Paenibacillus assamensis sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from a warm spring in Assam, India

Phylogenomic evaluation of Mangrovimicrobium sediminis gen. nov. sp. nov., the first nitrogen fixing member of the family Halieaceae adapted to mangrove habitat and reclassification of Halioglobus pacificus to Pseudohaliglobus pacificus comb. nov

The taxonomic position and genomic characteristics of a nitrogen fixing and polymer degrading marine bacterium, strain SAOS 164 isolated from a mangrove sediment sample was investigated. Sequence analysis based on 16S rRNA gene identified it as a member of family Halieaceae with closest similarity to Haliea salexigens DSM 19537T (96.3 %), H. alexandrii LZ-16-2T (96.2 %) and Parahaliea maris HSLHS9T (96.0 %) but was distantly related to the genera Haliea, Parahaliea and Halioglobus in phylogenetic trees. In order to ascertain the exact taxonomic position, phylogeny based on RpoBC proteins, whole genome, core and orthologous genes, and comparative analysis of metabolic potential retrieved the strain in an independent lineage clustering along with the genera Halioglobus, Pseudohalioglobus and Seongchinamella. Further, various genome based delimitation parameters represented by mol % GC content, percentage of conserved proteins (POCP), and amino acid identity (AAI) along with chemotaxonomic markers (i.e. fatty acids and polar lipids) supported the inferences of genome based phylogeny and indicated that the strain SAOS 164 belongs to a novel genus. The genome was mapped to 4.8 Mb in size with 65.1 % DNA mol% G + C content. In-silico genomic investigation and phenotyping revealed diverse metabolite genes/pathways related to polymer hydrolysis, nitrogen fixation, light induced growth, carbohydrate, sulfur, phosphorus and amino acid metabolism, virulence factors, defense mechanism, and stress-responsive elements facilitating survival in the mangrove habitat. Based on polyphasic taxonomic approach including genome analyses, a novel genus Mangrovimicrobium sediminis gen. nov. sp. nov. (=SAOS 164T = MTCC 12907T = KCTC 52755T = JCM 32136T) is proposed. Additionally, the reclassification of Halioglobus pacificus (=DSM 27932T = KCTC 23430T = S1-72T) to Pseudhalioglobus pacificus comb. nov. is also proposed.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Leaf Mottle of Sunflower in Northern Kazakhstan

Leaf mottle is a serious disease in the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which affects plant growth and development and seed quality and yield. Over the past few years, the North Kazakhstan region, a sunflower-producing area in Kazakhstan, has been seriously affected by leaf mottle. Since 2021, symptomatic leaves have been collected from production areas of this base to determine the pathogens causing sunflower foliar diseases. One hundred bacterial strains were isolated, and two genera and five species were identified based on morphological characteristics, molecular genetics, and phylogenetic analysis (16S gene region). The genus Bacillus was represented by four species: Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. flexus. The genus Paenibacillus was represented by one species, P. peoriae. Pathogenicity experiments showed that B. subtilis, B. megaterium, B. flexus, and P. peoriae could cause leaf mottle disease symptoms. However, disease symptoms caused by B. flexus were highly similar to those observed on infected leaves under natural conditions in the field. Therefore, these bacterial isolates were found to be the primary pathogens causing sunflower leaf mottle, and B. flexus was the most common and virulent pathogen in this study. In addition, this is the first report of B. megaterium, B. flexus, and P. peoriae as pathogens associated with sunflower leaf mottle in Kazakhstan.

Diversity of culturable thermophilic bacteria from Tata Pani hotspring of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Hot water springs are unique areas populated by mesophiles, thermotolerant and hyperthermophiles. They are the source of diversity of thermophiles, mainly belonging to archaea and bacteria domains. The diversity of thermophiles gives an outline of the huge biological potential that can be exploited for industrial applications.To this end, this study was aimed to isolate and characterise the unexplored thermophilic microorganisms from hot water spring in Tatapani, Tehsil & District Kotli AJK, Pakistan. Around 10 bacterial isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical, physiological and molecular attributes. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene of the isolates followed by BLAST search revealed that the strain MBT008 has 100% similarity with Anoxybacilluskamchatkensis. MBT012 showed 99.57% similarity with A.mongoliensis, MBT014 was affiliated with A.tengchongensis with 99.43% similarity, MBT009 showed 99.83% homology with A.gonensis and MBT018, 98.70% similarity with A.karvacharensis. The presence of all this microbial diversity in one common source is of immense importance related to envioronmental and industrial aspects in general and extraction of thermostable enzymes from these thermophiles specifically opens new horizons in the field of industrial biotechnology. These thermophiles are revealing new capabilities and are being manipulated by biotechnologists in utilizing them in different unique ways.

Paenibacillus arenosi sp. nov., a siderophore-producing bacterium isolated from coastal sediment

In this study, strain CAU 1523^T, a novel Gram-positive-positive bacterium isolated from marine sediment collected from the coast of Busan, Republic of Korea, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain showed growth at a temperature range of 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), a pH range of 6.5-9.5 (optimum, 7.5), and in the presence of 0-3% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 92 concatenated core genes indicated that CAU 1523^T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, sharing the highest sequence similarity with P. assamensis JCM 13186^T (98.0%). CAU 1523^T was differentiated from other Paenibacillus species by average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values, using cut-off values of 95-96%, 90%, and 70%, respectively, for closely related strains. The genome of CAU 1523^T possessed various biosynthetic gene clusters, one of which encoded a putative siderophore-interacting protein. Siderophore production by the isolate was confirmed using the qualitative chrome azurol sulfonate (CAS) agar assay. Based on its phylogenetic and physiological characteristics, strain CAU 1523^T represents a novel, siderophore-producing species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus arenosi sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CAU 1523^T (= KCTC 43108^T = MCCC 1K04063^T).

