Lysobacter cavernae sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from a cave sample

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Taxonomy
• Environmental Microbiology

Background:

• The genus Lysobacter comprises aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria known for diverse metabolic capabilities.
• Soil environments, particularly unique geological formations like caves, are rich reservoirs of microbial diversity.
• Characterizing novel bacterial species is crucial for understanding microbial ecosystems and potential biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacterial strain from a cave soil sample.
• To determine the taxonomic position of the isolate within the genus Lysobacter using polyphasic taxonomy.
• To propose a new species designation for the novel isolate.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and cultivation of bacteria from a cave soil sample.
• Gram staining, aerobic growth, and determination of growth parameters (temperature, pH, salinity).
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing, DNA-DNA hybridization, chemotaxonomic analysis (polar lipids, quinones, fatty acids), and DNA G+C content determination.

Main Results:

• A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM C01544(T), was isolated.
• Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the strain within the genus Lysobacter, closely related to L. niastensis and L. soli.
• DNA-DNA hybridization values (<47%) and distinct chemotaxonomic profiles supported its status as a new species.
• The DNA G+C content was 64.9 mol%.

Conclusions:

• Strain YIM C01544(T) represents a novel species within the genus Lysobacter.
• The proposed name for this new species is Lysobacter cavernae sp. nov.
• The type strain is YIM C01544(T) (= KCTC 42875(T) = DSM 101561(T) = CPCC 100816(T)).