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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Deinococcus malanensis sp. nov., isolated from radiation-polluted soil.
Jing Zhu1, Shan-Hui Li2,3, Qi-Yong Tang1
1Xinjiang Laboratory of Special Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China.
A novel bacterium, Deinococcus malanensis sp. nov., was discovered in Xinjiang, China. This gamma- and UV-resistant bacterium expands the Deinococcus genus with its unique genetic and fatty acid profiles.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Taxonomy
- Extremophile Research
Background:
- Soil microbial communities harbor diverse, yet uncharacterized, bacterial species.
- The Deinococcus genus is known for its radiation resistance and unique cellular characteristics.
- Isolation of novel bacteria is crucial for understanding biodiversity and potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacterium from soil in Xinjiang, China.
- To determine the taxonomic position of the novel isolate using a polyphasic approach.
- To propose a new species within the Deinococcus genus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of bacteria from soil samples.
- Gram staining, morphology, and motility tests.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
- Genomic DNA G+C content determination.
- Analysis of menaquinone, cellular fatty acids, and polar lipids.
Main Results:
- A novel Gram-positive, non-spore forming, rod/coccus-shaped bacterium (strain T93T) was isolated.
- Strain T93T exhibited resistance to gamma and UV radiation.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to Deinococcus deserti (97.54%).
- Genomic DNA G+C content was 61.7 mol%.
- Distinct menaquinone, cellular fatty acid, and polar lipid profiles were identified.
Conclusions:
- Strain T93T represents a novel species within the genus Deinococcus.
- The proposed name for the novel species is Deinococcus malanensis sp. nov.
- This discovery contributes to the known diversity of the Deinococcus genus and extremophilic bacteria.
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