Whole-genome sequence-based analysis of the Paenibacillus aquistagni strain DK1, a polyethylene-degrading bacterium isolated from landfill

Polyethylene-degrading bacteria have been emerging as a rational and safe alternative in bioremediation strategies. In this context, some Paenibacillus species produce enzymes involved in the biodegradation of pollutants. Among the enzymes involved in the biodegradation of polyethylene, the alkane hydroxylases, encoded by alkB homologous genes, play a key role in this process. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and perform a genomic investigation of the first polyethylene-degrading Paenibacillus sp. strain, named DK1. The whole-genome sequence-based analysis revealed that the DK1 strain belonged to the species Paenibacillus aquistagni and shared a total of 4327 CDSs with P. aquistagni strain 11. On the other hand, a comparison of the gene clusters showed that DK1 strain harbored a genetic context surrounding the alkB-like gene similar to that found in Pseudomonas sp. strains. The percentage of similarity ranged from 47.88 to 99.76% among all complete amino acid sequences of AlkB-like proteins analyzed. Nevertheless, the predicted amino acid sequences of AlkB-like contained typical structural motifs of alkane hydroxylases, such as His boxes and the HYG motif. These findings associated with the previously reported phenotypic results highlighted the potential of P. aquistagni strain DK1 to biodegrade polyethylene. Therefore, further studies focusing on the biochemical and structural properties of the AlkB-like protein from Paenibacillus may also contribute to the development of sustainable bioremediation strategies.

An application of compositional data analysis to multiomic time-series data

Compositional data analysis (CoDA) methods have increased in popularity as a new framework for analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. CoDA methods, such as the centered log-ratio (clr) transformation, adjust for the compositional nature of NGS counts, which is not addressed by traditional normalization methods. CoDA has only been sparsely applied to NGS data generated from microbial communities or to multiple ‘omics’ datasets. In this study, we applied CoDA methods to analyze NGS and untargeted metabolomic datasets obtained from bacterial and fungal communities. Specifically, we used clr transformation to reanalyze NGS amplicon and metabolomics data from a study investigating the effects of building material type, moisture and time on microbial and metabolomic diversity. Compared to analysis of untransformed data, analysis of clr-transformed data revealed novel relationships and stronger associations between sample conditions and microbial and metabolic community profiles.

Niastella caeni sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and filamentous-shaped bacterium, HX-16-21T, was isolated from activated sludge. Strain HX-16-21T was able to degrade gentisate, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid and herbicides quizalofop-p-ethyl and diclofop-methyl. The strain shared 97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Niastella vici CCTCC AB 2015052T and less than 97 % similarities to other type strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain HX-16-21T belonged to the genus Niastella and formed a subclade with N. vici CCTCC AB 2015052T. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and six unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The draft genome of strain HX-16-21T was 8.1 Mb, and the G+C content was 43.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain HX-16-21T and N. vici CCTCC AB 2015052T were 80.6 and 26.8 %, respectively. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain HX-16-21T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Niastella , for which the name Niastella caeni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HX-16-21T (=KCTC 72288T=ACCC 61580T).

Paenibacillus protaetiae sp. nov., isolated from gut of larva of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, endospore-forming and motile bacterium with peritrichous flagella was isolated from a gut sample of the larva of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea. Growth was observed at 15-50 °C (optimum, 28-37 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (pH 7.0) and only without NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that strain FW100M-2^T had the highest similarity to type strains of Paenibacillus thailandensis S3-4A^T (96.8 %) and Paenibacillus agaridevorans DSM 1355^T (96.3 %), and had sequence similarity values less than 96.0 % to all other taxa. The phylogenetic tree showed that strain FW100M-2^T fell into the genus Paenibacillus, and formed a cluster with P. thailandensis S3-4A^T independent from other Paenibacillus species. Antesio-C_15 : 0, iso-C_16 : 0 and anteiso-C_17 : 0 were detected as the major fatty acids. The only isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. Polar lipids of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid were present. The meso-diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The genomic DNA G+C content was 51.5 mol%. Hence, strain FW100M-2^T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus protaetiae sp. nov. is proposed, with FW100M-2^T (=KACC 19327^T=NBRC 113071^T) as the type strain.

Isolation and structural elucidation of pelgipeptin E, a novel pore-forming pelgipeptin analog from Paenibacillus elgii with low hemolytic activity

Pelgipeptins are cyclic lipopeptides composed of nine amino acids and a short fatty acid chain. In the present study, we report a novel pelgipeptin peptide that was isolated from Paenibacillus elgii BC34-6 and named pelgipeptin E (PGP-E). The molecular mass of PGP-E was 1072 Da as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the amino acid sequence was elucidated by tandem mass spectrometry. The complete molecular structure of PGP-E was characterized using 2D NMR spectroscopy. PGP-E consisted of a cyclic peptide backbone of Dab1-Val2-Dab3-Phe4-Leu5-Dab6-Val7-Leu8-Ser9 and a lipid chain (-CH₂CH₂CH₃). PGP-E had broad antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and -positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Furthermore, the mode of action of PGP-E was investigated using calcein dye leakage and membrane depolarization assays, which suggest that PGP-E acts via a membrane-active mechanism. The hemolytic activity of PGP-E was significantly lower than that of melittin, a well-known membrane-active peptide derived from bee venom. These results suggest that PGP-E is a potential candidate in the development of new peptide antibiotics.

