Search

A novel nocardioform strain, CICC 11023T, was isolated from a tissue biopsy of neck lesions of a patient with primary cutaneous nocardiosis and characterized to establish its taxonomic position. The morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain CICC 11023T were consistent with classification in the genus Nocardia . Whole-cell hydrolysates were rich in meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose, arabinose and fructose. Mycolic acids were present. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids, and the predominant menaquinone was cyclo MK-8 (H4, ω-cyclo). The main fatty acids (>5 %) were C18 : 0 10-methyl (TBSA), C16 : 0, summed feature 4 (C16 : 1 trans 9/C15 : 0 iso 2OH), C15 : 0 and C17 : 0 10-methyl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate is most closely related (>98 % similarity) to the type strains Nocardia ninae OFN 02.72T, Nocardia iowensis UI 122540T and Nocardia alba YIM 30243T, and phylogenetic analysis of gyrB gene sequences showed similarity (89.1–92.2 %) to Nocardia vulneris NBRC 108936T, Nocardia brasiliensis IFM 0236T and Nocardia exalbida IFM 0803T. DNA–DNA hybridization results for strain CICC 11023T compared to Nocardia type strains ranged from 20.4 to 35.4 %. The genome of strain CICC 11023T was 8.78 Mbp with a G+C content of 67.4 mol% overall. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain CICC 11023T and N. alba YIM 30243T were low (OrthoANIu=77.47 %), and the ANI values between strain CICC 11023T and N. vulneris NBRC 108936 T were low (OrthoANIu=83.75 %). Consequently, strain CICC 11023T represents a novel Nocardia species on the basis of this polyphasic study, for which the name Nocardia colli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CICC 11023T (=KCTC 39837T).

Three new phenazine metabolites, strepphenazine A-C (1-3), along with a known compound baraphenazine E 4 were isolated from the culture broth of a Streptomyces strain YIM PH20095. The structures were elucidated based on the spectral data. Compounds 1-4 showed different antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Alternaria panax, and Phoma herbarum, which caused root-rot disease of Panax notoginseng with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 16-64 μg/mL; compared with compound 4, compounds 1-3 showed better antifungal activity against some of these pathogenic fungi with MICs of 16-32 μg/mL, while compound 4 showed antifungal activity against F. oxysporum, P. cucumerina, and A. panax with the same MICs of 64 μg/mL. Thus, strain YIM PH20095 provides new sources for the development of biological control agents to prevent the infection of pathogenic fungi of P. notoginseng.

Strain YIM PH21724T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Panax notoginseng. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain exhibits close phylogenetic relatedness to Nocardia kroppenstedtii N1286T (97.70%), Nocardia farcinica NCTC 11134T (97.67%) and Nocardia puris DSM 44599T (97.40%). The menaquinones were identified as MK-9 (H4), MK-8 (H4, ω-cyclo) and MK-8 (H4), and the major fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as C16:0, C18:1 ω9c and C18:0 10-methyl. The polar lipids were found to be composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and an unidentified lipid. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 67.01 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic results clearly show strain YIM PH21724T should be classified in the genus Nocardia and represents a novel species, for which the name Nocardia panacis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM PH21724T (= DSM 105904T = KCTC 49030T = CCTCC AA 2017043T).

A novel bacterium, designated YIM M13075(T), was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the South China Sea. Growth occurred from 4 to 45 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum pH 8.0). The strain formed yellow-cream colonies after 5 days incubation on TSA modified with 5 % NaCl medium at 28 °C. Cells were Gram-positive, short rods and motile. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM M13075(T) was affiliated with the genus Geomicrobium (93.5 %). The strain YIM M13075(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The predominant menaquinones were MK-7 and MK-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.7 mol%. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as genotypic data, strain YIM M13075(T) represents a novel species in the genus Geomicrobium, for which the name Geomicrobium sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM M13075(T) (=DSM 25540(T) =JCM 18144(T) =CCTCC AB 2013245(T)). An emended description of the genus Geomicrobium is also proposed in the light of the new data.

A novel endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 68236T, was isolated from healthy leaves of Camptotheca acuminata. and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of this strain occurred singly, in pairs or in tetrads. It grew at 10–45 °C, at pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 71.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 68236T belongs to the genus Blastococcus . However, it differed from its closest relatives, Blastococcus aggregatus DSM 4725T, Blastococcus saxobsidens DSM 44509T and Blastococcus jejuensis DSM 19597T in many phenotypic characteristics. Moreover, the DNA–DNA relatedness values between the novel isolate and the three above-mentioned type strains were 49.0±1.6 %, 46.1±3.2 % and 39.8±1.5 %, respectively. Based on comparative analysis of physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain YIM 68236T represents a novel species of the genus Blastococcus , for which the name Blastococcus endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 68236T ( = CCTCC AA 209045T = DSM 45413T = KCTC 19998T).

Since current antifungal drugs have not kept pace with the escalating medical demands of fungal infections, new, effective medications are required. However, antifungal drug discovery is hindered by the evolutionary similarity of mammalian and fungal cells, which results in fungal drug targets having human homologs and drug non-selectivity. The group III hybrid histidine kinases (HHKs) are an attractive drug target since they are conserved in fungi and absent in mammals. We used a Saccharomyces cerevisiae reporter strain that conditionally expresses HHK to establish a high-throughput bioassay to screen microbial extracts natural products for antifungals. We identifi ed macrotetrolides, a group of related ionophores thought to exhibit restricted antifungal activity. In addition to confi rming the use of this bioassay for the discovery of antifungal natural products, we demonstrated broader, more potent fungistatic activity of the macrotetrolides against multiple Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Candida albicans in biofi lms. Macrotetrolides were also active in an animal model of C. albicans biofi lm, but were found to have inconsistent activity against fl uconazole-resistant C. albicans , with most isolates resistant to this natural product. The macrotetrolides do not directly target HHKs, but their selective activity against S. cerevisiae grown in galactose (regardless of Drk1 expression) revealed potential new insight into the role of ion transport in the mode of action of these promising antifungal compounds. Thus, this simple, high-throughput bioassay permitted us to screen microbial extracts, identify natural products as antifungal drugs, and expand our understanding of the activity of macrotetrolides.

