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Published on: January 12, 2024
Deinococcus aerius sp. nov., isolated from the high atmosphere
Yinjie Yang1, Takashi Itoh, Shin-ichi Yokobori
1Department of Molecular Biology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
Summary
A novel orange-pigmented bacterium, Deinococcus aerius sp. nov. TR0125T, was discovered in high-altitude dust. This extremophile exhibits resistance to radiation and desiccation, expanding the Deinococcus genus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Extremophile Research
- Bacterial Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Deinococcus is known for its remarkable resistance to environmental stressors.
- Investigating microbial life in extreme environments like the upper atmosphere is crucial for understanding biodiversity and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel bacterial strain isolated from high-altitude dust samples.
- To determine the phylogenetic and taxonomic placement of the novel strain within the Deinococcus genus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of bacteria from atmospheric dust samples.
- Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Determination of chemotaxonomic properties, including peptidoglycan amino acids and fatty acids.
- Assessment of resistance to desiccation and radiation (UV-C, gamma).
Main Results:
- An orange-pigmented, non-motile coccoid bacterium, strain TR0125T, was isolated.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed strain TR0125T within the Deinococcus genus, with 95.7% 16S rRNA gene similarity to Deinococcus apachensis.
- The strain demonstrated strong resistance to desiccation and radiation, and possessed high DNA G+C content.
- Phenotypic and phylogenetic data indicated that strain TR0125T represents a new species.
Conclusions:
- Strain TR0125T is proposed as a novel species, Deinococcus aerius sp. nov., based on distinct phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics.
- The discovery of Deinococcus aerius sp. nov. highlights the presence of extremophilic bacteria in the high atmosphere.
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