Paenibacillus assamensis in Joint Fluid of Man with Suspected Tularemia, China

Paenibacillus assamensis is a bacterium usually found in warm springs. We detected P. assamensis in a man with suspected tularemia. The strain isolated from the man’s knee joint fluid was identified as P. assamensis after analysis of a homologous sequence of the 16S rRNA gene.

Microbiological studies of hot springs in India: a review

The earliest microbiological studies on hot springs in India date from 2003, a much later date compared to global attention in this striking field of study. As of today, 28 out of 400 geothermal springs have been explored following both culturable and non-culturable approaches. The temperatures and pH of the springs are 37-99 °C and 6.8-10, respectively. Several studies have been performed on the description of novel genera and species, characterization of different bio-resources, metagenomics of hot spring microbiome and whole genome analysis of few isolates. 17 strains representing novel species and many thermostable enzymes, including lipase, protease, chitinase, amylase, etc. with potential biotechnological applications have been reported by several authors. Influence of physico-chemical conditions, especially that of temperature, on shaping the hot spring microbiome has been established by metagenomic investigations. Bacteria are the predominant life forms in all the springs with an abundance of phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Thermi, Bacteroidetes, Deinococcus-Thermus and Chloroflexi. In this review, we have discussed the findings on all microbiological studies that have been carried out to date, on the 28 hot springs. Further, the possibilities of extrapolating these studies for practical applications and environmental impact assessment towards protection of natural ecosystem of hot springs have also been discussed.

Marinomonas epiphytica sp. nov., isolated from a marine intertidal macroalga

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic marine bacterial strain, SAB-3T, was isolated from brown macroalgae (Dictyota sp.) growing in the Arabian sea, Goa, India. The strain grew optimally at 30 °C, with 2.0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0 on marine agar medium. Strain SAB-3T was unable to hydrolyse aesculin and did not grow in the presence of rifamycin but showed resistance to antibiotics such as cefadroxil and co-trimoxazole. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0, and Q-8 was the major ubiquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content was 41.0 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain was a member of the genus Marinomonas with Marinomonas aquiplantarum IVIA-Po-159T (97.6 % similarity), Marinomonas posidonica IVIA-Po-181T (97.5 %) and Marinomonas dokdonensis DSM 17202T (97.4 %) as the closest relatives. Whole genome relatedness determined through DNA-DNA hybridization revealed values of 40-50 % (below the 70 % threshold recommended for species delineation) with the above three species, thus confirming it as representing a distinct and novel species of the genus Marinomonas for which the name Marinomonas epiphytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SAB-3T (=JCM 31365T=KCTC 52293T=MTCC 12569T).

Paenibacillus aquistagni sp. nov., isolated from an artificial lake accumulating industrial wastewater

Strain 11^T was isolated from water of an artificial lake accumulating industrial wastewater on the outskirts of Celje, Slovenia. Phenotypic characterisation showed strain 11^T to be a Gram-stain positive, spore forming bacterium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence identified strain 11^T as a member of the genus Paenibacillus, closely related to Paenibacillus alvei (96.2%). Genomic similarity with P. alvei 29^T was 73.1% (gANI), 70.2% (ANIb), 86.7% (ANIm) and 21.7 ± 2.3% (GGDC). The DNA G+C content of strain 11^T was determined to be 47.5%. The predominant menaquinone of strain 11^T was identified as MK-7 and the major fatty acid as anteiso-C_15:0. The peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. In contrast to its close relatives P. alvei DSM 29^T, Paenibacillus apiarius DSM 5581^T and Paenibacillus profundus NRIC 0885^T, strain 11^T was found to be able to ferment D-fructose, D-mannose and D-xylose. A draft genome of strain 11^T contains a cluster of genes associated with type IV pilin synthesis usually found in clostridia, and only sporadically in other Gram-positive bacteria. Genotypic, chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical characteristics of strain 11^T presented in this study support the creation of a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus aquistagni sp. nov. is proposed, with strain 11^T (=ZIM B1027^T =LMG 29561^T =CCM 8679^T ) as the type strain.

Paenibacillus aceris sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Acer okamotoanum, a plant native to Ulleungdo Island, Republic of Korea

Strain KUDC4121^T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Acer okamotoanum, a plant native to the Korean island of Ulleungdo. The strain was a Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that can grow at 18-37 °C and pH 6.0-7.5, with optimum growth at 30 °C and pH 7.0. It grew on tryptic soy agar containing less than 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl and in R2A broth. Cell length ranged from 2.0 to 2.5 µm. Strain KUDC4121^T was oxidase- and catalase-positive and did not hydrolyse starch or casein. The genomic G+C content was 48.8 mol%. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KUDC4121^T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus. The closest type strain was Paenibacillus chondroitinus DSM 5051^T, with 97.8 % similarity, followed by Paenibacillus alginolyticus DSM 5050^T (97.6 %), Paenibacillus ferrarius CY1^T (97.5 %), Paenibacillus pocheonensis Gsoil 1138^T (97.5 %), Paenibacillus frigoriresistens YIM 016^T (97.5 %), Paenibacillus pectinilyticus RCB-08^T (97.2 %) and Paenibacillus aestuarii CJ25^T (96.9 %). Based on its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic and genetic data, strain KUDC4121^T should be considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus aceris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KUDC4121^T (=KCTC 13870^T=DSM 24950^T).