An endophytic actinobacterial strain, designated py1292T, was isolated from the root of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis collected from Yunnan province, China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolate in the family Dermacoccaceae and clustered with Yimella lutea (showing the highest similarity of 99.1 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between strain py1292T and Y. lutea YIM 45900T was 45.6±3.2 % (reciprocal 47.8±3.6 %). The novel isolate was found to be a Gram-staining-positive rod, catalase- and oxidase-positive. It grew at pH 6.0–8.0, with 0–9 % NaCl and at 20–45 oC, optimally at pH 7.0, with 0–3 % NaCl and at 28 oC. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4), while the polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, two unknown phospholipids and two unknown polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The whole-cell hydrolysates contained mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucose and galactose. The peptidoglycan contained alanine, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and lysine. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 65.6 mol%. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (especially the same peptidoglycan type) showed that strain py1292T should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Yimella , for which the name Yimella radicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is py1292T (=KCTC 39612T=LMG 29070T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, endophytic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 63638T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized roots of Artemisia annua L. The isolate grew optimally with 1–3 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0–7.0 and at 20–37 °C. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Pseudonocardia and showed highest sequence similarity with Pseudonocardia oroxyli D10T (98.9 %), Pseudonocardia ailaonensis YIM 45505T (98.3 %) and Pseudonocardia halophobica IMSNU 21327T (98.0 %). Phylogenetic distance from other type strains of species with validly published names within the genus Pseudonocardia was greater than 2.3 %. Strain YIM 63638T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 72.1 mol% and MK-8(H4) as the predominant respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 (36.32 %) and 10-methyl-C16 : 0 (19.78 %). On the basis of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain YIM 63638T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia , for which the name Pseudonocardia xishanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 63638T ( = JCM 17906T = KCTC 29005T).

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 68255T, was isolated from healthy leaves of Camptotheca acuminata Decne. collected in Yunnan province, south-west China and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The strain formed well-developed substrate mycelium, but no aerial mycelium. It grew at 10–45 °C, at pH 5–10 (optimum pH 7) and in the presence of 0–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 73.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain YIM 68255T belonged to the genus Plantactinospora . However, it exhibited some differences from Plantactinospora mayteni YIM 61359T and the level of DNA–DNA relatedness was 42.7±1.3 %. Based on comparative analysis of physiological and chemotaxonomic data, it is proposed that strain YIM 68255T represents a novel species of the genus Plantactinospora , Plantactinospora endophytica sp. nov., with strain YIM 68255T ( = DSM 45387T = CCTCC AA 209047T) as the type strain. In addition, it is also proposed that Actinaurispora siamensis Thawai et al. 2010 be transferred to the genus Plantactinospora as Plantactinospora siamensis comb. nov. [type strain CM2-8T ( = JCM 15677T = BCC 34762T)] based on chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Emended descriptions of the genus Plantactinospora and Plantactinospora mayteni are also provided.

A Gram-positive, non-motile actinobacterium, designated YIM 65754T, was isolated from the stem of Artemisia annua L., collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 65754T comprised an evolutionary lineage within the genus Rhodococcus . The isolate clustered with Rhodococcus pyridinivorans PDB9T, Rhodococcus gordoniae W 4937T and Rhodococcus rhodochrous DSM 43241T, with which it shared 98.4, 97.9 and 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. However, DNA–DNA relatedness demonstrated that strain YIM 65754T was distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose, galactose, mannose and glucose (cell-wall chemotype IV). The major menaquinone was MK-8(H2) and the predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0 (27.83 %), iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c (20.21 %) and 10-methyl C18 : 0 (17.50 %). The DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus , for which the name Rhodococcus artemisiae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is YIM 65754T ( = CCTCC AA 209042T = DSM 45380T).

A bacterial strain, py1294(T), isolated from a root of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis collected from Yunnan province, southwest China, was characterised by using a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain py1294(T) was found to be Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, peritrichous flagella and rod shaped. Growth was found to occur in the presence of 0-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1-3 %), at pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum 8.0) and at 10-42 °C (optimum 30 °C). The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0 and iso-C14:0. The predominant quinone was identified as MK-7 and a minor amount of MK-6 was detected. The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain py1294(T) forms a well-supported clade with Oceanobacillus damuensis PT-20(T) (97.9 % sequence similarity) within the genus Oceanobacillus, although it also shares a high sequence similarity with Ornithinibacillus contaminans (97.5 %). Crucially, the DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain py1294(T) and O. damuensis PT-20(T) was 29.7 ± 3.2 %. The G+C content was determined to be 42.3 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, a novel species Oceanobacillus endoradicis sp. nov. is proposed, with py1294(T) (=DSM 100726(T) = KCTC 33731(T)) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycete strain, designated YIM 65601T, was studied by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain YIM 65601T should be assigned to the genus Nonomuraea, with highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Nonomuraea candida HMC10T (98.8 %), N. salmonea DSM 43678T (98.7 %), N. turkmeniaca DSM 43926T (98.5 %), N. roseola DSM 43767T (98.4 %), N. dietziae IFO 14309T (98.2 %) and N. kuesteri GW 14-1925T (98.1 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to strains of other Nonomuraea species were below 98.0 %. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate were consistent with those of members of the genus Nonomuraea. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests and fatty acid profiles allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain YIM 65601T from closely related species. Thus, YIM 65601T represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea endophytica sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 65601T ( = CCTCC AA 209037T = DSM 45385T) as the type strain.

