Correction: Zhitkevich et al. HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Expression in HPV16-Infected Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells Alters E6 Expression and Cellular Metabolism, and Induces a Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cell Phenotype. Viruses 2024, 16, 193.

Author Juris Jansons requested his exclusion from the authors of the original publication [...].

HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Expression in HPV16-Infected Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells Alters E6 Expression and Cellular Metabolism, and Induces a Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cell Phenotype.

The high incidence of epithelial malignancies in HIV-1 infected individuals is associated with co-infection with oncogenic viruses, such as high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs), mostly HPV16. The molecular mechanisms underlying the HIV-1-associated increase in epithelial malignancies are not fully understood. A collaboration between HIV-1 and HR HPVs in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells has long been anticipated. Here, we delineated the effects of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase on the in vitro and in vivo properties of HPV16-infected cervical cancer cells. A human cervical carcinoma cell line infected with HPV16 (Ca Ski) was made to express HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) by lentiviral transduction. The levels of the mRNA of the E6 isoforms and of the factors characteristic to the epithelial/mesenchymal transition were assessed by real-time RT-PCR. The parameters of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration were determined using Seahorse technology. RT expressing Ca Ski subclones were assessed for the capacity to form tumors in nude mice. RT expression increased the expression of the E6*I isoform, modulated the expression of E-CADHERIN and VIMENTIN, indicating the presence of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, enhanced glycolysis, and inhibited mitochondrial respiration. In addition, the expression of RT induced phenotypic alterations impacting cell motility, clonogenic activity, and the capacity of Ca Ski cells to form tumors in nude mice. These findings suggest that HIV-RT, a multifunctional protein, affects HPV16-induced oncogenesis, which is achieved through modulation of the expression of the E6 oncoprotein. These results highlight a complex interplay between HIV antigens and HPV oncoproteins potentiating the malignant transformation of epithelial cells.

Bacillus berkeleyi sp. nov., isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

A bacterial strain, designated KMM 6244(T), was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The bacterium was found to be heterotrophic, aerobic, non-motile and spore-forming. Comparative phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed the marine isolate in the genus Bacillus. The nearest neighbor of strain KMM 6244(T) was Bacillus decolorationis LMG 19507(T) with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.0%. Sequence similarities with the other recognized Bacillus species were less than 96.0%. The results of the DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed a low relatedness (37%) of the novel isolate with the type strain of B. decolorationis LMG 19507(T). Strain KMM 6244(T) grew at 4-45°C and with 0-12% NaCl. It produced catalase and oxidase and hydrolyzed aesculin, casein, gelatin and DNA. The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(15:0), anteiso-C(17:0), C(15:0), iso-C(16:0) and iso-C(14:0). The DNA G + C content was 39.4 mol%. A combination of phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data clearly indicated that strain KMM 6244(T) represents a novel species in the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus berkeleyi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6244(T) (KCTC 12718(T) = LMG 26357(T)).

Cocleimonas flava gen. nov., sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from sand snail (Umbonium costatum).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, heterotrophic, sulfur-oxidizing, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated KMM 3898(T), was isolated from an internal tissue of the sand snail Umbonium costatum, collected from the shallow sediments of the Sea of Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KMM 3898(T) formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the class Gammaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Leucothrix mucor DSM 2157(T) (89.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and members of the genus Thiothrix (86.7-88.5 %). Chemotaxonomically, strain KMM 3898(T) contained the isoprenoid quinone Q-8, the polar lipids phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid and the fatty acids C(18 : 1)ω7c, C(16 : 1)ω7c and C(16 : 0) as predominant components (>10 %). The DNA G+C content of strain KMM 3898(T) was 43.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic features and phylogenetic analysis, strain KMM 3898(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Cocleimonas flava gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3898(T) (=NRIC 0757(T) =JCM 16494(T)).

Litoreibacter albidus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Litoreibacter janthinus sp. nov., members of the class Alphaproteobacteria isolated from the seashore.

