Rhodococcus oxybenzonivorans sp. nov., a benzophenone-3-degrading bacterium, isolated from stream sediment.

A Gram-stain-positive, facultative aerobic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, non-sporulating, and non-motile bacterium, which degraded benzophenone-3, was isolated from stream sediment collected in the Republic of Korea and designated as strain S2-17T. Cells of this strain were rod-shaped during the early growth phase but became coccoid after the late exponential growth phase. Bacterial growth was observed at 15-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5-8.5) and in the presence of 0-9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-1.0 %). Menaquinone-8 (H2) was the sole isoprenoid quinone, and C16 : 0, C17 : 1 ω8c, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c) and C18 : 1 ω9c were the major fatty acids. The cell wall of strain S2-17T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and arabinose, galactose and mycolic acid were found in whole-cell hydrolysates, suggesting a chemotype IV cell wall. The G+C content of the genome was 65.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain S2-17T formed a phyletic lineage within the genus Rhodococcus and was most closely related to Rhodococcus jostii DSM 44719T (99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain S2-17T and R. jostii DSM 44719T were 82.6 and 26.5 %, respectively, indicating differences between the species. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain S2-17T represents a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus, for which the name Rhodococcus oxybenzonivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2-17T (=KACC 19281T=JCM 32046T).

Microvirga terrae sp. nov., Isolated from Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative and strictly aerobic bacterium, strain R24T, was isolated from soil in South Korea. Cells were non-motile short rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Growth was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, 8.0-9.0), and in the presence of 0-3.0% NaCl (optimum, 0%). Strain R24T contained ubiquinone-10 as the sole respiratory quinone, C16:0, C18:0, and summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) as the major fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine as the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content calculated from the whole genome sequence was 64.4%. Strain R24T was most closely related to Microvirga aerilata 5420S-16T with a 98.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain R24T and all Microvirga species were less than 82.5 and 23.8%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences revealed that strain R24T formed a phyletic lineage within the genus Microvirga. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular characteristics, strain R24T represents a novel species of the genus Microvirga, for which the name Microvirga terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R24T (= KACC 21784T = JCM 34259T).

Maribacter algicola sp. nov., isolated from a marine red alga, Porphyridium marinum, and transfer of Maripseudobacter aurantiacus Chen et al. 2017 to the genus Maribacter as Maribacter aurantiacus comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterial strain, designated strain PoM-212T, was isolated from a marine alga, Porphyridium marinum, in the Republic of Korea. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive rods with gliding motility without flagellum. Growth was observed at 20-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 5.0-8.5 (pH 5.0-5.5) and in the presence of 0.5-5 % (w/v) NaCl (2-3 %). Strain PoM-212T contained iso-C15 : 1, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as major fatty acids and menaquinone-6 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids were detected as major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.0 mol%. Strain PoM-212T was most closely related to Maribacter lutimaris KJ4T, Maripseudobacter aurantiacus CDA4T and Maribacter flavus C3T with 97.2, 97.2 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, and it formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage from them within the genus Maribacter. Maripseudobacter aurantiacus formed a close phylogenetic lineage with Maribacter flavus with 99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, but their digital DNA-DNA hybridization value was 67.4 %. On the basis of its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain PoM-212T represents a novel species of the genus Maribacter, for which the name Maribacter algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PoM-212T (=KACC 19789T=JCM 32941T). The transfer of Maripseudobacter aurantiacus to the genus Maribacter as Maribacter aurantiacus comb. nov. is also proposed (type strain CDA4T=KCTC 52409T=MCCC 1K03210T).

Flavobacterium microcysteis sp. nov., isolated from a culture of Microcystis aeruginosa.

A Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain MaA-Y11T, was isolated from a culture of Microcystis aeruginosa in the Republic of Korea. Cells were non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain MaA-Y11T was observed at 25-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0) and in the presence of 0-1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Strain MaA-Y11T did not produce flexirubin-type pigments. Strain MaA-Y11T contained iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as major cellular fatty acids and menaquinone-6 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified lipids were detected as the major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 37.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain MaA-Y11T formed a phyletic lineage with Flavobacterium lindanitolerans IP-10T within the genus Flavobacterium. Strain MaA-Y11T was most closely related to Flavobacterium lindanitolerans IP-10T, with a 98.85 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, and shared less than 93.87 % sequence similarities with other type strains. Average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain MaA-Y11T and the type strain of F. lindanitolerans were 87.0 and 32.3 %, respectively. Here, we conclude that strain MaA-Y11T represents a new species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium microcysteis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MaA-Y11T (=KACC 21225T=JCM 33501T).