A Gram-negative, pink-pigmented, non-spore-forming rod shaped, methanol-utilizing bacterium, strain YIM 48816T, was isolated from forest soil collected from Sichuan province, China. Strain YIM 48816T can grow at 4–37°C, pH 5.0–7.0 and 0% NaCl (w/v). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, it belonged to the genus Methylobacterium, and formed a phyletic line. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities were 96.2% to Methylobacterium mesophilicum DSM 1708T and 96.0% to Methylobacterium brachiatum DSM 19569T, and the phylogenetic similarities to all other Methylobacterium species with validly published names were less than 96.0%. The major menaquinones detected were Q-10 (97.14%) and Q-9 (2.86%). The major fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c (80.84%). The DNA G + C content was 66.2 mol%. It is apparent from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strain YIM 48816T belongs to a novel species of the genus Methylobacterium, for which the name Methylobacterium soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 48816T (CCTCC AA 208027T = KCTC 22810T).

A novel strain, designated YIM 61452T, was isolated from the stem of Maytenus austroyunnanensis collected from the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. The strain was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 61452T belonged to the genus Pseudonocardia and was most closely related to Pseudonocardia alni IMSNU 20049T (99.5 %), Pseudonocardia antarctica DVS 5a1T (99.5 %) and Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans Y8T (99.4 %). The chemotaxonomic properties of strain YIM 61452T, for example MK-8(H4) as the predominant quinone system and iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 1 H as the major fatty acids, were also consistent with its classification within the genus Pseudonocardia. Strain YIM 61452T could be differentiated from closely related species of the genus Pseudonocardia by phenotypic and genotypic analysis. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments between strain YIM 61452T and closely related reference strains further confirmed that strain YIM 61452T represented a novel taxon of the genus Pseudonocardia. Therefore, strain YIM 61452T represents a novel species, for which the name Pseudonocardia tropica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61452T (=DSM 45199T=CCTCC AA 208018T).

A Gram-staining-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and moderately halophilic actinobacterium, designated YIM 93306T, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain YIM 93306T grew in the presence of 2–16 % (w/v) NaCl and did not grow without NaCl. The peptidoglycan type was A4α with an l-Lys–l-Glu interpeptide bridge. The whole-cell sugars were glucosamine, arabinose, mannose and two unknown sugars. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and one unknown phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 93306T fell within the radius of the suborder Micrococcineae. Its closest phylogenetic neighbour was the type strain of Ruania albidiflava (AS 4.3142T; 96.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), the sole recognized species of the genus Ruania. Sequence similarities between strain YIM 93306T and members of other genera of the suborder Micrococcineae were Haloactinobacterium album gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the species is YIM 93306T (=DSM 21368T =KCTC 19413T =CCTCC AB 208069T). Based on phylogenetic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotide patterns, the genera Ruania and Haloactinobacterium gen. nov. are proposed to belong to a novel family, Ruaniaceae fam. nov.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinomycete, strain YIM 60513T, was isolated from the stem of Gloriosa superba L. collected from tropical rainforest at Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain YIM 60513T belonged to the genus Saccharopolyspora and was closely related to Saccharopolyspora gregorii NCIB 12823T (99.1 % similarity) and Saccharopolyspora cebuensis SPE 10-1T (97.3 % similarity). Data for the predominant quinone [MK-9(H4)], major fatty acids (iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C17 : 1 cis9) and G+C content of the genomic DNA (71.6 mol%) were similar to those for members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM 60513T and S. gregorii NCIB 12823T was 43 %. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic differences, chemotaxonomic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the view that strain YIM 60513T should be distinguished from S. gregorii NCIB 12823T and S. cebuensis SPE 10-1T. Strain YIM 60513T therefore represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora gloriosae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 60513T (=KCTC 19243T =CCTCC AA 207006T).

During the course of our research on new actinobacterial sources, a novel actinomycete strain YIM 67013(T) was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain formed well-differentiated aerial and substrate mycelia, grew in the presence of up to 15% NaCl (optimum, 0-3% NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 67013(T) belongs to the genus Pseudonocardia, with highest similarity to Pseudonocardia thermophila DSM 43832(T) (97.6%). Sequence similarities between strain YIM 67013(T) and the other Pseudonocardia species ranged from 96.6 to 93.2%. Key morphological and physiological characteristics as well as chemotaxonomic features of strain YIM 67013(T) were congruent with the description of the genus Pseudonocardia. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.7 mol%. Based on comparative analysis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, including low DNA-DNA hybridization results, it is proposed that strain YIM 67013(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, named Pseudonocardia rhizophila sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 67013(T) (= CCTCC AA 209043(T) = DSM 45381(T)).