Two Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile bacteria designated strains KMM 3851(T) and KMM 3842(T) were respectively isolated from a marine snail specimen (Umbonium costatum) and from surrounding sediments collected simultaneously from the shore of the Sea of Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains KMM 3851(T) and KMM 3842(T) were affiliated with the Roseobacter lineage of the class Alphaproteobacteria as a separate phylogenetic line adjacent to the members of the genus Thalassobacter. These novel isolates shared 98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 15 % DNA-DNA relatedness. The major isoprenoid quinone of both strains was Q-10 and polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and aminophospholipids. In addition, strain KMM 3851(T) contained two unknown lipids, whereas strain KMM 3842(T) contained diphosphatidylglycerol. Fatty acid analysis revealed C(18 : 1)ω7c and C(16 : 0) as major components and small amounts of C(18 : 2). The DNA G+C contents were 60.4 mol% (KMM 3851(T)) and 58.5 mol% (KMM 3842(T)). Based on distinctive phenotypic characteristics, DNA-DNA hybridization data and phylogenetic distance, strains KMM 3851(T) and KMM 3842(T) should be classified as representatives of two novel species in a new genus, Litoreibacter gen. nov., with the type species Litoreibacter albidus sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3851(T) =NRIC 0773(T) =JCM 16493(T)) and a second species Litoreibacter janthinus sp. nov. (type strain KMM 3842(T) =NRIC 0772(T) =JCM 16492(T)).

Marinicella litoralis gen. nov., sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from coastal seawater.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, greyish-yellowish-pigmented, stenohaline, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, strain KMM 3900(T), was isolated from a coastal seawater sample collected from the Sea of Japan. Based on phylogenetic analysis, strain KMM 3900(T) was positioned within the Gammaproteobacteria on a separate branch adjacent to members of the genera Reinekea and Kangiella, sharing less than 88 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with all recognized species of the Gammaproteobacteria. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. Polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unknown phospholipids. Fatty acid analysis revealed iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega7c and C(16 : 0) as the dominant components. The DNA G+C content was 43.8 mol%. Based on its unique phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic remoteness, marine isolate KMM 3900(T) is considered to represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Marinicella litoralis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinicella litoralis is KMM 3900(T) (=NRIC 0758(T) =JCM 16154(T)).

Aestuariibacter litoralis sp. nov., isolated from a sandy sediment of the Sea of Japan.

The phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of an aerobic, Gram-negative, motile, non-pigmented Alteromonas-like bacterium (designated strain KMM 3894(T)), isolated from a sandy sediment sample collected offshore of the Sea of Japan, were investigated. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain KMM 3894(T) belonged to the genus Aestuariibacter and was most closely related to Aestuariibacter halophilus JC2043(T) (95.5 % sequence similarity). Fatty acid analysis showed C(16 : 1)omega7c, C(18 : 1)omega7c, and C(16 : 0) as the dominant components. Strain KMM 3894(T) could be differentiated from recognized species of the genus Aestuariibacter by its ability to grow at 4 degrees C and at 30 degrees C, the optimum temperature for growth, and its inability to utilize most carbohydrates. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain KMM 3894(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Aestuariibacter, for which the name Aestuariibacter litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3894(T) (=NRIC 0754(T)=JCM 15896(T)).

Umboniibacter marinipuniceus gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine gammaproteobacterium isolated from the mollusc Umbonium costatum from the Sea of Japan.

Two bacterial strains, KMM 3891(T) and KMM 3892, were isolated from internal tissues of the marine mollusc Umbonium costatum collected from the Sea of Japan. The novel isolates were Gram-negative, aerobic, faint pink-reddish-pigmented, rod-shaped, non-motile, stenohaline and psychrotolerant bacteria that were unable to degrade most tested complex polysaccharides. Polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Fatty acid analysis revealed C(17 : 1)omega6c, C(17 : 0), C(16 : 0) and C(16 : 1)omega7c as the dominant components. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-7. The DNA G+C content of strain KMM 3891(T) was 51.7 mol%. According to phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strains KMM 3891(T) and KMM 3892 were positioned within the Gammaproteobacteria as a separate branch, sharing <93 % sequence similarity to their phylogenetic relatives including Saccharophagus degradans, Microbulbifer species, Endozoicomonas elysicola, Simiduia agarivorans and Teredinibacter turnerae. Based on phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic distance, the novel marine isolates KMM 3891(T) and KMM 3892 represent a new genus and species, for which the name Umboniibacter marinipuniceus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Umboniibacter marinipuniceus is KMM 3891(T) (=NRIC 0753(T) =JCM 15738(T)).