Genetic Analysis of Collective Motility of Paenibacillus sp. NAIST15-1

Bacteria have developed various motility mechanisms to adapt to a variety of solid surfaces. A rhizosphere isolate, Paenibacillus sp. NAIST15-1, exhibited unusual motility behavior. When spotted onto 1.5% agar media, Paenibacillus sp. formed many colonies, each of which moved around actively at a speed of 3.6 μm/sec. As their density increased, each moving colony began to spiral, finally forming a static round colony. Despite its unusual motility behavior, draft genome sequencing revealed that both the composition and organization of flagellar genes in Paenibacillus sp. were very similar to those in Bacillus subtilis. Disruption of flagellar genes and flagellar stator operons resulted in loss of motility. Paenibacillus sp. showed increased transcription of flagellar genes and hyperflagellation on hard agar media. Thus, increased flagella and their rotation drive Paenibacillus sp. motility. We also identified a large extracellular protein, CmoA, which is conserved only in several Paenibacillus and related species. A cmoA mutant could neither form moving colonies nor move on hard agar media; however, motility was restored by exogenous CmoA. CmoA was located around cells and enveloped cell clusters. Comparison of cellular behavior between the wild type and cmoA mutant indicated that extracellular CmoA is involved in drawing water out of agar media and/or smoothing the cell surface interface. This function of CmoA probably enables Paenibacillus sp. to move on hard agar media.

Isolation and characterization of a novel Gram-negative bacterium Chromobacterium alkanivorans sp. nov., strain IITR-71T degrading halogenated alkanes

The taxonomic position of a Gram-stain negative, non-violaceinpigmented bacterium isolated from an insecticide-contaminated site was characterized by a polyphasic approach. The bacterium was able to grow on three different halogenated compounds namely 1-hlorobutane, 1-hloropropane and 1,2-ichloroethane. As a critical step in the degradation of these haloalkanes, stoichiometric amounts of dechlorination were estimated. Based on selective enrichment method for three months, using a highly contaminated mixed chemical soil, a bacterium was obtained and designated as IITR-71T. Its versatility and novelty led us to further characterize it by polyphasic taxonomy. The 16S rRNA gene sequence (1446 bases) comparison showed highest similarity with those of members of the genus Chromobacterium with the most closely related species to strain IITR-71T being Chromobacterium aquaticum (99.3 %) followed by Chromobacterium haemolyticum (98.6 %) and Chromobacterium piscinae (97.1 %). The major ubiquinone was Q-8. Predominant polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG). The DNA G+C content of IITR-71T was estimated to be 61.2 mol%. The genotypic and phenotypic distinctiveness of IITR-71T and its phylogenetic relationships indicate that IITR-71T represents a novel species, for which the name Chromobacterium alkanivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IITR-71T (=MTCC 11059T=JCM 30068T=KCTC 52433T).

Paenibacillus puernese sp. nov., a β-glucosidase-producing bacterium isolated from Pu'er tea

A Gram-staining-positive, endospore-forming, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as DCY97(T), was isolated from ripened Pu'er tea and was identified by using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain DCY97(T) was closely related to Paenibacillus dongdonensis KUDC0114(T) (98.0 %), Paenibacillus oceanisediminis L10(T) (97.7 %), and Paenibacillus barcinonensis BP-23(T) (97.2 %). The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain DCY97(T) matched with the characteristics of members belonging to the genus Paenibacillus. The major identified polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (35.1 %), anteiso-C16:0 (19.0 %), and iso-C16:0 (13.9 %). The peptidoglycan cell wall was composed of meso-diaminopimelic acids, alanine, and D-glutamic acid. The genomic DNA G + C content was determined to be 46.7 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain DCY97(T) and Paenibacillus dongdonensis KCTC 33221(T), Paenibacillus oceanisediminis KACC 16023(T), Paenibacillus barcinonensis KCTC 13019(T) were 27, 19, and 10 %, respectively. Based on the genotypic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain DCY97(T) is considered as a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus puernese sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY97(T) (=KCTC 33596(T) = JCM 140369(T)).

Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus sp. Strain FJAT-28004 for the Genome Sequencing Project for Genomic Taxonomy and Phylogenomics of Bacillus-Like Bacteria

Paenibacillus sp. strain FJAT-28004 is a spore forming and strictly aerobic bacterium. Here, we report the draft 7,479,858-bp genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. FJAT-28004, which will provide useful information for genomic taxonomy and phylogenomics of the genus Paenibacillus, as well as for the functional gene mining and application of Paenibacillus sp. FJAT-28004.

Paenibacillus faecis sp. nov., isolated from human faeces

A spore-forming, rod-shaped Gram-strain-positive bacterium, strain 656.84T, was isolated from human faeces in 1984. It contained anteiso-C15 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acid, meso-diaminopimelic acid was found in the cell wall peptidoglycan, the polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and aminophospholipids as the major components, and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 52.9 mol%. The results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies placed strain 656.84T within the genus Paenibacillus. Its closest phylogenetic relatives were Paenibacillus barengoltzii and Paenibacillus timonensis. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 656.84T and Paenibacillus timonensis CIP 108005T and Paenibacillus barengoltzii CIP 109354T were 17.3 % and 36.8 %, respectively, indicating that strain 656.84T represents a distinct species. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic results, strain 656.84T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus faecis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 656.84T ( = DSM 23593T = CIP 101062T).