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, halotolerant bacterial strain, designated YIM YD3T, was isolated from a salt mine in Yunnan, south-west China. The taxonomy of strain YIM YD3T was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Strain YIM YD3T was motile, formed pink colonies and was positive for catalase and oxidase activities. Q-10 was the predominant respiratory ubiquinone. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and two unknown phospholipids. The major fatty acids (>10 % of total fatty acids) were C18 : 1 ω7c, C18 : 1 ω9c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The DNA G+C content was 71.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the isolate formed a distinct line within a clade containing the genera Balneimonas, Bosea, Chelatococcus and Microvirga in the order Rhizobiales, with highest levels of 16S RNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of Balneimonas flocculans (93.5 %). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain YIM YD3T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Salinarimonas rosea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain YIM YD3T (=KCTC 22346T=CCTCC AA208038T) as the type strain.

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete strain YIM 63135T, which was isolated from the surface-sterilized tissue of Artemisia annua L. collected from Yunnan province, south-west China, was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Morphological and chemical characteristics of the novel strain were consistent with those of the genus Streptomyces. It developed a pinkish aerial mycelium and pinkish-brown substrate mycelium on oatmeal agar. The cell wall of the strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The menaquinones comprised MK-9(H6) (62.8 %), MK-9(H8) (31.4 %) and MK-9(H4) (5.9 %). The phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown glucosamine-containing phospholipid (GluNu), phosphatidylinositol mannosides and four unknown ninhydrin-negative phospholipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 (30.0 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (27.3 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (17.0 %). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 63135T was 72.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 63135T is a member of the genus Streptomyces and exhibited 99.9 % gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces armeniacus NBRC 12555T, while low sequence similarity values (T from all other Streptomyces species. DNA–DNA hybridization studies suggested that strain YIM 63135T represents a different genomic species. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain YIM 63135T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces artemisiae sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 63135T (=CCTCC AA 208059T =DSM 41953T) as the type strain.

A strictly aerobic Gram-positive, moderately halophilic spore forming bacterium, designated strain SL6-1(T), was isolated from a salt lake in Xin-jiang province, China. Growth of strain SL6-1(T) was observed at NaCl concentrations of 0 approximately 20% (w/v) (the optimum being 5 approximately 7%, w/v). The peptidoglycan type of strain SL6-1(T) was Algamma-meso-diaminopimelic acid and its major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(14:0) and iso-C(16:0) and ante-iso-C(15:0). The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.5 mol%. The major cellular phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SL6-1(T) formed a phylogenetic lineage within the genus Virgibacillus. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strain was most closely related to Virgibacillus olivae E(30)8(T), Virgibacillus kekensis YIM kkny16(T), Virgibacillus marismortui DSM 12325(T) with 97.1%, 97.1%, and 97.0% gene sequence similarities, respectively and the sequence similarities to other related taxa were less than 96.7%. The DNA relatedness values between strain SL6-1(T) and V. olivae E(30)8(T), V. kekensis YIM kkny16(T), V. marismortui DSM 12325(T) were 16.7%, 51.0%, and 22.8%, respectively. On the basis of physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic properties, strain SL6-1(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Virgibacillus xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SL6-1(T) (=KCTC 13128(T) =DSM 19031(T)).

An endophytic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 65359(T), was isolated from a surface-sterilized stem sample of Tripterygium hypoglaucum collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the new isolate were consistent with those of members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the new isolate was most closely related to 'Saccharopolyspora endophytica' YIM 61095 (98.6 %), Saccharopolyspora flava AS4.1520(T) (97.6 %) and Saccharopolyspora spinosa DSM 44228(T) (97.0 %). The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations (57.5 %, 44.9 % and 48.5 %, respectively) with the above micro-organisms, in combination with differences in the biochemical and physiological characteristics, suggested that strain YIM 65359(T) should be classified as a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The name Saccharopolyspora tripterygii sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species, with YIM 65359(T) (=CCTCC AA 208062(T)=DSM 45269(T)) as the type strain.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated YIM 61105(T), was isolated from a leaf of Maytenus austroyunnanensis from the tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the organism belonged to the phylogenetic cluster of the genus Nonomuraea and was most closely related to Nonomuraea candida HMC10(T) (98.2 %), 'Nonomuraea aegyptia' S136 (97.9 %), Nonomuraea kuesteri GW 14-1925(T) (97.5 %) and Nonomuraea turkmeniaca DSM 43926(T) (97.4 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to other Nonomuraea species were less than 97.4 %. The main chemotaxonomic properties of strain YIM 61105(T), such as the principal amino acid of the peptidoglycan, the predominant menaquinone and the polar lipid profile, supported its classification within the genus Nonomuraea. Strain YIM 61105(T) was also readily differentiated from closely related species on the basis of a broad range of phenotypic properties and DNA-DNA hybridization values. Thus, this isolate is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea antimicrobica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61105(T) (=DSM 45220(T)=CCTCC AA 208016(T)).

An actinomycete strain, designated YIM 61435(T), was isolated from leaves of Maytenus austroyunnanensis collected from a tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. The isolate produced aerial mycelium with long, curved to hooked spore chains. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolate were consistent with its assignment to the genus Actinomadura. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences also indicated that this strain should be classified in the genus Actinomadura; however, it could be separated clearly from its closest neighbour, Actinomadura atramentaria DSM 43919(T). Furthermore, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and significant differences in morphological and physiological characteristics indicate that strain YIM 61435(T) represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura flavalba sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61435(T) (=DSM 45200(T) =CCTCC AA 208017(T)).

