The evolutionary phylodynamics of human parechovirus A type 3 reveal multiple recombination events in South Korea.

Human parechovirus A (HPeV-A) is a causative agent of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, acute flaccid paralysis encephalitis, meningitis, and neonatal sepsis. To clarify the characteristics of HPeV-A infection in children, 391 fecal specimens were collected from January 2014 to October 2015 from patients with acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, South Korea. Of these, 221/391 (56.5%) HPeV-A positive samples were found in children less than 2 years old. Three HPeV-A genotypes HPeV-A1 (117/221; 52.94%), HPeV-A3 (100/221; 45.25%), and HPeV-A6 (4/221; 1.81%) were detected, among which HPeV-A3 was predominant with the highest recorded value of 58.6% in 2015. Moreover, recombination events in the Korean HPeV-A3 strains were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the capsid-encoding regions and noncapsid gene 2A of the four Korean HPeV-A3 strains are closely related to the HPeV-A3 strains isolated in Canada in 2007 (Can82853-01), Japan in 2008 (A308/99), and Taiwan in 2011 (TW-03067-2011) while noncapsid genes P2 (2B-2C) and P3 (3A-3D) are closely related to those of HPeV-A1 strains BNI-788St (Germany in 2008) and TW-71594-2010 (Taiwan in 2010). This first report on the whole-genome analysis of HPeV-A3 in Korea provides insight into the evolving status and pathogenesis of HPeVs in children.

Description of Mycolicibacterium arenosum sp. nov. Isolated from Coastal Sand on the Yellow Sea Coast.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming bacterium was isolated from coastal sand samples from Incheon in the Republic of Korea and designated as strain CAU 1645T. The optimum conditions for growth were observed at 30 °C in growth media containing 1% (w/v) NaCl at pH 9.0. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-9 and the major fatty acids were C16:0, C17:1 w7c, and summed feature 7. Similarly, the 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited the highest similarity with Mycolicibacterium bacteremicum DSM 45578T and Mycolicibacterium neoaurum JCM 6365T, both of which exhibited similarity rates of 97.2%. The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.2%. The whole genome of strain CAU 1645T was obtained and annotated with annotation using RAST server. The pan-genome analysis was determined using Prokka, Roary, and Phandango. In the pan-genome analysis, the strain CAU 1645T shared 40 core genes with closely related Mycolicibacterium species, including the AcpM gene, the meromycolate extension acyl carrier protein involved in forming impermeable cell walls in mycobacteria. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Mycolicibacterium, for which we propose the name Mycolicibacterium arenosum sp. nov. The type strain is CAU 1645T (= KCTC 49724T = MCCC 1K07087T).

Description of Roseibium sediminicola sp. nov. Isolated from Sediment of a Tidal Flat on the Yellow Sea Coast.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile, flagellated bacterial strain, designated as CAU 1639T, was isolated from the tidal flat sediment on the Yellow Sea in the Republic of Korea. Growth of the isolate was observed at 20-37 °C, at pH 5.0-10.5 and with 0-7% (w/v) NaCl. The genomic DNA G + C content was 60.8%. Phylogenetic analysis, grounded on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealed that strain CAU 1639T was closely related to species within the genus Roseibium. It shared the highest similarity with Roseibium album CECT 5095T, followed by Roseibium aggregatum IAM 12614T and Roseibium salinum Cs25T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity ranging from 98.0-98.4%. It was observed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values ranged between 72.5-79.5 and 20.0-22.9%, respectively. The polyphasic taxonomic analysis reveals that strain CAU 1639T represents a novel species in the genus Roseibium with the proposed name Roseibium sediminicola sp. nov. The type strain is CAU 1639T (= KCTC 82430T = MCCC 1K06081T).