Paenibacillus enshidis sp. nov., Isolated from the Nodules of Robinia pseudoacacia L

A Gram-positive, motile, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated RP-207(T), was isolated from the nodules of Robinia pseudoacacia L. plants planted in Enshi District, Hubei, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the novel strain was affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, with its closest relatives being Paenibacillus xylanilyticus XIL14(T) (95.6%), Paenibacillus peoriae DSM8320(T) (95.3%) and Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 36(T) (95.3%). The DNA G+C content was 47.0 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain RP-207(T) and P. xylanilyticus XIL14(T) was 40.1%. The diamino acid found in the cell wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified amino-phospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. The predominant menaquinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and the major fatty acid was anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0. On the basis of its physiological and biochemical characteristics and the level of DNA-DNA hybridization, strain RP-207(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus enshidis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RP-207(T) (=CCTCC AB 2013275(T) = KCTC 33519(T)).

Paenibacillus tibetensis sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from alpine swamp meadow soil

A novel psychrophilic strain, SSB001(T), was isolated from an alpine swamp meadow soil in Tibet, China, and identified as a representative of a novel phylogenetic subclade in the genus Paenibacillus , with Paenibacillus antarcticus (96.2%), Paenibacillus macquariensis (96.53%) and Paenibacillus glacialis (96.2%) as the most closely related species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The strain was distinguished from defined species of the genus Paenibacillus by further study of rpoB gene sequences, phenotypic characterization, cellular fatty acid composition, quinones, polar lipids and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the peptidoglycan. Based upon these results, we propose the strain as a representative of a novel species named Paenibacillus tibetensis sp. nov., with SSB001(T) ( =ACCC 19728(T) =DSM 29321(T)) as the type strain. The DNA G+C content (mol%) of strain SSB001(T) was 40.18 mol% (HPLC).

Paenibacillus ginsengiterrae sp. nov., a ginsenoside-hydrolyzing bacteria isolated from soil of ginseng field

A novel bacterial strain DCY89(T) was isolated from soil sample of ginseng field and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming and motile with flagella. The strain was aerobic, esculin and starch positive, catalase- and oxidase-negative, optimum growth temperature, and pH were 25-30 °C and 6.0-7.5, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain DCY89(T) was shown to belong to the genus Paenibacillus and the closest phylogenetic relatives were Paenibacillus cellulosilyticus KACC 14175(T) (98.2%), Paenibacillus kobensis KACC 15273(T) (98.1%), Paenibacillus xylaniclasticus KCTC 13719(T) (96.9%), and Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus KCTC 3759(T) (96.64%). The DNA G+C content was 52.5 mol%, and the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and anteiso-C15:0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that DCY89(T) represented a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which we propose the name Paenibacillus ginsengiterrae. The type strain is DCY89(T) (JCM 19887(T) = KCTC 33430(T)).

Paenibacillus yonginensis sp. nov., a potential plant growth promoting bacterium isolated from humus soil of Yongin forest

Strain DCY84(T), a Gram-stain positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, spore-forming bacterium, motile by means of peritrichous flagella, was isolated from humus soil from Yongin forest in Gyeonggi province, South Korea. Strain DCY84(T) shared the highest sequence similarity with Paenibacillus barengoltzii KACC 15270(T) (96.86 %), followed by Paenibacillus timonensis KACC 11491(T) (96.49 %) and Paenibacillus phoenicis NBRC 106274(T) (95.77 %). Strain DCY84(T) was found to able to grow best in TSA at temperature 30 °C, at pH 8 and at 0.5 % NaCl. MK-7 menaquinone was identified as the isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified polar lipid. The peptidoglycan was found to contain the amino acids meso-diaminopimelic acid, alanine and D-glutamic acid. The major fatty acids of strain DCY84(T) were identified as branched chain anteiso-C15:0, saturated C16:0 and branched chain anteiso-C17:0. The cell wall sugars of strain DCY84(T) were found to comprise of ribose, galactose and xylose. The major polyamine was identified as spermidine. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 62.6 mol%. After 6 days of incubation, strain DCY84(T) produced 52.96 ± 1.85 and 72.83 ± 2.86 µg/ml L-indole-3-acetic acid, using media without L-tryptophan and supplemented with L-tryptophan, respectively. Strain DCY84(T) was also found to be able to solubilize phosphate and produce siderophores. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics, genotypic analysis and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain DCY84(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus yonginensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY84(T) (=KCTC 33428(T) = JCM 19885(T)).

Paenibacillus dongdonensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizospheric soil of Elymus tsukushiensis

A Gram-staining-positive, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated KUDC0114(T), was isolated from rhizospheric soil of Elymus tsukushiensis from Dongdo Island, one of the largest of the Dokdo Islands, South Korea. The strain displayed optimal growth at 37 °C, pH 8.5 in the absence of NaCl. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain KUDC0114(T) represented a member of the genus Paenibacillus and was most closely related to Paenibacillus taichungensis BCRC 17757(T) (98.46%). The cell-wall peptidoglycan was A1γ type, and the predominant quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 0). The DNA-DNA hybridization of strain KUDC0114(T) with nine other strains indicated less than 23% relatedness, and its DNA G+C content was 44.30 mol%. Based on genomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, KUDC0114(T) should be classified as representing novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. The name Paenibacillus dongdonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KUDC0114(T) ( = DSM27607(T) = KCTC33221(T)).