Arenicella xantha gen. nov., sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from a marine sandy sediment.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, strain KMM 3895T, was isolated from a marine sandy sample collected offshore from the Sea of Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain KMM 3895T in the class Gammaproteobacteria, forming a separate branch, sharing 89.5 % sequence similarity with Nitrincola lacisaponensis 4CAT and 88-87% similarity with the other members of the cluster, including members of Kangiella, Spongiibacter, Alcanivorax and Microbulbifer. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. Polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. Fatty acid analysis revealed C16:1omega7, iso-C16:0, iso-C18:0 and C18:1omega7 as dominant components. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 48.1 mol%. Based on its unique phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic distance, the marine coastal sediment isolate KMM 3895T should be classified as a representative of a novel genus and species, for which the name Arenicella xantha gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Arenicella xantha is KMM 3895T (=NRIC 0759T =JCM 16153T).

Kangiella japonica sp. nov., isolated from a marine environment.

Three Gram-negative, aerobic, halophilic, non-motile, yellowish-pigmented bacteria, designated KMM 3896, KMM 3897 and KMM 3899(T), were isolated from coastal seawater and sediment samples of the Sea of Japan, Russia. The isolates were shown to belong to the same species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (99.6-99.9 %) and DNA-DNA relatedness (73-98 %). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that the isolates formed a subcluster within the genus Kangiella in the class Gammaproteobacteria. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain KMM 3899(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, Kangiella koreensis SW-125(T) and Kangiella aquimarina SW-154(T), were 96.6 and 95.5 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic differences and phylogenetic distances, it is proposed that strains KMM 3896, KMM 3897 and KMM 3899(T) are assigned to a novel species of the genus Kangiella, Kangiella japonica sp. nov. The type strain is KMM 3899(T) (=NRIC 0764(T) =JCM 16211(T)).

Marinomonas arenicola sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A Marinomonas-like bacterium, strain KMM 3893(T), was isolated from a marine sandy sediment collected close to shore from the Sea of Japan and subjected to a phenotypic and phylogenetic study. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed the novel strain's assignment to the genus Marinomonas. Strain KMM 3893(T) constituted a separate phyletic line in the genus Marinomonas, sharing <97 % sequence similarity with respect to other recognized Marinomonas species. Chemotaxonomically, strain KMM 3893(T) contained the predominant fatty acids C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 1)omega7c and C(16 : 0) and had a DNA G+C content of 50.0 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical characterization, strain KMM 3893(T) represents a novel species of the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonas arenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3893(T) (=NRIC 0752(T) =JCM 15737(T)).

Winogradskyella arenosi sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from marine sediments from the Sea of Japan.

An aerobic, Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, gliding bacterial strain, designated R60(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample obtained from the Sea of Japan and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain R60(T) belonged to the genus Winogradskyella, sharing <97 % sequence similarity with the type strains of recognized Winogradskyella species. The main fatty acids of strain R60(T) were iso-C(15 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(16 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, anteiso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(15 : 0), consistent with its assignment to the genus Winogradskyella. On the basis of phenotypic distinctiveness and phylogenetic divergence, strain R60(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, for which the name Winogradskyella arenosi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R60(T) (=KMM 3968(T) =NRIC 0748(T)= JCM 15527(T)).

Psychrobacter fulvigenes sp. nov., isolated from a marine crustacean from the Sea of Japan.