Geomonas soli gen. nov., sp. nov., a New Member of the Family Comamonadaceae, Isolated from Soil.

A Gram-stain negative, facultative aerobic bacterial strain, designated strain S-16T, was isolated from soil in South Korea. Colonies were white-milkish and cells were non-motile rods with oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. The growth of strain S-16T was observed at 20-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and pH 5.5-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.5). Ubiquinone-8 was identified as the sole respiratory quinone and C12:0, C16:0, C18:0, C15:1ω5c and summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c) were identified as the major fatty acids (>5%). The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified polar lipid. The G + C content of the genomic DNA calculated from the whole genome sequence was 66.8 mol%. Strain S-16T was most closely related to Piscinibacter aquaticus IMCC1728T, Rhizobacter gummiphilus NS21T and Rhizobacter dauci H6T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.93%, 97.93% and 97.44%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences suggested that strain S-16T could form a distinct phyletic lineage as a new genus within the family Comamonadaceae. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain S-16T represents the type strain of a novel species of a novel genus within the family Comamonadaceae, for which the name Geomonas soli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-16T (= KACC 19792T = JCM 32971T).

The effect of salt concentrations on the fermentation of doenjang, a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste.

Four sets of doenjang (traditional Korean fermented soybean paste) with 9%, 12%, 15%, and 18% solar salt concentrations were prepared and their pH, microbial abundances and communities, metabolites, and volatile compounds were analyzed periodically during the entire fermentation. The speeds of decrease in pH and increase in microbial abundances, representing microbial activity, were higher during early fermentation in lower (9% and 12%) salt doenjang. Microbial abundances in 15% and 18% salt doenjang were significantly lower than in the 9% and 12% salt doenjang, indicating low microbial activity. Community analysis revealed that Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium and Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Fusarium, Mucor, and Penicillium, which might be derived from doenjang-meju used for preparing doenjang, were identified as major bacterial and fungal genera, respectively, in all doenjang samples. Weissella, Tetragenococcus, Oceanobacillus, and Debaryomyces, not dominant in doenjang-meju, were also identified as major groups in low salt doenjang. Metabolite analysis showed that amino acid profiles were relatively similar independent of salt concentrations and microbial growth, indicating important roles of indigenous proteases present in doenjang-meju, not microbial activity during doenjang fermentation, in amino acid production. The metabolism of free sugars to organic acids and biogenic amine production were greater in lower salt doenjang, which might be associated with the growth of microbes, particularly lactic acid bacteria. A higher level of and more diverse volatile compounds were identified in lower salt doenjang, indicating close association with microbial growth. This study provides a deeper understanding of doenjang fermentation and insight into the development of low salt doenjang.

Hwanghaeella grinnelliae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a marine red alga.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain Gri0909T, was isolated from a red marine alga, Grinnellia species, in the Yellow Sea of the Republic of Korea. Cells were motile by a single polar flagellum and short-rods showing oxidase and catalase activities. Growth was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-12.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0-3.0 %). Strain Gri0909T contained C16 : 0, C18 : 1 2-OH, anteiso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) as major fatty acids. Ubiquinone-10 was identified as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, an identified phospholipid, four unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA calculated from the whole-genome sequence was 59.1 mol%. Strain Gri0909T was most closely related to Marivibriohalodurans ZC80T with 91.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Gri0909T formed a phyletic lineage within the family Rhodospirillaceae. The very low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, together with distinct phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, served to differentiate strain Gri0909T from phylogenetically closely related genera. Here it is proposed that strain Gri0909T represents a new species of a novel genus of the family Rhodospirillaceae, for which the name Hwanghaeella grinnelliae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gri0909T (=KACC 19793T=JCM 32943T).

Roseicella frigidaeris gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from an air-conditioning system.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterial strain, designated DB1506T, of the family Acetobacteraceae, was isolated from an air-conditioning system in the Republic of Korea. Colonies were pink- to rosy-coloured and cells were non-motile cocci with catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Growth of strain DB1506T was observed at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.5-8.5 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-0.5 % (w/v) NaCl (0 %). Strain DB1506T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C18 : 1 2-OH as major fatty acids and ubiquinone-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified phospholipids, unidentified aminolipids and unidentified polar lipids were detected as major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA calculated from the whole genome sequence was 72.5 mol%. Strain DB1506T was most closely related to Paracraurococcus ruber NS89T, Dankookia rubra WS-10T and Siccirubricoccus deserti SYSU D8009T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.01, 95.88 and 95.44 %, respectively, but strain DB1506T formed a clearly distinct phylogenic lineage from them within the family Acetobacteraceae. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain DB1506T represents a novel species of a new genus within the family Acetobacteraceae, for which the name Roseicella frigidaeris gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DB1506T (=KACC 19791T=JCM 32945T).

