Parendozoicomonas callyspongiae sp. nov. Isolated from a Marine Sponge, Callyspongia elongate, and Reclassification of Sansalvadorimonas verongulae as Parendozoicomonas verongulae comb. nov.

A strictly aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, designated 2012CJ34-2T, was isolated from marine sponge to Chuja-do in Jeju-island, Republic of Korea and taxonomically characterized. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive, and non-motile rods (without flagella). Growth was observed at 15-42 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6-9 (optimum, pH 7), and in the presence of 0.5-10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3%). The major cellular fatty acid and respiratory quinones were identified summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), and Q-8 and Q-9, respectively. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids, and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 48.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences showed that strain 2012CJ34-2T formed a clade with Parendozoicomonas haliclonae S-B4-1UT and Sansalvadorimonas verongulae LMG 29871T within the family Endozoicomodaceae. Genome relatedness values, including dDDH, ANI and AF, and AAI and POCP, among strain 2012CJ34-2T, P. haliclonae S-B4-1UT, and S. verongulae LMG 29871T were within the range of the bacterial genus cut-off values. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic analyses, strain 2012CJ34-2T represents a novel bacterial species of the family Endozoicomodaceae, for which the name Parendozoicomonas callyspongiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2012CJ34-2T (= KACC 22641T = LMG 32581T). Additionally, we proposed the reclassification of Sansalvadorimonas verongulae of the family Hahellaceae as Parendozoicomonas verongulae of the family Endozoicomonadaceae.

Muricauda myxillae sp. nov., isolated from a marine sponge (Myxilla rosacea), and reclassification of Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis as Muricauda symbiotica nom. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and non-motile rods strain, designated as strain 2012CJ39-3T, was isolated from a marine sponge, Myxilla rosacea, collected on Chuja Island, Republic of Korea. Optimal growth of strain 2012CJ39-3T was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain 2012CJ39-3T contained menaquinone-6 as the respiratory quinone, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the predominant fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid, three unidentified aminolipids and nine unidentified lipids as major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.4 mol%. Results of phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences revealed that strain 2012CJ39-3T formed a distinct phyletic lineage in the genus Muricauda. Strain 2012CJ39-3T was most closely related to Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis 176CP5-101T, Muricauda spongiicola 2012CJ35-5T, Muricauda algicola AsT0115T, Muricauda flava DSM 22638T and Muricauda parva SW169T with 96.5, 96.4, 96.3, 95.8 and 95.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 2012CJ39-3T and M. spongiicola 2012CJ35-5T, F. hymeniacidonis 176CP5-101T, M. algicola AsT0115T, M. flava DSM 22638T and M. parva SW169T were 75.6, 74.2, 78.6, 75.3 and 74.8 % and 27.4, 19.9, 36.3, 24.2 and 18.9 %, respectively. Based on these results, strain 2012CJ39-3T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda myxillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2012CJ39-3T (=KACC 22644T= LMG 32582T). In addition, Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis is reclassified as Muricauda symbiotica nom. nov.

Ruegeria spongiae sp. nov., isolated from Callyspongia elongata.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, polar flagellated, aerobic, light-yellow bacterium, designated as 2012CJ41-6T, was isolated from a sponge sample of Callyspongia elongata from Chuja-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain 2012CJ41-6T clustered with species of the genus Ruegeria and appeared closely related to R. halocynthiae DSM 27839T (96.46 % similarity), R. denitrificans CECT 4357T (96.32 %), R. profundi ZGT108T (96.32 %), R. litorea CECT 7639T (96.32 %) and R. atlantica CECT 4292T (96.16 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain 2012CJ41-6T and the most closely related strain was 75.3 % and 19.6 %, indicating that 2012CJ41-6T represents a novel species of the genus Ruegeria. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C on marine medium in the presence of 0.5-10 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 5.5-8.5. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 60.80 mol%, and ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the major respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) were C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c (summed feature 8). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid and five unidentified lipids. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain 2012CJ41-6T represents a novel species of the genus Ruegeria, for which the name Ruegeria spongiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2012CJ41-6T (=KACC 22645T=LMG 32585T).