Gracilimonas sediminicola sp. nov., a moderately halotolerant bacterium isolated from seaweed sediment collected in the East Sea, Republic of Korea.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain CAU 1638T, was isolated from seaweed sediment collected in the Republic of Korea. The cells of strain CAU 1638T grew at 25-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.5) and in the presence of 0-10% NaCl (optimum, 2 %). The cells were positive for catalase and oxidase and did not hydrolyse starch and casein. Strain CAU 1638T was most closely related to Gracilimonas amylolytica KCTC 52885T (97.7 %), followed by Gracilimonas halophila KCTC 52042T (97.4 %), Gracilimonas rosea KCCM 90206T (97.2 %), Gracilimonas tropica KCCM 90063T and Gracilimonas mengyeensis DSM 21985T (97.1 %), as revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone, and iso-C15  : 0 and C15  : 1 ω6c were the major fatty acids. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids, two unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The G+C content of the genome was 44.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CAU 1638T and the reference strains were 73.1-73.9 % and 18.9-21.5  %, respectively. Based on its phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain CAU 1638T represents a novel species of the genus Gracilimonas, for which the name Gracilimonas sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1638T (=KCTC 82454T=MCCC 1K06087T).

WGA-M001, a Mixture of Total Extracts of Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum, Synergistically Alleviates Cartilage Destruction by Inhibiting ERK and NF-κB Signaling.

Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum are medicinal plants that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects against various diseases. However, their individual and combined effects on osteoarthritis (OA) are unknown. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of T. erecta, O. basilicum, and their mixture, WGA-M001, on OA pathogenesis. The administration of total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum reduced cartilage degradation and inflammation without causing cytotoxicity. Although WGA-M001 contained lower concentrations of the individual extracts, it strongly inhibited the expression of pathogenic factors. In vivo OA studies also supported that WGA-M001 had protective effects against cartilage destruction at lower doses than those of T. erecta and O. basilicum. Moreover, its effects were stronger than those observed using Boswellia and Perna canaliculus. WGA-M001 effectively inhibited the interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway and ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, RNA-sequence analysis also showed that WGA-M001 decreased the expression of genes related to the IL-1ß-induced NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. Therefore, WGA-M001 is more effective than the single total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum in attenuating OA progression by regulating ERK and NF-κB signaling. Our results open new possibilities for WGA-M001 as a potential therapeutic agent for OA treatment.

Muricauda lutisoli sp. nov., isolated from mudflat.

A Gram-negative, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CAU 1631T, was isolated from a mudflat sample in the Republic of Korea. Strain CAU 1631T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 6.5, and 1% (w/v) NaCl solution. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 92 core genes indicated that strain CAU 1631T is a member of the genus Muricauda and most closely related to Muricauda oceanensis 40DY170T and Muricauda lutimaris SMK-108T (98.1%, both). The draft genome was 3.4 Mb with 3064 protein-coding genes, and the DNA G + C content was 43.3 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and iso-C15:0 G, and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6. Based on the comprehensive taxonomic characterization, strain CAU 1631T is a novel species, for which the name Muricauda lutisoli sp. nov. has been proposed. The type strain is CAU 1631T (= KCTC 82456T = MCCC 1K06088T).

Marinobacterium arenosum sp. nov., isolated from a coastal sand.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CAU 1594T, was isolated from a coastal sand sample collected in the Republic of Korea. Cells of strain CAU 1594T grew best at 30 °C, pH 7.5, and in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, indicated that strain CAU 1594T was affiliated with the genus Marinobacterium and most similar to Marinobacterium jannaschii ATCC 27135T (95.1%) and Marinobacterium stanieri ATCC 27130T (94.9%). The whole genome of strain CAU 1594T was 4,917,683 bp, including 4,188 CDSs, with a 60.4 mol% G + C content. Based on draft genome sequences, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain CAU 1594T were within the ranges of 71.9-73.1% and 20.0-2.1%, respectively, compared to reference strains. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8, and the major fatty acids were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c and C16:1 ω7c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c and C18:1 ω7c). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on these results, strain CAU 1594T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacterium, for which the name Marinobacterium arenosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1594T (=KCTC 82405T=MCCC 1K05672T).