Streptomyces amritsarensis sp. nov., exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

A new actinobacterium strain, designated 2A(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab (India) and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. It showed antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including drug resistant bacteria and fungi. The strain had chemotaxononomic and morphological properties typical of the genus Streptomyces. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed 99.9, 99.5 and 99.5 % similarity with Streptomyces flavotricini DSM 40152(T), Streptomyces toxytricini DSM 40178(T) and Streptomyces globosus DSM 40815(T), respectively. This strain formed a coherent cluster with them and shared DNA-DNA homology of 37.6 ± 0.6, 34.4 ± 0.5 and 33.1 ± 0.4 % with type strains, S. flavotricini DSM 40152(T), S. globosus DSM 40815(T) and S. toxytricini DSM 40178(T), respectively. Further, the strain was readily distinguished from the phylogenetic close relatives in a variety of morphological, physiological and biochemical properties. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain 2A(T) represents a novel species in the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces amritsarensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 2A(T) (=MTCC 11845(T)=JCM 19660(T)).

Paenibacillus relictisesami sp. nov., isolated from sesame oil cake

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain KB0549T, was isolated from sesame oil cake. Cells were motile, round-ended rods, and produced central or terminal spores. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The DNA G+C content of strain KB0549T was 51.9 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, strain KB0549T was affiliated with the genus Paenibacillus in the phylum Firmicutes and was most closely related to Paenibacillus cookii with 97.4% sequence similarity. Strain KB0549T was physiologically differentiated from P. cookii by the high content of anteiso-C17:0, inability to grow at 50 °C, spore position, and negative Voges-Proskauer reaction. Based on these unique physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, it is proposed that the isolate represents a novel species, Paenibacillus relictisesami sp. nov.; the type strain is KB0549T (=JCM 18068T=DSM 25385T).

Paenibacillus thermoaerophilus sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from compost

A rod-shaped, endospore-forming, Gram-reaction-positive bacterium, designated strain TC22-2bT, was isolated from compost in Tochigi, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belonged to a cluster comprising species of the genus Paenibacillus and was most closely related to the type strain of Paenibacillus elgii (93.4 % similarity). The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0 (25.5 %), iso-C16:0 (23.6 %) and anteiso-C15:0 (21.5 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The diamino acid found in the cell wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the DNA G+C content was 59.1 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled the phenotypic differentiation of strain TC22-2bT from the most closely related species with validly published names. Phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence reveals that strain TC22-2bT represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus thermoaerophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is TC22-2bT ( = DSM 26310T  = JCM 18657T).

A New Antimicrobial and Anticancer Peptide Producing by the Marine Deep Sediment Strain “Paenibacillus profundus” sp. nov. Sl 79

A new linear glyceryl acid derived heptapeptide (1), together with known isocoumarin antibiotic, Y-05460M-A (2), were isolated from the culture of the deep sea sediment strain Sl 79 classified as “ Paenibacillus profundus” sp. nov. Their structures were determined by 1D- and 2D- NMR techniques and ESI-MS/MS experiments. HPLC analysis of the Marfey derivatives in comparison to their analogs of authentic amino acids revealed that all amino acids in peptide 1, with an exception of Val, have the D-configuration. The compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium as well as cytotoxic and moderate colony growth inhibitory activity against SK-MEL-28 cell line.

Paenibacillus oceanisediminis sp. nov. isolated from marine sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, endospore forming and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain L10(T), was isolated from marine sediment collected from the South Korean coast. The organism grew optimally under conditions of 30 °C, 1 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 6.0. It was oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain L10(T) was associated with the genus Paenibacillus and most closely related to Paenibacillus barcinonensis BP-23(T) (98.2 % similarity). The major fatty acids of strain L10(T) were iso-C(14 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0). The cell-wall peptidoglycan was the A1γ type, and the predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7. Strain L10(T) contained two unidentified lipids, an unidentified amino-phospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44 mol% and the DNA-DNA hybridization values with closely related strains were below 14±2 %. Based on phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain L10(T) should be classified as a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. The name Paenibacillus oceanisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is L10(T) ( = KACC 16203(T) = JCM 17814(T)).

Calidifontibacter indicus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Dermacoccaceae isolated from a hot spring, and emended description of the family Dermacoccaceae

During the course of a study on the bacterial diversity in Western Ghats, India, an actinobacterial strain, designated PC IW02T, was isolated and characterized by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain PC IW02T was a non-motile, Gram-positive, short rod that formed creamish white to yellow coloured colonies. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the novel strain showed highest sequence similarity with type strains of members of the genus Dermacoccus: Dermacoccus barathri (96.6 %), Dermacoccus profundi (96.5 %), Dermacoccus abyssi (96.4 %) and Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis (95.9 %). The phylogenetic tree suggested that strain PC IW02T could represent a member of a new genus of the family Dermacoccaceae with the genus Demetria as closest clade. Pairwise sequence alignment with Demetria terragena HKI 0089T and Kytococcus sedentarius DSM 20547T showed similarities of 94.2 and 93.7 %, respectively. Strain PC IW02T had MK-8(H4) as the major menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 (43.4 %), iso-C16 : 1 H (17.2 %) and anteiso-C17 : 0 (9.9 %). The diagnostic cell-wall amino acid at position 3 of the peptide subunit was lysine; the interpeptide bridge consisted of Gly–Ser–Asp. The polar lipids present were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and phosphatidylserine, along with two unknown phospholipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of the isolate was 77 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, including chemotaxonomic data, and 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain PC IW02T represents a novel species in a new genus of the family Dermacoccaceae for which the name Calidifontibacter indicus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Calidifontibacter indicus is PC IW02T ( = MTCC 8338T = DSM 22967T = JCM 16038T). An emended description of the family Dermacoccaceae is provided.