Muricauda spongiicola sp. nov., isolated from the sponge Callyspongia elongata.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, thin-rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile and yellow-pigmented marine bacterium (designated strain 2012CJ35-5T) was isolated from a marine sponge Callyspongia elongata sampled in Jeju-do, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 2012CJ35-5T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and was most closely related to Muricauda olearia KCCM 90075T (96.3 %), Muricauda alvinocaridis JCM 33425T (95.7 %), Muricauda flava KCTC 22665T (95.6 %), Muricauda koreensis KCTC 52351T (95.6 %) and Muricauda eckloniae KCTC 22266T (94.9 %). Average nucleotide identity, amino acid identities and digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain 2012CJ35-5T and the closest related strain were 72.6, 73.6 and 17.3 % respectively, indicating that strain 2012CJ35-5T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda. The genome size of strain 2012CJ35-5T is 3.8 Mbp and the G+C content is 43.9 mol%. Strain 2012CJ35-5T contained menaquinone 6 as the major respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminophospholipids and five unidentified lipids as major polar lipids. The fatty acids were mainly (>15 %) defined as C15 : 0 iso (31.7 %), C15 : 1 iso G (29.2 %) and C17 : 0 iso 3OH (18.0 %). Strain 2012CJ35-5T could be distinguished from the other members of the genus Muricauda by a number of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics. Based on the results of polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain 2012CJ35-5T (=KACC 22643T=LMG 32584T) represents a novel species within the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda spongiicola sp. nov. is proposed.

Parashewanella hymeniacidonis sp. nov., isolated from marine sponge (Hymeniacidon sinapium).

A flagella bacterium, designated strain 202IG2-18T was isolated from a marine sponge Hymeniacidon sinapium from Ulleung-do in the Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, motile, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-pigmented. The strain was able to grow at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5), in the presence of 1-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3 %, w/v) and at 18-30 °C (optimum, 30 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 202IG2-18T belonged to the family Shewanellaceae, and was most closely related to [Shewanella] irciniae NRRL B-41466T (97.9 %), followed by Parashewanella tropica KCCM 43304T (97.1 %), Parashewanella curva KCTC 62318T (96.3 %) and Parashewanella spongiae KCTC 22492T (96.2 %). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (25.7 %), C17 : 1 ω8c (13.5 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c, 12.7 %), iso-C13 : 0 (10.4 %) and C16 : 0 (9.6 %). The only detected respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminolipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.8 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values compared to all other related species was below 72.8 % and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 21.1-22.3 %, all below the threshold for bacterial species delineation. Phenotypic, phylogenetic, genomic and chemotaxonomic characteristics showed that strain 202IG2-18T represents a novel species of the genus Parashewanella, for which the name Parashewanella hymeniacidonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 202IG2-18T (=KACC 22256T=LMG 32203T).

Histidinibacterium aquaticum sp. nov., Isolated from Salt-Field Sea Water.

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium designated 176SS1-4T was isolated from the salt-field sea water. Strain 176SS1-4T grew well at 25 °C on marine agar. The taxonomic affiliation of the novel isolate was identified using the polyphasic approach. By comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, it could be shown that strain 176SS1-4T branches within the family Rhodobacteraceae and class Alphaproteobacteria and is related to Histidinibacterium lentulum B17T (96.0% sequence similarity). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity between strain 176SS1-4T and H. lentulum B17T was 19.2% and 77%. The genome comprises of 3,905,029 bp with a G + C content of 67.7 mol. Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the major respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C18:0, and C18:1 ω6c 11-methyl and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 176SS1-4T can be placed as a novel species within the genus Histidinibacterium; the name Histidinibacterium aquaticum sp. nov. has been proposed, with type strain 176SS1-4T (= KACC 19891T = LMG 31032T).

Vibrio ulleungensis sp. nov., isolated from Mytilus coruscus.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile via polar flagellum, facultatively aerobic, light-yellow, bacterium (designated 188UL20-2T) was isolated from a mussel sample of Mytilus coruscus collected on Ulleung Island, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing results, strain 188UL20-2T clustered with species of the genus Vibrio and appeared closely related to Vibrio marisflavi DSM 23086T (96.59%), Vibrio variabilis DSM 26147T (96.57%), Vibrio penaeicida DSM 14398T (96.37%) and Vibrio litoralis DSM 17657T (95.97%). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 188UL20-2T and its closest related strain were 71.3 and 16.4%, indicating that 188UL20-2T represents a novel species of the genus Vibrio. Growth occurred at 18-37 °C on MA medium in the presence of 1-4% NaCl (w/v) and at pH 5.0-10.0. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.4 mol%, and ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) was the major respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids (>5%) were C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c (summed feature 3), C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c (summed feature 8), C16:0, C16:0 iso, C14:0, C14:0 iso and C12:0. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, unidentified aminophospholipid, unidentified glycolipid and seven unidentified lipids. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain 188UL20-2T represents a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio ulleungensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 188UL20-2T (=KACC 22258T=LMG 32202T).

Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis sp. nov., Isolated from the Sponge Hymeniacidon sinapium.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, marine bacterium (designated strain 176CP5-101 T) was isolated from a sponge Hymeniacidon sinapium from Cheongpo beach, Taean in Republic of Korea. The strain was able to grow at pH 6.8-8.5 (optimum at pH 7.5), in 1-7% (w/v) NaCl (optimum at 3%, w/v) and at 10-30 °C (optimum at 30 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 176CP5-101 T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and was most closely related to Flagellimonas aquimarina KCTC 52351 T (97.1%), F. algicola KACC 19790 T (97.0%), F. pacifica KCTC 52762 T (96.9%), F. eckloniae KCCM 42307 T (96.4%), F. flava KCTC 22665 T (96.0%), and F. maritima KCTC 32464 T (95.4%). Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain 176CP5-101 T and F. aquimarina KCTC 52351 T were, respectively, 79.9% and 22.1%, indicating that 176CP5-101 T is a novel species of the genus Flagellimonas. The DNA G + C content of the genomic DNA was 37.8 mol%. Menaquinone with six isoprene units (MK-6) was the major respiratory quinone, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified aminophospholipid, and unidentified lipids. The fatty acids are mainly (> 5%) defined iso-C15:0, iso-C15:0 3-OH, iso-C15:1 G, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c (summed feature 3). Phenotypic, phylogenetic, genomic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics showed that strain 176CP5-101 T represents a novel species of the genus Flagellimonas, for which the name Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 176CP5-101 T (= KACC 19892 T = LMG 31316 T).

Corallincola spongiicola sp. nov., isolated from sponge.

A gram-negative, motile, strictly aerobic, and rod-shaped bacterium designated 176GS2-150T was isolated from the sponge Hymeniacidon sinapium. The taxonomic position of the novel isolate was confirmed using the polyphasic approach. Strain 176GS2-150T grew well at 25 °C on marine agar. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, we showed that strain 176GS2-150T belongs to the family Psychromonadaceae and class Gammaproteobacteria and is related to Corallincola platygyrae JLT2006T (96.84% sequence similarity). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 49.0 mol%. The assembled draft genome of strain 176GS2-150T was 4.2 Mbp and consisted of 14 contigs. The major respiratory quinone was Q-8, and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 :1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c), summed feature 8 (comprising C18 :1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C17:0 iso, C16:0, and C15:0 iso. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, 3 unidentified phospholipids, and 1 unidentified polar lipid. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 176GS2-150T can be placed as a new species within the genus Corallincola; the name Corallincola spongiicola sp. nov. has been proposed, with type strain 176GS2-150T (= KACC 19890T = LMG 31317T).

Muricauda hymeniacidonis sp. nov., isolated from sponge of Hymeniacidon sinapium.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic, orange-pigmented, bacterium (designated 176CP4-71T) was isolated from a sponge sample of Hymeniacidonsinapium from Cheongpo beach, Taean district, in the Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain 176CP4-71T clustered with species of the genus Muricauda and appeared to be closely related to Muricaudapacifica LMG 26637T (95.4 %), Muricaudaantarctica JCM 18450T (94.7 %), Muricaudataeanensis KACC 16195T (94.7 %) and Muricaudalutaonensis KCTC 22339T (94.2 %). The average nucleotide identity values between strain 176CP4-71T and the closely related strains were 70.7-73.7 %, indicating that 176CP4-71T is a novel species of the genus Muricauda. Growth occurs at 10-35 °C on marine agar medium in the presence of 1-8 % NaCl (w/v) and at pH 6.0-8.5. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.6 mol %, and menaquinone with six isoprene units (MK-6) was the major respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) were C15 : 0iso, C15 : 1iso G, C17 : 0iso 3OH and C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c (summed feature 3). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid and unidentified lipids. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain 176CP4-71T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda hymeniacidonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 176CP4-71T (=KACC 19889T=LMG 31033T).

Bacillus spongiae sp. nov., isolated from sponge of Jeju Island.

A Gram-reaction-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, endospore- forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated 135PIL107-10T was isolated from a sponge on Jeju Island, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain 135PIL107-10T grew at 20-37°C (optimum temperature, 25°C) and pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH, 6.0) on marine and R2A agars. Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny analysis, the novel strain formed a new branch within the genus Bacillus of the family Bacillaceae, and formed clusters with Bacillus thaohiensis NHI-38T (96.8%), Bacillus fengqiuensis NPK15T (96.7%), and Bacillus songklensis CAU 1033T (96.7%). Lower sequence similarities (97.0%) were found with the type strains of all other recognized members of the genus Bacillus (95.6-96.8% similarity). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 43.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:1ω10c. The overall polar lipid patterns were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Bacillus spongiae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 135PIL107-10T (= KACC 19275T = LMG 30080T).