Thalassococcus arenae sp. nov. isolated from sea sand.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CAU 1522T, was isolated from a sea sand sample collected from the Republic of Korea. Optimal growth of strain CAU 1522T ensued at 30 °C, pH 7.5, and 1.0% (w/v) NaCl. Strain CAU 1522T was affiliated to the genus Thalassococcus with high similarity to T. lentus KCTC 32084T (97.5%), T. profundi MCCC 1K03253T (96.5%), and T. halodurans JCM 13833T (96.1%) according to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The whole genome of strain CAU 1522T was 3.7 Mb in length and included 7 contigs and 3599 protein-coding genes, with a G + C content of 65.4 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c (summed feature 8), with Q-10 being the sole isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipids included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid, and an unidentified lipid. These phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data support that strain CAU 1522T is a novel Thalassococcus species, for which the name T. arenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1522T (= KCTC 72545T = MCCC 1K04064T).

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

In this study, strain CAU 1523T, 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 1523T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, sharing the highest sequence similarity with P. assamensis JCM 13186T (98.0%). CAU 1523T 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 1523T 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 1523T 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 1523T (= KCTC 43108T = MCCC 1K04063T).

Zhongshania aquimaris sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain CAU 1632T was isolated from a seawater sample collected in the Republic of Korea. The cells of strain CAU 1632T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0 in 0% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CAU 1632T formed a tight phyletic lineage with Zhongshania antarctica ZS-23T, Zhongshania borealis CL-AS9T, Zhongshania marina DSW25-10T, Zhongshania guokunii ZS6-22T, 'Zhongshania ponticola GM-8T', Zhongshania aliphaticivorans SM-2T and shared a high similarity between 97.2% and 97.7%. The whole genome of strain CAU 1632T was 4.3-Mb with 3,780 protein-coding genes, 12 contigs, and a DNA G+C content of 49.4 mol%. The major fatty acids of strain CAU 1632T were C17:1 ω8c, C19:1 ω6c and/or C19:0 cyclo ω10c (summed feature 3), and C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c (summed feature 8). Q-8 was the only respiratory quinone. The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminophospholipids, and two phospholipids. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analyses, strain CAU 1632T represents a novel species within the genus Zhongshania, for which the name Zhongshania aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1632T (= KCTC 82432T = MCCC 1K06086T).

Halomarinibacterium sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov., a carotenoid pigment-producing bacterium isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1614T was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected in the Republic of Korea. Optimal growth of strain CAU 1614T proceeded at 30 °C, pH 7.0, and 2% (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene similarity was lower than 94.5% with genera Aureisphaera, Marinirhabdus, Aureitalea, Gilvibacter, Ulvibacter, and Jejudonia. The highest similarity was with Aureisphaera galaxeae 04OKA003-7T (94.5%). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C15:1 G, iso-C16:0 3-OH, and iso-C17:0 3-OH and the predominant menaquinone was MK-6. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphoglycolipid, an unidentified lipid, two unidentified aminolipids, and an unidentified glycolipid. The draft genome of strain CAU 1614T was 3.9 Mb and DNA G+C content was 36.0 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic data, strain CAU 1614T presents a novel genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Halomarinibacterium sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1614T (= KCTC 82457T = MCCC 1K06083T).

Marinobacter arenosus sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated strain CAU 1620T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Strain CAU 1620T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 8.0 in the presence of 6.0% (w/v) NaCl. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain CAU 1620T showed the highest similarity to Marinobacter adhaerens DSM 23420T (98.5%), followed by Marinobacter algicola DSM 16394T (98.3%) and Marinobacter maroccanus LMG 30465T (98.2%). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation values between strain CAU 1620T and related strains were estimated as 75.6-78.1% and 19.5-20.9%, respectively. The DNA G + C content based on the draft genome sequence was 59.2%, and the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-9. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C12:0, C16:0, C18:1 ω9c, and C12:0 3OH. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. According to phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain CAU 1620T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter arenosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1620T (= KCTC 82431T = MCCC 1K06079T).

Arenibacterium arenosum sp. nov., isolated from sea sand.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, short rod-shaped aerobic bacterial strain CAU 1593T was isolated from a coastal sand sample collected in the Republic of Korea. Cells of strain CAU 1593T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.5 in 4% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain CAU 1593T had the highest similarity to Arenibacterium halophilum (97.5%). The whole genome of strain CAU 1593T was 3,979,826 bp with 26 contigs, and the DNA G + C content was 64.3 mol%. The major fatty acid of strain CAU 1593 T was summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c). Q-10 was the only respiratory quinone. The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two phosphoglycolipids, an unidentified glycolipid, and an unidentified lipid. Based on the results of chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic analyses, strain CAU 1593T represents a novel species in the genus Arenibacterium, which is named Arenibacterium arenosum sp. nov. The type strain is CAU 1593T (= KCTC 82402T = MCCC 1K05671T).