Two novel Psychrobacter-like bacteria, strains KC 40(T) and KC 65, were isolated from a marine crustacean specimen collected from the Sea of Japan, and were characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Strains were selected on the basis of their ability to produce black-brown diffusible pigments on commonly used organic media, which appears to be a unique characteristic of recognized members of the genus Psychrobacter. Phylogenetic analyses based on both 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences showed that the novel isolates formed a separate cluster within the genus Psychrobacter. Strains KC 40(T) and KC 65 shared highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Psychrobacter urativorans DSM 14009(T) (98.0 %), Psychrobacter pulmonis CCUG 46240(T) (97.9 %), Psychrobacter cibarius JG-219(T) (97.9 %), Psychrobacter faecalis Iso-46(T) (97.8 %), Psychrobacter aquimaris SW-210(T) (97.6 %), Psychrobacter namhaensis SW-242(T) (97.6 %) and Psychrobacter nivimaris 88/2-7(T) (97.6 %). DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed 84 % DNA-DNA relatedness between strains KC 40(T) and KC 65 but much lower levels of relatedness (7-35 %) between the novel strains and the type strains of recognized Psychrobacter species, confirming their assignment to a single novel species of the genus Psychrobacter. The two novel strains could be distinguished from recognized species of the genus Psychrobacter based on a combination of physiological and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular properties, strains KC 40(T) and KC 65 are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Psychrobacter, for which the name Psychrobacter fulvigenes sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KC 40(T) (=KMM 3954(T)=NRIC 0746(T)=JCM 15525(T)).

Sphingomonas japonica sp. nov., isolated from the marine crustacean Paralithodes camtschatica.

A Sphingomonas-like bacterium, strain KC7(T), was isolated from a marine crustacean specimen obtained from the Sea of Japan and subjected to a polyphasic study. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis positioned the novel strain in the genus Sphingomonas as an independent lineage adjacent to a subclade containing Sphingomonas trueperi LMG 2142(T), Sphingomonas pituitosa EDIV(T) and Sphingomonas azotifigens NBRC 15497(T). Strain KC7(T) shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96.1 %) with S. trueperi LMG 2142(T), Sphingomonas dokdonensis DS-4(T) and S. azotifigens NBRC 15497(T); similarities to strains of other recognized Sphingomonas species were lower (96.0-93.9 %). The strain contained sphingoglycolipid and the predominant fatty acids were C(16 : 1), C(16 : 0) and C(18 : 1); 2-OH C(14 : 0) was the major 2-hydroxy fatty acid. Previously, these lipids have been found to be characteristic of members of the genus Sphingomonas sensu stricto. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical characterization, strain KC7(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas japonica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KC7(T) (=KMM 3038(T) =NRIC 0738(T) =JCM 15438(T)).

Pseudochrobactrum glaciei sp. nov., isolated from sea ice collected from Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan.

An aerobic, Gram-negative, non-pigmented, non-motile bacterium, KMM 3858(T), was isolated from a sea-ice sample collected from Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan, Russia, and subjected to a phenotypic and phylogenetic study. Comparative analyses based on the 16S rRNA and recA gene sequences placed strain KMM 3858(T) within the genus Pseudochrobactrum. The major chemotaxonomic characteristics were found to be the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminolipid and phosphatidylcholine, major fatty acids C(18 : 1)omega7c and C(19 : 0) cyclo, and ubiquinone Q-10, confirming the affiliation of strain KMM 3858(T) to the genus Pseudochrobactrum. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis and the physiological and biochemical characterization, strain KMM 3858(T) should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Pseudochrobactrum, for which the name Pseudochrobactrum glaciei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain Pi26(T) (=KMM 3858(T)=NRIC 0733(T)=JCM 15115(T)).

Pseudomonas marincola sp. nov., isolated from marine environments.

An aerobic, Gram-negative, motile, non-pigmented bacterium, strain KMM 3042(T), isolated from a deep-sea brittle star in the Fiji Sea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed marine Mn(II)-oxidizing isolate S185-2B as the closest neighbour of strain KMM 3042(T) (99.9 % sequence similarity). The two strains formed a distinct lineage within the genus Pseudomonas adjacent to the members of the Pseudomonas borbori cluster, sharing highest sequence similarity of 97.4 and 97.0 %, respectively, with P. borbori DSM 17834(T) and Pseudomonas flavescens DSM 12071(T). The DNA-DNA hybridization value (71 %) between strains KMM 3042(T) and S185-2B confirmed their assignment to the same species. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical characterization, strains KMM 3042(T) and S185-2B should be assigned to a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas marincola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3042(T) (=NRIC 0729(T) =JCM 14761(T)).

Lysobacter spongiicola sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea sponge.

An aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium, strain KMM 329(T), was isolated from a deep-sea sponge specimen from the Philippine Sea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain KMM 329(T) clustered with the species of the genus Lysobacter. The highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.0 %) was found with respect to Lysobacter concretionis KCTC 12205(T); lower values (96.4-95.2 %) were obtained with respect to the other recognized Lysobacter species. The value for DNA-DNA relatedness between strain KMM 329(T) and L. concretionis KCTC 12205(T) was 47 %. Branched fatty acids 16 : 0 iso, 15 : 0 iso, 11 : 0 iso 3-OH and 17 : 1 iso were found to be predominant. Strain KMM 329(T) had a DNA G+C content of 69.0 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, DNA-DNA hybridization and phylogenetic data, strain KMM 329(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter spongiicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 329(T) (=NRIC 0728(T) =JCM 14760(T)).

"Pseudoalteromonas januaria" SUT 11 as the source of rare lipodepsipeptides.

The marine bacterium "Pseudoalteromonas januaria" SUT 11 isolated from a seawater sample produced the rare cell-bound cyclic lipodepsipeptides A/A', B/B', and C/C'. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra indicated that one bromine atom presented in the peptides B/B' and C/C', whereas the component A/A' contained no bromine atom. The acyldepsipeptides A/A'-C/C' have an identical amino acid sequence, Thr-Val-Asn-Asn-Leu/allo-Ile, but differed in C-terminal amino acid and acyl moieties. Peptides A-C have Leu as a C-terminal amino acid, whereas peptides A'-C' have allo-Ile. Acyl moieties in peptides A/A', B/B', and C/C' have been found to consist of 11-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-undeca-2,4,6,8,10-pentaenic acid, 9-(3'-bromo-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenic acid, and 11-(3'-bromo-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-undeca-2,4,6,8,10-pentaenic acid, respectively. The structure of a main pair of peptides B/B' with molecular masses 843/845 Da has been determined by means of ultraviolet, infrared, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We have demonstrated that tandem nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is a very efficient way for the fast and sensitive investigation of lipopeptides A/A' and C/C' with molecular masses 791 and 869/871 Da, respectively, which have been isolated in small amounts.

Occurrence and antagonistic potential of Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from deep-sea invertebrates.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is known to be of significance as opportunistic pathogen as well as a source of biocontrol and bioremediation activities. S. maltophilia strains have been isolated from rhizospheres, soil, clinical material, aquatic habitats, but little is known about Stenotrophomonas strains recovered from marine environments. During a survey of the biodiversity of Pseudomonas-like bacteria associated with deep-sea invertebrates six Stenotrophomonas strains were isolated from sponge, sea urchin, and ophiura specimens collected from differing Pacific areas, including the Philippine Sea, the Fiji Sea and the Bering Sea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed an assignment of marine isolates to the genus Stenotrophomonas as it placed four strains into the S. maltophilia CIP 60.77T cluster and two related to the S. rhizophila DSM 14405T. Together with a number of common characteristics typical of S. maltophilia and S. rhizophila marine isolates exhibited differences in pigmentation, a NaCl tolerance, a range of temperatures, which supported their growth, substrate utilization pattern, and antibiotics resistance. Strains displayed hemolytic and remarkable inhibitory activity against a number of fungal cultures and Gram-positive microorganisms, but very weak or none against Candida albicans. This is the first report on isolation, taxonomic characterization and antimicrobial activity of Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from deep-sea invertebrates.

Marixanthomonas ophiurae gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a deep-sea brittle star.

An aerobic, Gram-negative, non-motile, yellow-pigmented bacterium, strain KMM 3046(T), was isolated from a deep-sea brittle star from the Fiji Sea and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain KMM 3046(T) grew at 5-32 degrees C and in the presence of 1-12 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and 3-OH i16 : 0, 3-OH i17 : 0 and 3-OH a17 : 0 as the major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KMM 3046(T) forms a distinct evolutionary lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae (phylum Bacteroidetes), displaying 92.3-91.9 % sequence similarity with respect to Salegentibacter species. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain KMM 3046(T) represents a novel genus and species of the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Marixanthomonas ophiurae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marixanthomonas ophiurae is KMM 3046(T) (=NRIC 0684(T)=JCM 14121(T)).