Ramlibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Genomics

Background:

• The Comamonadaceae family includes bacteria with diverse metabolic capabilities.
• Ginsenosides are key active compounds in ginseng, with potential health benefits.
• Microbial transformation of ginsenosides can yield novel compounds with altered bioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacterium from ginseng soil.
• To investigate the bacterium's ability to metabolize ginsenosides.
• To determine the phylogenetic and taxonomic position of the novel isolate.

Main Methods:

• Polyphasic characterization including morphology, physiology, and biochemistry.
• Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences.
• Genomic DNA G+C content determination, major menaquinone analysis, and fatty acid profiling.

Main Results:

• A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, motile rod, strain BXN5-27(T), was isolated.
• Strain BXN5-27(T) demonstrated beta-glucosidase activity, transforming ginsenoside Rb₁ to compound Rd.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed the strain within the Comamonadaceae family, closely related to the genus Ramlibacter.
• Genomic and chemotaxonomic data supported its placement in the genus Ramlibacter, but phenotypic differences distinguished it from known species.

Conclusions:

• Strain BXN5-27(T) represents a novel species, Ramlibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov.
• The discovery of R. ginsenosidimutans expands the known diversity within the Ramlibacter genus.
• This bacterium's ability to transform ginsenosides offers potential for biotechnological applications in natural product modification.