Paenimacrolidin, a novel macrolide antibiotic from Paenibacillus sp. F6-B70 active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Paenibacillus sp. F6-B70 was selected from several dozens of isolates with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a 16S rDNA-based screening method. F6-B70 contained polyketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) clusters in its genome revealed by PCR amplification of conserved adenylation and ketosynthase (KS) domains. Phylogenetic data suggested that the strain hosts trans-AT PKSs and their product may be a branched molecule. An antibiotic was subsequently isolated from the methanol extract of F6-B70 cells. The molecular formula of the antibiotic was deduced to be C(33) H(50) NaO(6) ([M + Na](+) , m/z 565.3505) by analysis of electrospray ionization mass spectral data. Elucidation of the structure by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy revealed that the active compound, paenimacrolidin (PAM), was a novel 22-membered macrolide with side-chains. The new antibiotic, mainly as a bacteriostatic agent, inhibits a couple of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus sp. strains. The antibiotic capacity of PAM was compromised by its instability, which can be overcome significantly with addition of an anti-oxidant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of an active macrolide from paenibacilli, which may be a promising source of novel antibiotics.

Paenibacillus algorifonticola sp. nov., isolated from a cold spring

A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated XJ259(T), was isolated from a cold spring sample from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. The isolate grew optimally at 20-30 °C and pH 7.3-7.8. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that isolate XJ259(T) belonged phylogenetically to the genus Paenibacillus, and was most closely related to Paenibacillus xinjiangensis B538(T) (with 96.6 % sequence similarity), Paenibacillus glycanilyticus DS-1(T) (96.3 %) and Paenibacillus castaneae Ch-32(T) (96.1 %), sharing less than 96.0 % sequence similarity with all other members of the genus Paenibacillus. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealing menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major isoprenoid quinone, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown phosphoglycolipids as the major cellular polar lipids, a DNA G+C content of 47.0 mol%, and anteiso-C₁₅:₀ and C₁₆:₀ as the major fatty acids supported affiliation of the new isolate to the genus Paenibacillus. Based on these data, isolate XJ259(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus algorifonticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XJ259(T) ( = CGMCC 1.10223(T)  = JCM 16598(T)).

Psychrobacillus gen. nov. and proposal for reclassification of Bacillus insolitus Larkin & Stokes, 1967, B. psychrotolerans Abd-El Rahman et al., 2002 and B. psychrodurans Abd-El Rahman et al., 2002 as Psychrobacillus insolitus comb. nov., Psychrobacillus psychrotolerans comb. nov. and Psychrobacillus psychrodurans comb. nov

The taxonomic status of three Bacillus species, Bacillus insolitus, B. psychrodurans and B. psychrotolerans was reexamined using a polyphasic approach. In our analysis, these three Bacillus species formed a cluster separate from other members of Bacillus rRNA group 2 [5] and from Bacillus sensu stricto. These three species shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between them (97.8-99.7%) and showed closest sequence similarity (95.3-96.3%) to Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov. [18]. Sequence similarities with other related genera ranged between 90.9% and 94.5%. Phylogenetic coherence of the three species was supported by phenotypic characteristics, such as growth at low temperatures, negative oxidation and assimilation of many carbohydrates, MK8 as the major isoprenoid quinine and broadly similar polar lipid profiles. All three species had a similar peptidoglycan type of the variation A4β and similar genomic G+C contents (35.7-36.6 mol% [1]). Genomic relatedness among them was shown to be less than 70% and justified their separate species status [1]. These three species could be differentiated from each other and from related taxa on the basis of phenotypic, including chemotaxonomic, characteristics and ribotype patterns. On the basis of our analysis, we propose a new genus Psychrobacillus gen. nov. and to transfer B. insolitus, B. psychrodurans and B. psychrotolerans to the new genus as Psychrobacillus insolitus comb. nov. (type species of the genus; type strain W16B(T)=DSM 5(T)), P. psychrodurans comb. nov. (type strain 68E3(T)=DSM 11713(T)) and P. psychrotolerans comb. nov. (type strain 3H1(T)=DSM 11706(T)).

Paenibacillus jilunlii sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing species isolated from the rhizosphere of Begonia semperflorens

A nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated strain Be17(T), was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Begonia semperflorens planted in Beijing Botanical Garden, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on a segment of the nifH gene sequence and a full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain Be17(T) was a member of the genus Paenibacillus. High levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found between strain Be17(T) and Paenibacillus graminis RSA19(T) (97.9 %), Paenibacillus sonchi LMG 24727(T) (97.8 %), Paenibacillus riograndensis CECT 7330(T) (96.2 %) and Paenibacillus borealis DSM 13188(T) (96.1 %), respectively. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Be17(T) and the type strains of other recognized members of the genus Paenibacillus were below 96.0 %. However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain Be17(T) and P. graminis RSA19(T), P. sonchi LMG 24727(T) and P. riograndensis CECT 7330(T) were 47.9 %, 38.7 % and 37.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain Be17(T) was 52.9 mol%. The major fatty acid component of strain Be17(T) was anteiso-branched C(15 : 0) (30.92 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA G+C content, DNA-DNA relatedness, chemotaxonomic properties and nifH gene sequence, strain Be17(T) represents a nitrogen-fixing strain of a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus jilunlii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Be17(T) ( = CGMCC 1.10239(T) = DSM 23019(T)).