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, endophytic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 61359(T), was isolated from the roots of Maytenus austroyunnanensis plants collected from tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. The strain formed single or cluster spores with smooth surfaces from substrate mycelia. The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall and arabinose, xylose, galactose and glucose in whole-cell hydrolysates. The acyl type of the cell-wall polysaccharides was glycolyl. MK-10(H(6)), MK-10(H(8)) and MK-10(H(4)) were the predominant menaquinones. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and several unknown phospholipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 61359(T) was 69.7 mol%. These chemotaxonomic data indicated that the strain belongs to the family Micromonosporaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences also suggested that strain YIM 61359(T) fell within the family Micromonosporaceae. On the basis of morphological and chemotaxonomic data, phylogenetic analysis and characteristic patterns of 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotides, strain YIM 61359(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Micromonosporaceae, for which the name Plantactinospora mayteni gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Plantactinospora mayteni is YIM 61359(T) (=CCTCC AA 208022(T)=DSM 45238(T)).

A novel actinomycete strain, YIM 61503T, isolated from the stem of Maytenus austroyunnanensis, was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 61503T belonged to the genus Jiangella and exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.8 and 98.6% to Jiangella alkaliphila D8-87T and Jiangella gansuensis YIM 002T. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain YIM 61503T were consistent with those of the genus Jiangella: the cell-wall peptidoglycan type was based on ll-diaminopimelic acid and MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C14:0, C17:1omega8c and anteiso-C17:0. The DNA G+C content was 71.9 mol%. Strain YIM 61503T was phenotypically distinct from recognized Jiangella species and was shown to belong to a separate genomic species based on DNA-DNA hybridization results. Thus, strain YIM 61503T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Jiangella, for which the name Jiangella alba sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61503T (=DSM 45237T=CCTCC AA 208023T).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, alkalitolerant, strictly aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM kkny3T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from a salt lake in the Qaidam Basin of north-west China. Cells were motile by means of peritrichous flagella and formed ellipsoidal endospores lying in subterminal swollen sporangia. Growth occurred with 1-20% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 5-10%) and at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum, pH 7.5-8.0) and 10-55 degrees C (optimum, 35-40 degrees C). It was unable to grow with NaCl as the only salt. meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The strain contained menaquinone 7 (MK-7) as the predominant respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid as polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The DNA G+C content was 40.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM kkny3T belonged to the genus Virgibacillus, and was most closely related to the type strains of Virgibacillus olivae (97.1% similarity), Virgibacillus marismortui (97.0%) and Virgibacillus kekensis (96.8%). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM kkny3T and the type strains of V. olivae, V. marismortui and V. kekensis were 12.4, 10.6 and 15.7%, respectively. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, genotypic data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences indicated that strain YIM kkny3T represents a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM kkny3T (=CCTCC AA 207023T=DSM 19797T=KCTC 13193T).

A Gram-negative, coccoid to short rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain YIM 90738T, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain was non-motile and grew at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimal growth at pH 7.0), 10-55 degrees C (optimal growth at 37 degrees C) and salinities of 1-15% NaCl (w/v, optimal growth at 8% NaCl). Ubiquinone 10 was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The cellular fatty acid profile had C18:1omega7c (80.4% of the total) as the major component, similar to those of members of the genus Paracoccus. The nearest phylogenetic neighbour of strain YIM 90738T was the type strain of Paracoccus homiensis, as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (97.5% similarity). The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between P. homiensis DSM 17862T and strain YIM 90738T was 51.5%. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain YIM 90738T was 60.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data and its genotypic distinctiveness, strain YIM 90738T (=CCTCC AB 206074T=KCTC 22163T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, Paracoccus saliphilus sp. nov.

Two aerobic bacterial strains, YIM B024(T) and YIM B025, were isolated from a salt mine in Yunnan, south-west China. Both strains showed almost the same physiological properties. Cells were Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods. The novel strains grew at 15-37 degrees C, pH 6.5-9.0 and 0.25-20 % (w/v) NaCl; optimum growth was observed at 28-30 degrees C, pH 7.0-8.5 and 1.5-10 % NaCl. Oxidase, catalase and nitrate-reducing activities were detected. The two strains were closely related to each other with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 100 %. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed high relatedness values (90+/-0.4 %) between strains YIM B024(T) and YIM B025, which suggested that these two new strains constituted a single species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two isolates formed a loose cluster with members of the genus Roseivivax in the Roseobacter clade, but were clearly separated from this genus. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two isolates and members of the genus Roseivivax ranged from 92.4 to 93.9 %. The major polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and four unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)omega9c, 11-methyl C(18 : 1)omega7c and C(19 : 0) cyclo omega8c. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the genomic DNA G+C content was 63.0-64.1 mol%. The distinct phylogenetic position and a combination of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the proposal of the new isolates as representing a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Sediminimonas qiaohouensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is YIM B024(T) (=KCTC 22349(T)=CCTCC AA 208033(T)).

A Gram-positive actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 90716(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Ganjiahu Suosuo Forest National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province, north-west China. The new isolate contained lysine, glutamic acid and alanine with peptidoglycan type Lys-Ala(3) (variation A3alpha). The major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaqinone was MK-7(H(2)). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 90716(T) was 68.0 mol%. Chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain YIM 90716(T) to the genus Kocuria. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was related most closely to Kocuria kristinae DSM 20032(T) (96.8 % similarity) and showed lower levels of 16S rRNA gene similarity (

A novel actinomycete, designated YIM 45751(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Xishuang Banna tropical rainforest, Yunnan province, south-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained ribose, xylose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(4)), MK-10(H(6)), MK-11(H(4)) and MK-11(H(6)). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and three unknown phospholipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that Stackebrandtia nassauensis DSM 44728(T) was the closest phylogenetic neighbour (95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phylogenetic and some common chemotaxonomic data, the isolate should belong to the genus Stackebrandtia. However, phylogenetic analysis and comparison of physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics demonstrated that the isolate is distinct from S. nassauensis DSM 44728(T). Strain YIM 45751(T) represents a separate species of the genus Stackebrandtia, for which the name Stackebrandtia albiflava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45751(T) (=DSM 45044(T)=CCTCC AA 206003(T)). Furthermore, the description of the genus Stackebrandtia is also required to be emended.

