gamma radiation revealed that strain X14-1 presents high-efficacy operating responses to radiation, including the robust expression of catalase and the manganese transport protein. Evaluation of 73 novel genes that are differentially expressed showed that some of these genes may contribute to the strain’s adaptation to radiation and desiccation through ferric transport and preservation.