Aquimarina spongiicola sp. nov., isolated from spongin.

A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 122CH820-2T, was isolated from spongin. This bacterium was characterized to determine its taxonomic position by using a polyphasic approach. Strain 122CH820-2T grew well at 25-30 °C on marine agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain 122CH820-2T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and was closely related to Aquimarina mytili PSC33T (96.8 % sequence similarity) and A. penaei P3-1T (96.7 %). Lower sequence similarities (<96.5 %) were found with all of the other recognized members of the genus Aquimarina. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 35.2 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-6 and the major fatty acids were C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one aminophospholipid and five unidentified polar lipids. Strain 122CH820-2T could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Aquimarina. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Aquimarina spongiicola sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 122CH820-2T (=KACC 19274T=LMG 30078T).

Lysobacter spongiae sp. nov., isolated from spongin.

A Gram-negative, motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated 119BY6-57T was isolated from spongin. The taxonomic position of the novel isolate was confirmed using the polyphasic approach. Strain 119BY6-57T grew well at 25-30°C on marine agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain 119BY6-57T belongs to the family Xanthomonadaceae and is related to Lysobacter aestuarii S2-CT (99.8% sequence similarity), L. maris KMU-14T (97.5%), and L. daejeonensis GH1-9T (97.3%). Lower sequence similarities (97.0%) were found with all of the other recognized members of the genus Lysobacter. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 69.9 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the major fatty acids were C16:0 iso, C15:0 iso, summed feature 9 (comprising C17:1 iso ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl), summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), and C11:0 iso 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids, and an unidentified polar lipid. DNADNA relatedness values between strain 119BY6-57T and its closest phylogenetically neighbors were below 48.0 ± 2.1%. Based on genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, it is concluded that strain 119BY6-57T is a new member within the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter spongiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 119BY6-57T (= KACC 19276T = LMG 30077T).

Vibrio hannami sp. nov., Isolated from Seawater.

A Gram-reaction negative, aerobic, motile, non-pigmented and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as 168GH5-2-16T, was isolated from seawater Jeju island. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Vibrio and was most closely related to Vibrio variabilis R-40492T (96.0%). The DNA G+C content was 49.3 mol%. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The predominant quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). The major fatty acids were C16:0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c) supported the affiliation of 168GH5-2-16T to the genus Vibrio. Moreover, the physiological, biochemical, and taxonomic analysis allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain 168GH5-2-16T from the recognized species of the genus Vibrio. Therefore, strain 168GH5-2-16T represents a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio hannami sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 168GH5-2-16T (=KACC 19277T = DSM105032T).

Heme Oxygenase-1 Protects the Liver from Septic Injury by Modulating TLR4-Mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control in Mice.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Mitochondrial quality control (QC) is characterized by self-recovering mitochondrial damage through mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and fission/fusion. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 acts as a signaling molecule to modulate inflammation. The present study elucidated the cytoprotective mechanisms of HO-1 in sepsis, particularly focusing on toll-like receptor (TLR)4-mediated mitochondrial QC. Mice were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The mice were injected intraperitoneally with hemin (10 mg/kg) at 12 h before CLP or zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP; 30 mg/kg) at 2 h before CLP. The serum and tissues were collected 6 h after CLP. Mortality, MODS, and proinflammatory cytokines increased in septic mice. These increases were augmented by ZnPP but attenuated by hemin. Hemin decreased mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hemin enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, as indicated by increased levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Hemin also enhanced mitophagy, as indicated by decreased PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) level and increased Parkin level. Hemin decreased fission-related protein, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), and increased fusion-related protein, mitofusin 2. Hemin attenuated the increased TLR4 expression. TAK-242, a TLR4 antagonist, attenuated mortality, inflammatory response, and impaired mitochondrial QC. Our findings suggest that HO-1 attenuates septic injury by modulating TLR4-mediated mitochondrial QC.

Trichostatin A Protects Liver against Septic Injury through Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor Signaling.