Rhodophyticola porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a red alga, Porphyridium marinum.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain MA-7-27T, was isolated from a marine red alga, Porphyridium marinum, in the Republic of Korea. The cells of strain MA-7-27T were non-motile rods showing oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. Growth of strain MA-7-27T was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (2.0 %). Strain MA-7-27T contained C10 : 0, summed feature 1 (comprising iso-C15 : 1 h and/or C13 : 1 3-OH) and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The only isoprenoid quinone detected was ubiquinone-10. The major polar lipids of strain MA-7-27T were phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was approximately 63.6 mol%. Strain MA-7-27T was most closely related to the type strains of Boseongicola aestuarii BS-W15T and Nioella nitratireducens SSW136T with 96.98 % and 96.12 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but phylogenetic analyses showed that strain MA-7-27T formed a clearly distinct phylogenic lineage from the closely related strains. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties support that strain MA-7-27T represents a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Rhodophyticola porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA-7-27T (=KACC 18805T=JCM 31537T).

Oceaniradius stylonematis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a red alga, Stylonema cornu-cervi.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated StC1T, was isolated from a marine alga, Stylonema cornu-cervi, in the Republic of Korea. Cells were oxidase- and catalase-positive rods that were motile by a single lateral flagellum. Growth of strain StC1T was observed at 30-45 °C(optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-11.0 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1.0-8.0 % (w/v) NaCl (2 %). Strain StC1T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c) and 11-methyl-C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acids. Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol and ubiquinone-10 were identified as the major polar lipids and the sole isoprenoid quinone, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.7 mol%. Strain StC1T was most closely related to Oricola cellulosilytica CC-AMH-OT, Nitratireductor basaltis J3T, Aquamicrobiumahrensii 905/1T and Mesorhizobium tamadayense Ala-3T with 97.3 , 96.9 , 96.8  and 96.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but it formed a distinct phylogenic lineage within the family Phyllobacteriaceae. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain StC1T represents a novel genus of the family Phyllobacteriaceae, for which the name Oceaniradius stylonematis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is StC1T (=KACC 19231T=JCM 32050T).

Tetragenococcus halophilus MJ4 as a starter culture for repressing biogenic amine (cadaverine) formation during saeu-jeot (salted shrimp) fermentation.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are frequently present in traditionally fermented salted foods. In this study, a Tetragenococcus halophilus strain (MJ4) with no BA-producing ability was isolated from a fish (anchovy) sauce. Strain MJ4 did not produce BAs from supplied precursors and no BA-producing genes were identified in its genome. Bacterial community analysis showed that in non-inoculated saeu-jeot (shrimp sauce) fermentation, Tetragenococcus predominated after 82 days, while in strain MJ4-inoculated saeu-jeot, Tetragenococcus predominated during the entire fermentation. Strain MJ4 repressed the growth of T. muriaticus, a known BA producer, during fermentation, but metabolite analysis demonstrated that metabolite profiles, including amino acids, were similar regardless of MJ4 inoculation. The metabolite analysis also showed that strain MJ4 clearly repressed the formation of cadaverine during fermentation. This study suggests that the use of strain MJ4 as a starter culture in salted fish fermentation may be a good strategy for the reduction of BA formation.

Genomic and metabolic features of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens group- B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezensis, and B. siamensis- revealed by pan-genome analysis.

The genomic and metabolic features of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens group comprising B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezensis, and B. siamensis were investigated through a pan-genome analysis combined with an experimental verification of some of the functions identified. All B. amyloliquefaciens group genomes were retrieved from GenBank and their phylogenetic relatedness was subsequently investigated. Genome comparisons of B. amyloliquefaciens, B. siamensis, and B. velezensis showed that their genomic and metabolic features were similar; however species-specific features were also identified. Energy metabolism-related genes are more enriched in B. amyloliquefaciens, whereas secondary metabolite biosynthesis-related genes are enriched in B. velezensis. Compared to B. amyloliquefaciens and B. siamensis, B. velezensis harbors more genes in its core-genome which are involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds, as well as genes involved in d-galacturonate and d-fructuronate metabolism. B. amyloliquefaciens, B. siamensis, and B. velezensis all harbor a xanthine oxidase gene cluster (xoABCDE) in their core-genomes that is involved in metabolizing xanthine and uric acid to glycine and oxalureate. A reconstruction of B. amyloliquefaciens group metabolic pathways using their individual pan-genomes revealed that the B. amyloliquefaciens group strains have the ability to metabolize diverse carbon sources aerobically, or anaerobically, and can produce various metabolites such as lactate, ethanol, acetate, CO2, xylitol, diacetyl, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol. This study therefore provides insights into the genomic and metabolic features of the B. amyloliquefaciens group.