Sneathiella sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A novel bacterium, designated CAU 1612T, was isolated from coastal sediment sampled in the Republic of Korea. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile. Optimum growth occurred at 30 °C, at pH 7.0 and with 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain CAU 1612T belonged to the genus Sneathiella and showed highest similarity to 'Sneathiella litorea' JCM 33810T (98.5 %), followed by Sneathiella chungangensis KCTC 32476T (97.7 %), Sneathiella aquimaris KCTC 12842T (96.0 %), Sneathiella chinensis LMG 23452T (95.5 %), Sneathiella limimaris KCTC 52846T (95.5 %) and Sneathiella glossodoripedis KCTC 12842T (95.4 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain CAU 1612T were estimated to be 68.5-81.7 % and ≤23.7 %, respectively, to members of the genus Sneathiella. The DNA G+C content was 54.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C16:0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The major menaquinone was Q-10 and the predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. On the basis of taxonomic evidence, strain CAU 1612T represents a novel species, for which the name Sneathiella sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1612T (=KCTC 82427T=MCCC 1K06082T).

Thauera sedimentorum sp. nov., Isolated from Coastal Sediment.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated CAU 1555T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Growth of the isolate was observed at 20-37 °C (optimum at 30 °C) and pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum at 8.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on the result of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CAU 1555T belonged to the genus Thauera and was closely related to Thauera hydrothermalis GD-2T (98.4% sequence similarity), Thauera lacus D20T (96.6%), and Thauera linaloolentis 47LolT (95.5%). Strain CAU 1555T possessed phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, and one aminophospholipid as the major polar lipids; Q-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone; and C16:0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c), and summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c/ C18:1 ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the new isolate and T. hydrothermalis GD-2T were 84.5%, 86.4%, and 28.0%, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing of strain CAU 1555T revealed 3,955,289 bp with a DNA G + C content of 68.0 mol%. Based on the results of its polyphasic properties and genomic analysis, the isolate represents a novel species within the genus Thauera, for which the name Thauera sedimentorum sp. nov. is proposed, with CAU 1555T (= KCTC 72546T = MCCC 1K04065T) as the type strain.

Lactobacillus plantarum Reduces Low-Grade Inflammation and Glucose Levels in a Mouse Model of Chronic Stress and Diabetes.

This study aimed to examine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum, a lactic acid bacteria strain isolated from kimchi, on the development of low-grade inflammation and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exacerbated by chronic stress. C57BL/6 mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) and randomized into an HFD group or a group that was fed an HFD and subjected to chronic cold exposure-related stress (HFDS), or mice were fed a normal diet (ND) and randomized into an ND group or a group that was fed an ND and subjected to chronic cold exposure-related stress (NDS). Lactobacillus plantarum LRCC5310 (108, 1010 CFU) and LRCC5314 (108, 1010 CFU) as well as L. gasseri BNR17 (108 CFU), as a positive control, were administered orally twice every day to all the mice for 12 weeks. The expression of Glut4 and adiponectin, main glucose transporter-related genes, was upregulated in the LRCC5310- and LRCC5314-treated groups. Levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and of mRNAs of proinflammatory genes (Tnf-α, Il-6, Ccl2, leptin) were elevated in HFDS mice. The expression of proinflammatory genes was downregulated in LRCC5310- and LRCC5314-treated groups; this was not the case for Tnf-α expression in HFDS mice. Levels of serum corticosterone and mRNA levels of stress-related genes (Npy, Y2r) were decreased in lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-fed groups, with only LRCC5314 downregulating Npy expression in HFDS mice. These results suggest that the LAB strains can normalize the expression of metabolic genes, inhibit inflammatory responses, and suppress stress in HFDS mice.