A Gram-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain B519T, was isolated from a desert sand sample of Gansu Province, China. Strain B519T was strictly aerobic and cells were motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The strain grew optimally at 32-35 degrees C and pH 6.5-7.0. Chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of the new isolate to the genus Paenibacillus, including menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major isoprenoid quinone, DNA G+C content of 49.9 mol%, cell-wall type A1gamma (meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid) and anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) as the major fatty acids. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain B519T was most closely related to Paenibacillus alkaliterrae KSL-134T (98.0 % similarity). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain B519T and P. alkaliterrae KSL-134T was about 12.3 %. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and molecular properties, strain B519T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus harenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B519T (=KCTC 3951T =DSM 16969T).

Aims: The aim of this study was to screen antitumour and antimicrobial activities of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from pharmaceutical plants in rainforest in Yunnan province, China. Methods and Results: Antitumour activity was studied by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and antimicrobial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method. The high bioactive endophytic isolates were identified and further investigated for the presence of polyketide synthases (PKS-I, PKS-II) and nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) sequences by specific amplification. The molecular identification confirmed that the 41 isolates showed significant activities were members of the genus Streptomyces. Among them, 31·7% of endophytic streptomycete cultures were cytotoxic against A549 cells, 29·3% against HL-60 cells, 85·4% against BEL-7404 cells, 90·2% against P388D1 cells, 65·9% were active against Escherichia coli, 24·4% against Staphylococcus aureus, 31·7% against Staphylococcus epidermidis, 12·2% against Candida albicans and no strain displayed antagonistic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. High frequencies of positive PCR amplification were obtained for PKS-I (34·1%), PKS-II (63·4%) and NRPS (61·0%) biosynthetic systems. Conclusions: Many endophytic streptomycetes isolated from pharmaceutical plants in rainforest possess remarkable and diverse antitumour and antimicrobial bioactivities. Significance and Impact of the Study: These endophytic streptomycetes are precious resources obtained from rainforests, and they could be a promising source for bioactive agents.

A novel yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, slightly halophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, obligately aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM-C338(T), was isolated from saline soil from the Qaidam Basin in north-west China. Cells were non-sporulating, non-motile, short rods, predominantly occurring singly. Coccoid bodies and slightly curved rod-shaped cells of varying length developed in older cultures. Growth occurred with 0.5-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 1-3 %, w/v), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimally at pH 7.0) and at 4-37 degrees C (optimally at 28 degrees C). The major cellular fatty acids were C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega7c, C(18 : 1)omega7c, iso-C(13 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(15 : 1). MK-6 was the only respiratory quinone. Non-diffusible carotenoid pigments were produced. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM-C338(T) was a member of the genus Salinimicrobium, having sequence similarities of 97.3 and 94.0 % with respect to Salinimicrobium xinjiangense BH206(T) and Salinimicrobium catena HY1(T). The combination of the phylogenetic data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences supported the view that strain YIM-C338(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM-C338(T) (=DSM 17865(T) =CGMCC 1.6308(T)). An emended description of the genus Salinimicrobium is also provided.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-acid-alcohol-fast strain, designated YIM 61095(T), was isolated from the root of Maytenus austroyunnanensis collected from a tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, south-west China. Strain YIM 61095(T) exhibited chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics that were consistent with members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 61095(T) was a member of the genus Saccharopolyspora and was most closely related to Saccharopolyspora flava AS 4.1520(T) (97.7% sequence similarity). The major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), iso-C(17:0) and anteiso-C(17:0). The predominant quinone detected was MK-9(H(4)). The DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. The phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness data indicated that strain YIM 61095(T) should be distinguished from Saccharopolyspora flava AS 4.1520(T). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain YIM 61095(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 61095(T) (=KCTC 19397(T)=CCTCC AA 208003(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 45505(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells exhibited cream-white aerial mycelium and orange-yellow to yellow-brown substrate mycelium. The substrate mycelium fragmented into rod-shaped elements, and the aerial mycelium formed long chains of spores. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain YIM 45505(T) was related most closely to Pseudonocardia oroxyli DSM 44984(T) (98.5% similarity) and Pseudonocardia halophobica IMSNU 21327(T) (97.5%). The G+C content of the DNA of strain YIM 45505(T) was 74.1 mol%. Combined with results of DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic tests, these data revealed that strain YIM 45505(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia ailaonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45505(T) (=KCTC 19315(T) =DSM 44979(T)).

