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Published on: May 8, 2020
Phylogenetic Revisit to a Review on Predatory Bacteria
Saki Kamada1, Ryoka Wakabayashi1, Takeshi Naganuma1
1Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8528, Japan.
Since 2016, new predatory bacteria classifications have emerged, including the phyla Bdellovibrionota and Myxococcota. Research also reveals predatory bacteria and cyanobacteria across diverse phyla, expanding ecological understanding.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Phylogenetics
Background:
- Predatory bacteria are ecologically significant and have industrial applications.
- Interest in predatory bacteria has grown significantly since 2016.
- Previous research has focused on specific aspects like outer membrane vesicles in myxobacterial predation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of predatory bacteria classification and newly described taxa since 2016.
- To highlight phylogenetic aspects of predatory bacteria.
- To cover predatory bacteria that prey on cyanobacteria and vice versa.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature published since 2016.
- Analysis of phylogenetic data for classification updates.
- Compilation of newly described predatory bacterial taxa.
Main Results:
- Major phylogenetic reorganization in 2020: Bdellovibrio and Myxococcus formerly Deltaproteobacteria are now Bdellovibrionota and Myxococcota.
- Predatory bacteria identified in various phyla, including candidate divisions.
- Discovery of bacteria preying on cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria preying on Chlorella.
Conclusions:
- The classification of predatory bacteria has undergone significant changes since 2016.
- Predatory bacteria are phylogenetically diverse, found across multiple phyla.
- Further research into predatory bacteria across different phyla is warranted for ecological and potential industrial applications.
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