Halarcobacter arenosus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, slightly curved, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1517T was isolated from marine sediment in Busan, the Republic of Korea. The taxonomic position of strain CAU 1517T was investigated via a polyphasic approach comprising phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties. Strain CAU 1517T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 7.5 and in the presence of 7% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strain CAU 1517T belongs to the genus Halarcobacter and is most closely related to Halarcobacter bivalviorum LMG 26154T (96.5% similarity). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CAU 1517T and members of genus Halarcobacter ranged from were 76.7-78.0% and 19.5-21.2%, respectively. The strain contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the only respiratory quinone, and C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and two unidentified aminophospholipids. The G+C content was 28.2 mol%. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Halarcobacter, for which the name Halarcobacter arenosus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1517T (=KCTC 72232T =NBRC 113955T).

Snuella sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1569T was isolated from marine sediment on Shido Island in Incheon. It grew at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0), 2-6% NaCl (w/v) (optimum, 2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CAU 1569T formed a distinct lineage with only the type strain of Snuella. Strain CAU 1569T showed high similarity to S. lapsa KACC 14152T (95.8%), Mariniflexile gromovii KMM KCTC 12570T, Aestuariibaculum marinum KCTC 52521T (95.4%), A. suncheonense KACC 16186T (94.6%) and Yeosuana aromativorans KCCM 42019T (94.4%). The genome contained 57 contigs, 3,437 protein-coding gene, 3 rRNAs (5, 16, and 23S), 43 tRNAs, and with a 35.7 mol% G + C content. The DDH value between strain CAU 1569T and S. lapsa KACC 14152T was 39.4 ± 0.6%. The only isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C15:1-iso G, and C17:0 iso 3-OH. Strain CAU 1569T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, aminoglycolipid, unidentified aminolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiologic, and chemotaxonomic characterizations, strain CAU 1569T represents a novel Snuella species, which the name Snuella sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type of strain is CAU 1569T (= KCTC 82409T = MCCC 1K05670T).

Cohnella pontilimi sp. nov., isolated from tidal-flat mud.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, CAU 1483 T, was isolated from tidal-flat mud in the Republic of Korea. It grew optimally at 30 °C, in a pH 7.0 medium with 2% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CAU 1483 T formed a separate clade within Paenibacillaceae together with members of the genus Cohnella. Strain CAU 1483 T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.1%) to C. candidum 18JY8-7 T. Whole genome of strain CAU 1483 T was 4.29 Mb in size with a 53.7 mol% G + C content, and included 4046 coding sequences and included 4046 coding sequences, some of which associated with stress response. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization similarity between strain CAU 1483 T and related members of the genus Cohnella were 71.8-74.9% and 22.6-33.9%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone present in this strain was menaquinone-7. Strain CAU 1483 T contained anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 as the major fatty acids, while its polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, three unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified lipids and an unidentified phospholipid. Peptidoglycan type was A1γ meso-Dpm. On the basis of taxonomic characterization, strain CAU 1483 T constitutes a novel species, for which the name Cohnella pontilimi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this novel species is CAU 1483 T (= KCTC 43047 T = NBRC 113953 T).

Echinicola arenosa sp. nov., isolated from marine sand.

A novel bacterium, designated CAU 1574T, was isolated from marine sand. Cells were Gram stain negative, aerobic, gliding and rod shaped. Growth was observed at 20-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), a pH of 5.5-10.0 (optimum, 8.0), and 0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl concentrations (optimum, 1%). Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain CAU 1574T belonged to the genus Echinicola, and showed the highest similarity to Echinicola shivajiensis JCM 17847T (97.5%). Phylogenomic analysis based on consisting of 92 core genes extracted from the genome sequences showed that strain CAU 1574T was affiliated with species in the genus Echinicola. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain CAU 1574T and the closely related species were below the cut-off values of 95-96, 90, and 70%, respectively used for species demarcation. The chemotaxonomic data of CAU 1574T were as follows: major isoprenoid quinone, MK-7; predominant polar lipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified lipids; major fatty acids, iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c). The 5.4 Mb genome included 20 contigs and 4237 protein-coding genes with a 39.8 mol% G + C content. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, and physiological result, strain CAU 1574T represents a novel species of this genus Echinicola, for which the name Echinicola arenosa sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1574T (= KCTC 82410T = MCCC 1K05669T).