A Gram-negative, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated YIM 91125, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China. The isolate grew at salinities in the range 1-20 % (w/v) and at 4-45 degrees C. Optimal growth occurred at 37 degrees C, pH 7.5 and 5-10 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were short rods motile by means of single polar flagella. The major fatty acids were C-18:1 omega 7c, C-16:0, C-19:0 cyclo omega 8c and C-12:0 3-OH. The DNA G + C content was 60.8 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was O.-9. A comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed its relationship to Halomonas species, its closest neighbours being Halomonas pantelleriensis (95.9 % similarity to the type strain) and Halomonas muralis (95.4 % similarity). On the basis of chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, strain YIM 91125(T) represents a novel member of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 91125(T) (=KCTC 12847(T) =CCTCC AB 206093(T)).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH113T, was isolated from a salt lake located in Xinjiang Province, China. Cells of the strain were aerobic, spore-forming, motile rods with flagella. The organism grew optimally at 37 degrees C and pH 8.0 in the presence of 10 % (w/v) NaCl. A phylogenetic analysis based on comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a clade with the type strains of the genus Lentibacillus. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain BH113T and Lentibacillus lacisalsi KCTC 3915T, Lentibacillus juripiscarius JCM 12147T and Lentibacillus kapialis JCM 12580T were 96.7, 96.3 and 96.1 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.2 mol% and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The peptidoglycan type was A1gamma (meso-diaminopimelic acid) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Therefore, on the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain BH113T represents a novel species within the genus Lentibacillus, for which the name Lentibacillus salis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH113T (=KCTC 3936T =DSM 16817T).

A motile, Gram-positive, slightly halophilic, endospore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic, slender rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM-C229T was isolated from the sediment of a salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Filamentous forms were present throughout the growth cycle. Strain YIM-C229T grew in the presence of 0.5-8% NaCl and at pH 6.0-8.5, with optimum growth at 1-3% NaCl and pH 7.0-7.5. It grew at 4-45 degrees C, with optimum growth at 37 degrees C. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:1 omega11c and anteiso-C(17:0). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol were the polar lipids, with meso-diaminopimelic acid occurring in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM-C229T was closely related to the type strains of the four recognized species of the genus Gracilibacillus: G. halotolerans NN T (sequence similarity 95.5%), G. dipsosauri DD1T (96.1%), G. orientalis XH-63T (96.8%) and G. boraciitolerans T-16X(T) (99.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM-C229(T) and G. boraciitolerans DSM 17256(T) was 30.8%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences and DNA-DNA hybridization data supported the view that this strain represented a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus quinghaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM-C229T (=DSM 17858T=CGMCC 1.6304T) as the type strain.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, mesophilic strain, designated YIM 45721T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample in Yunnan Province, China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, strain YIM 45721T was assigned to the genus Microlunatus and was most closely related to the type strain of Microlunatus phosphovorus (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Chemotaxonomic data, including cell-wall peptidoglycan structure, menaquinones and fatty acid profile, supported affiliation of strain YIM 45721T to the genus Microlunatus. Results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain YIM 45721T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from M. phosphovorus. Therefore, strain YIM 45721T represents a novel species of the genus Microlunatus, for which the name Microlunatus aurantiacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45721T (=CCTCC AB 206067T=DSM 18424T).

An actinomycete strain, designated YIM 91355(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hypersaline soil in Xinjiang Province, China, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew well on most media tested and no diffusible pigment was produced. The aerial mycelium of this organism was well developed but not fragmented and, at maturity, formed short chains of spores. Substrate mycelium was branched with non-fragmenting hyphae and single, oval to round spores were formed, borne on sporophores. Strain YIM 91355(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid. The purified cell-wall hydrolysate contained galactose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(8)) (43.2 %), MK-10(H(6)) (17.7 %) and MK-11(H(8)) (10.4 %). Phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were i-C(16 : 0), ai-C(17 : 0), 10-methyl C(17 : 0) and 10-methyl C(18 : 0). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Streptomonospora of the family Nocardiopsaceae. Based on phenotypic and genotypic data, it is concluded that strain YIM 91355(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomonospora, for which the name Streptomonospora halophila sp. nov. (type strain YIM 91355(T) =DSM 45075(T) =KCTC 19236(T)) is proposed.

A Gram-positive, non-motile, moderately halophilic, alkalitolerant actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 70179(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province, north-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type of strain YIM 70179(T) was A4alpha, l-Lys-Gly-l-Glu. Cells of the isolate contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown glycolipid, MK-8 as major menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) as major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 68.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 70179(T) fell within the radiation of species of the genus Nesterenkonia. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 70179(T) and the type strains of recognized Nesterenkonia species were below 97 %, except to Nesterenkonia halobia DSM 20541(T) (99.6 %), but these two strains exhibited a low level of DNA-DNA relatedness (18.4 %). Based on genetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain YIM 70179(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nesterenkonia, for which the name Nesterenkonia halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 70179(T) (=DSM 16378(T) =KCTC 19048(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain YIM 46034(T), was isolated from an evergreen broadleaved forest at Menghai, in southern Yunnan Province, China. Phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strain belonged to the family Micromonosporaceae. Strain YIM 46,034(T) showed more than 3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence from recognized species of genera in the family Micromonosporaceae. Characteristic features of strain YIM 46,034(T) were the production of two types of spores, namely motile spores, which were formed in sporangia produced on substrate mycelia, and single globose spores, which were observed on short sporophores of the substrate mycelia. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, arabinose and xylose, which are characteristic components of cell-wall chemotype II of actinomycetes. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the major phospholipid (phospholipid type II). Based on morphological, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genetic characteristics, strain YIM 46,034(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Micromonosporaceae, for which the name Planosporangium flavigriseum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Planosporangium flavigriseum is YIM 46,034(T) (=CCTCC AA 205,013(T) =DSM 44,991(T)).