Paenibacillus puldeungensis sp. nov., isolated from a grassy sandbank

The taxonomic position of a Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic bacterial strain, CAU 9324(T), isolated from a grassy sandbank was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain CAU 9324(T) grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 6.0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol as the major component. The predominant cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C₁₅:₀. The DNA G+C content of strain CAU 9324(T) was 48.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, showing < 96.4  % similarity to the type strains of all recognized Paenibacillus species. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain CAU 9324(T) was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus puldeungensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 9324(T) (=KCTC 13718(T) =CCUG 59189(T)).

Paenibacillus glacialis sp. nov., isolated from the Kafni glacier of the Himalayas, India

A novel strain of the genus Paenibacillus, KFC91T, was isolated from the Kafni glacier of the Himalayas. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KFC91T clustered with Paenibacillus antarcticus LMG 22078T (98.9%) and Paenibacillus macquariensis LMG 6935T (98.7%). The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid, anteiso-C15:0 as the predominant fatty acid and MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic characteristics and other phenotypic traits, strain KFC91T was assigned to the genus Paenibacillus. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments of KFC91T with P. antarcticus and P. macquariensis showed reassociation values of 39 and 52%, respectively. Thus, it is proposed that strain KFC91T should be assigned the status of a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus and the name proposed is Paenibacillus glacialis sp. nov., with KFC91T (=NCCB 100252T =DSM 22343T) as the type strain.

Fontibacillus aquaticus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a warm spring

A novel facultatively anaerobic strain, designated GPTSA 19(T), was isolated from a warm spring and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain behaved as Gram-negative in the Gram staining procedure but showed a Gram-positive reaction in the aminopeptidase test. The novel strain was a mesophilic rod with ellipsoidal endospores. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed closest similarity (96.0 %) with Paenibacillus motobuensis MC10(T). The gene sequence similarity of the novel strain with other species of the genus Paenibacillus was <95.8 %. The novel strain also had PAEN 515F and 682F signature sequence stretches in the 16S rRNA gene that are usually found in most species of the genus Paenibacillus. The strain possessed anteiso-C(15 : 0) as the major fatty acid and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. Polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), six unknown phospholipids (PLs), one aminophospholipid (PN), three glycolipids (GLs), two aminolipids (ALs), one aminophosphoglycolipid (APGL) and three unknown lipids (ULs). The polar lipid profile of the novel strain, especially as regards ALs, GLs and PLs, distinguished it from the recognized type species of the genus Paenibacillus, Paenibacillus polymyxa, as well as from its closest relative P. motobuensis. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the new strain merits the rank of a novel genus for which the name Fontibacillus gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of the new genus is Fontibacillus aquaticus gen. nov., sp. nov. with the type strain GPTSA 19(T) (=MTCC 7155(T)=DSM 17643(T)).

Description of Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov., and reclassification of Sporosarcina macmurdoensis Reddy et al. 2003 as Paenisporosarcina macmurdoensis comb. nov

In the course of a study of the prokaryotic diversity of a landfill site in Chandigarh, India, a strain designated SK 55(T) was isolated and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed closest similarity (98.3 %) to that of Sporosarcina macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T). The sequence similarity to strains of other hitherto described species of Sporosarcina was less than 95.5 %. Strain SK 55(T) contains peptidoglycan of the A4alpha type (l-Lys-d-Asp), MK-8 and MK-7 as the major menaquinones and iso-C(15 : 0) as the major fatty acid. Strain SK 55(T), Sporosarcina macmurdoensis and Sporosarcina ureae, the type species of the genus, had some polar lipids in common (diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, a phospholipid and an unknown lipid). However, an aminolipid, an aminophospholipid and an unknown lipid found in the former two organisms are similar, though not identical, but quite different from the profile of S. ureae. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strain SK 55(T) (46.0 mol%) and S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) (44.0 mol%) are higher than those reported for the majority of species of Sporosarcina (36-42 mol%). As revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain SK 55(T) and S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) form a clade which is distinct from the clade occupied by other species of Sporosarcina. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics including chemotaxonomic data and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, we conclude that strain SK 55(T) should be considered as a member of a novel genus and species, for which the name Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum is SK 55(T) (=MTCC7604(T) =JCM 14041(T)). S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) shows more similarity in its 16S rRNA gene sequence (98.3 %), DNA G+C content and polar lipid profile to strain SK 55(T) than to S. ureae DSM 2281(T). Phylogenetically, it forms a coherent cluster with strain SK 55(T) which is separate from the Sporosarcina cluster. Moreover, iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 1)omega7c alcohol are the three major fatty acids in both S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) and SK 55(T). All these data suggest that S. macmurdoensis should be a member of the genus Paenisporosarcina. However, S. macmurdoensis can be differentiated from SK 55(T) in several physiological and biochemical characteristics, especially in the patterns of oxidation and acid production from carbohydrates. The genomic relatedness of S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) and strain SK 55(T) was also very low (18.0 %). It is therefore logical to transfer Sporosarcina macmurdoensis to the newly created genus as Paenisporosarcina macmurdoensis comb. nov. The type strain is CMS 21w(T) (=MTCC4670(T) =DSM 15428(T)).