Sepsis, a serious clinical problem, is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection and leads to organ failure. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is intimately implicated in hyper-inflammatory responses and tissue injury during sepsis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanisms of trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC inhibitor, associated with TLR signaling pathway during sepsis. The anti-inflammatory properties of TSA were assayed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a clinically relevant model of sepsis. The mice were intraperitoneally received TSA (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg) 30 min before CLP. The serum and liver samples were collected 6 and 24-h after CLP. TSA inhibited the increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. TSA improved sepsis-induced mortality, attenuated liver injury and decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CLP increased the levels of TLR4, TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) protein expression and association of MyD88 with TLR4 and TLR2, which were attenuated by TSA. CLP increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and decreased cytosolic inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) protein expression, which were attenuated by TSA. Moreover, CLP decreased acetylation of IκB kinase (IKK) and increased association of IKK with IκB and TSA attenuated these alterations. Our findings suggest that TSA attenuates liver injury by inhibiting TLR-mediated inflammatory response during sepsis.

Sponge-specific unknown bacterial groups detected in marine sponges collected from Korea through barcoded pyrosequencing.

The bacterial diversity of 10 marine sponges belonging to the species Cliona celata, an unidentified Cliona species, Haliclona cinerea, Halichondria okadai, Hymeniacidon sinapium, Lissodendoryx isodictyalis, Penares incrustans, Spirastrella abata, and Spirastrella panis collected from Jeju Island and Chuja Island was investigated using amplicon pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. The microbial diversity of these sponges has as of yet rarely or never been investigated. All sponges, except Cliona celata, Lissodendoryx isodictyalis, and Penares incrustans, showed simple bacterial diversity, in which one or two bacterial OTUs occupied more than 50% of the pyrosequencing reads and their OTU rank abundance curves saturated quickly. Most of the predominant OTUs belonged to Alpha-, Beta-, or Gammaproteobacteria. Some of the OTUs from the sponges with low diversity were distantly (88%~89%) or moderately (93%~97%) related to known sequences in the GenBank nucleotide database. Phylogenetic analysis showed that many of the representative sequences of the OTUs were related to the sequences originating from sponges and corals, and formed sponge-specific or -related clades. The marine sponges investigated herein harbored unexplored bacterial diversity, and further studies should be done to understand the microbes present in sponges.

Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of red seal inks on questioned document.

Seals are traditionally used in the Far East Asia to stamp an impression on a document in place of a signature. In this study, an accuser claimed that a personal contract regarding mining development rights acquired by a defendant was devolved to the accuser because the defendant stamped the devolvement contract in the presence of the accuser and a witness. The accuser further stated that the seal ink stamped on the devolvement contract was the same as that stamped on the development rights application document. To verify this, the seals used in two documents were analyzed using micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and infrared spectra. The findings revealed that the seals originated from different manufacturers. Thus, the accuser's claim on the existence of a devolvement contract was proved to be false.

Application of micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to ink examination in signatures written with ballpoint pen on questioned documents.

Questioned documents examined in a forensic laboratory sometimes contain signatures written with ballpoint pen inks; these signatures were examined to assess the feasibility of micro-attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a forensic tool. Micro-ATR FTIR spectra for signatures written with 63 ballpoint pens available commercially in Korea were obtained and used to construct an FTIR spectral database. A library-searching program was utilized to identify the manufacturer, blend, and model of each black ballpoint pen ink based upon their FTIR peak intensities, positions, and patterns in the spectral database. This FTIR technique was also successfully used in determining the sequence of homogeneous line intersections from the crossing lines of two ballpoint pen signatures. We have demonstrated with a set of sample documents that micro-ATR FTIR is a viable nondestructive analytical method that can be used to identify the origin of the ballpoint pen ink used to mark signatures.

Analysis of bacterial diversity in sponges collected from Chuuk and Kosrae Islands in Micronesia.

The bacteria resident in sponges collected from Chuuk Lagoon and Kosrae Island of Micronesia were investigated using the 16S rRNA gene PCR-tagged pyrosequencing method. These sponges were clustered into 5 groups based on their bacterial composition. Diversity indexes and cumulative rank abundance curves showed the different compositions of bacterial communities in the various groups of sponges. Reads related to the phylum Chloroflexi were observed predominantly (9.7-68.2%) in 9 sponges of 3 groups and unobserved in the other 2 groups. The Chloroflexi-containing group had similar bacterial patterns at the phylum and lower taxonomic levels, for example, significant proportions of Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, SBR1093, and PAUC34f were observed in most members of this group. The three groups in the Chloroflexi-containing group, however, showed some minor differences in the composition and diversity. The other two groups contained high proportions of Proteobacteria (>87%) or Bacteroidetes (>61%) and different composition and diversity compared to the Chloroflexi-containing group and each other. Four pairs of specimens with the same species showed similar bacterial profiles, but, the bacteria in sponges were highly specific at the individual level.