Genomic and metabolic features of Tetragenococcus halophilus as revealed by pan-genome and transcriptome analyses.

The genomic and metabolic diversity and features of Tetragenococcus halophilus, a moderately halophilic lactic acid bacterium, were investigated by pan-genome, transcriptome, and metabolite analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences of 15 T. halophilus strains revealed their phylogenetic distinctness from other Tetragenococcus species. Pan-genome analysis of the T. halophilus strains showed that their carbohydrate metabolic capabilities were diverse and strain dependent. Aside from one histidine decarboxylase gene in one strain, no decarboxylase gene associated with biogenic amine production was identified from the genomes. However, T. halophilus DSM 20339T produced tyramine without a biogenic amine-producing decarboxylase gene, suggesting the presence of an unidentified tyramine-producing gene. Our reconstruction of the metabolic pathways of these strains showed that T. halophilus harbors a facultative lactic acid fermentation pathway to produce l-lactate, ethanol, acetate, and CO2 from various carbohydrates. The transcriptomic analysis of strain DSM 20339T suggested that T. halophilus may produce more acetate via the heterolactic pathway (including d-ribose metabolism) at high salt conditions. Although genes associated with the metabolism of glycine betaine, proline, glutamate, glutamine, choline, and citrulline were identified from the T. halophilus genomes, the transcriptome and metabolite analyses suggested that glycine betaine was the main compatible solute responding to high salt concentration and that citrulline may play an important role in the coping mechanism against high salinity-induced osmotic stresses. Our results will provide a better understanding of the genome and metabolic features of T. halophilus, which has implications for the food fermentation industry.

Aestuariicoccus marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from sea-tidal flat sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and halotolerant bacterial strain, designated strain NAP41T, was isolated from a sea tidal flat in the Yellow Sea of South Korea. Cells were non-motile cocci showing oxidase- and catalase-positive activities. Growth of strain NAP41T was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0.5-12 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). Strain NAP41T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c) and C18 : 0 as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids were detected as the polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 56.0 mol%. Strain NAP41T was most closely related to Primorskyibacter insulae SSK3-2T, Thalassococcus lentus YCS-24T and Roseivivax lentus DSM 29430T with 96.67, 96.39 and 96.39 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, and formed a phylogenetic lineage distinct from closely related taxa within the family Rhodobacteraceae with low bootstrap values. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain NAP41T represents a novel species of a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for whichthe name Aestuariicoccus marinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is NAP41T (KACC 18431T=JCM 30739T).

Nocardioides currus sp. nov., isolated from a mobile car air-conditioning system.

A strictly aerobic Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated IB-3T, was isolated from a car air-conditioning system in the Republic of Korea. Cells were non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of IB-3T was observed at 20-40 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Menaquinone-8 (H4) was detected as the predominant respiratory quinone and iso-C16 : 0, 10-methyl-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C17 : 1ω8c, C18 : 0, 10-methyl-C18 : 0 (TBSA) and C17 : 0 were identified as the major cellular fatty acids. Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol were detected as the major polar lipids. The major cell wall peptidoglycan type was ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.5 mol%. IB-3T was most closely related to Nocardioides terrigenaDS-17T with a 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that IB-3T formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the genus Nocardioidesof the family Nocardioidaceae. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, IB-3T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioidescurrus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IB-3T (=KACC 19522T=JCM 32672T).

Aquicoccus porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a small marine red alga, Porphyridium marinum.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and aerobic bacterial strain, designated L1 8-17T, was isolated from a marine alga, Porphyridium marinum, in South Korea. Cells of strain L1 8-17T were found to be oxidase- and catalase-positive cocci without flagella. Growth of strain L1 8-17T was observed at 20-40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). The isoprenoid quinone detected was only ubiquinone-10. Summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 were detected as major cellular fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain L1 8-17T consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 59.3 mol%. Strain L1 8-17T was most closely related to Marimonas arenosa CAU 1311T, Tropicibacter naphthalenivorans C02T and Donghicola eburneus SW-277T with 96.68, 96.68 and 96.60 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but the strain formed a phylogenetic lineage clearly distinct from them within the family Rhodobacteraceae. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain L1 8-17T represents a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Aquicoccus porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is L1 8-17T (KACC 18806T=JCM 31543T).

Genomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of Weissella koreensis reveal its metabolic and fermentative features during kimchi fermentation.

The genomic and metabolic features of Weissella koreensis, one of the major lactic acid bacteria in kimchi, were investigated through genomic, metabolic, and transcriptomic analyses for the genomes of strains KCTC 3621T, KACC 15510, and WiKim0080. W. koreensis strains were intrinsically vancomycin-resistant and harbored potential hemolysin genes that were actively transcribed although no hemolysin activity was detected. KEGG and reconstructed fermentative metabolic pathways displayed that W. koreensis strains commonly employ the heterolactic pathway to produce d-lactate, ethanol, acetate, CO2, d-sorbitol, thiamine, and folate from various carbohydrates including d-glucose, d-mannose, d-lactose, l-malate, d-xylose, l-arabinose, d-ribose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, and gluconate, and strains KCTC 3621T and WiKim0080 additionally have metabolic pathways of d-galacturonate and d-glucoronate. Phenotypic analyses showed that all strains did not ferment d-galactose, probably due to the lack of d-galactose transporting system, and strains KCTC 3621T and WiKim0080 fermented d-fructose, indicating the presence of d-fructose transporting system. Fermentative features of W. koreensis were investigated through kimchi transcriptional analysis, suggesting that W. koreensis is mainly responsible for kimchi fermentation with the production of various fermentative metabolites during late fermentation period. This was the first study to investigate the genomic and metabolic features of W. koreensis, which may provide better understandings on kimchi fermentation.

Roseitalea porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a red alga, and reclassification of Hoeflea suaedae Chung et al. 2013 as Pseudohoeflea suaedae gen. nov., comb. nov.

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated MA7-20T, was isolated from a marine alga, Porphyridium marinum, in Korea. Cells showing oxidase-positive and catalase-positive activities were motile rods with bipolar flagella. Growth of strain MA7-20T was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30-37 °C), at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). Strain MA7-20T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0 as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.5 mol%. Strain MA7-20T was most closely related to Hoeflea suaedae YC6898T, Oricola cellulosilytica CC-AMH-0T and Nitratireductor basaltis J3T with 96.0, 95.8 and 95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively, but the strain formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage from them within the family Phyllobacteriaceae with a low bootstrap value. H. suaedae also formed a clearly distinct phylogenetic lineage from other members of the genus Hoeflea and closely related genera. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain MA7-20T represents a novel species of a new genus of the family Phyllobacteriaceae, for which the name Roseitalea porphyridii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA7-20T (=KACC 18807T=JCM 31538T). In addition, H. suaedae is also reclassified as Pseudohoeflea suaedae gen. nov., comb. nov. (type strain YC6898T=KACC 14911T=NBRC 107700T).

Parasphingopyxis algicola sp. nov., isolated from a marine red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis and emended description of the genus Parasphingopyxis Uchida et al. 2012.

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain ATAX6-5T, was isolated from a marine red alga, Asparagopsistaxiformis, in South Korea. Cells were non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain ATAX6-5T was observed at 5-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-6.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). Ubiquinone-10 was detected as the sole isoprenoid quinone and C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω6c were identified as the major cellular fatty acids. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, an unknown phospholipid and four unknown glycolipids were detected as polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 60.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ATAX6-5T formed a tight phylogenic lineage with Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae JAMH 0132T with a 100 % bootstrap value. Strain ATAX6-5T was most closely related to P. lamellibrachiae JAMH 0132T with a 96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain ATAX6-5T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Parasphingopyxis, for which the name Parasphingopyxis algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ATAX6-5T (=KACC 18993T=JCM 31719T). An emended description of the genus Parasphingopyxis is also proposed.

Parahaliea aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from the Asan Bay estuary.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and moderate halotolerant bacterial strain, designated S2-26T, was isolated from sediment of the Asan Bay estuary in South Korea. Cells were motile rods with two polar flagella showing oxidase and catalase activities. Growth of S2-26T was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.5) and in the presence of 0-8.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 %). S2-26T contained C17 : 1ω8c, summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) and C17 : 0 as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-8 as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipids of S2-26T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown aminolipid, an unknown glycolipid and an unknown lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.2 mol%. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that S2-26T formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Parahaliea mediterranea 7SM29T with a 100 % bootstrap value. S2-26T was most closely related to the type strain of Parahaliea mediterranea, with a 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, and its DNA-DNA relatedness level was 45.2±2.2 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, it is clear that S2-26T represents a novel species of the genus Parahaliea, for which the name Parahaliea aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2-26T (=KACC 18801T=JCM 31547T).