A previously unknown Gram-positive, obligately aerobic actinomycete, YIM 28A4(T), was isolated from a sample of saline soil collected from the Qaidam Basin in Qinghai Province, north-west China, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain grew well on most of the media tested, producing white to pale-yellow substrate mycelium, white aerial mycelium and straight to flexuous hyphae. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age; the aerial mycelium produced long, straight spore chains. The spore chains were composed of non-motile, smooth-surfaced, rod-shaped spores. No diffusible pigments were produced on any of the media tested. The strain grew in the presence of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0-8.0, with optimum growth occurring at 3 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0. It grew at 10-37 degrees C, the optimum growth temperature being 28 degrees C. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain YIM 28A4(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. The predominant phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10, MK-10(H(2)), MK-11 and MK-11(H(2)). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 67.1 mol%. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolate matched those described for Nocardiopsis species. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons confirmed that strain YIM 28A4(T) was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis and most closely related to the type strains Nocardiopsis aegyptia DSM 44442(T) and Nocardiopsis halotolerans DSM 44410(T), showing 98.1 and 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. Strain YIM 28A4(T) can be differentiated from these type strains by using phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA-DNA hybridization data. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence, strain YIM 28A4(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nocardiopsis, for which the name Nocardiopsis quinghaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 28A4(T) (=DSM 44739(T) =CGMCC 4.3494(T)).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, motile, strictly aerobic, endospore-forming, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM kkny16(T), was isolated from a saline mud sample collected from the Keke salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. This isolate grew in the presence of 0-25 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0-10.0 and 10-50 degrees C; optimum growth was observed with 10 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C. Strain YIM kkny16(T) had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, with a significant amount of MK-6, and anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(14 : 0) and C(16 : 1)omega7c alcohol as major fatty acids. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was 41.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain YIM kkny16(T) was a member of the genus Virgibacillus, exhibiting sequence similarities of 94.9-97.3 % to the type strains of recognized Virgibacillus species. Strain YIM kkny16(T) could be differentiated from recognized Virgibacillus species based on phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization data. On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic study, strain YIM kkny16(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus kekensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM kkny16(T) (=DSM 17056(T)=CGMCC 1.6298(T)).

A novel Gram-positive, rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 90718(T), was isolated from a saline soil in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. The peptidoglycan type was A1gamma and the cell-wall sugars contained galactose. Phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H(2)). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). All of these chemotaxonomic data assigned the new isolate YIM 90718(T) consistently to the genus Brevibacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 90718(T) formed a distinct phyletic lineage in the genus Brevibacterium and showed the highest sequence similarity (96.2 %) to Brevibacterium samyangense SST-8(T) and low similarity (

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic actinomycete strain, designated YIM 90502(T), was isolated from a sample of muddy soil collected from Gulbarga, Karnataka Province, India, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomical analysis. The isolate grew optimally at 28 degrees C and in the presence of 10 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolate was characterized chemotaxonomically as having meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and galactose and arabinose as whole-cell sugars. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)), while MK-8(H(4)) was found in smaller amounts. The phospholipids were phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0) (49.2 %) and C(17 : 1)omega6c (9.1 %). The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 71.8 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus Saccharomonospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 90502(T) and the type strains of Saccharomonospora species ranged from 92.42 % (with Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis CCTCC AA 97021(T)) to 97.45 % (with Saccharomonospora azurea KCTC 9693(T)). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM 90502(T) and S. azurea KCTC 9693(T), Saccharomonospora halophila DSM 44411(T) and Saccharomonospora paurometabolica DSM 44619(T) were 46.0, 41.0 and 42.5 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain YIM 90502(T) was classified in the genus Saccharomonospora as a member of a novel species, for which the name Saccharomonospora saliphila sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 90502(T) (=KCTC 19234(T) =DSM 45087(T)) as the type strain.

A Gram-negative, non-motile and moderately halophilic rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain BH206(T), was isolated from a saline lake of Xinjiang province in China. The isolate showed catalase-positive and oxidase-negative reactions and did not reduce nitrate. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was most closely related to [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) with 95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, and formed a tight phyletic group with [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) with a bootstrap value of 99 % within the family Flavobacteriaceae. However, strain BH206(T) and [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) formed a phyletic lineage distinct from other Salegentibacter species. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of strain BH206(T) with other related type species were lower than 94.6 %. On the basis of physiological and molecular properties, it is clear that [Salegentibacter] catena should be reclassified in the new genus Salinimicrobium as Salinimicrobium catena gen. nov., comb. nov. (type strain HY1(T)=CGMCC 1.6101(T)=JCM 14015(T)) and that strain BH206(T) represents a novel species within the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium xinjiangense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Salinimicrobium xinjiangense is BH206(T) (=KCTC 12883(T)=DSM 19287(T)).

A novel pale-yellow-pigmented, moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic Gram-positive coccus, strain YIM-C678T was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from a hypersaline habitat in the Qaidam basin, northwest China. The organism grew at 4-37 degrees C and pH 6.0-11.0, with optimum growth at 25 degrees C and pH 8.0. Strain YIM-C678T grew optimally in the presence of 10-12% (w/v) NaCl and growth was observed in 1-25% (w/v) NaCl. The cell wall murein type was L: -Lys-Gly5. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and C16:0. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G + C content was 46.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain YIM-C678T belonged to the family Staphylococcaceae and was most closely related to the eight described species of the genus Salinicoccus with sequence similarities from 92.2 (S. luteus YIM 70202T) to 97.5% (S. kunmingensis YIM Y15T). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM-C678T and S. kunmingensis YIM Y15T was 35.4%. Chemotaxonomic data and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supported the affiliation of strain YIM-C678T with the genus Salinicoccus. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences and DNA-DNA hybridization data supported the view that the bacterium represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus, for which the name Salinicoccus salitudinis sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM-C678T (=DSM 17846 = CGMCC 1.6299) as the type strain.