Polycyclovorans algicola gen. nov., sp. nov., an Aromatic-Hydrocarbon-Degrading Marine Bacterium Found Associated with Laboratory Cultures of Marine Phytoplankton

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.02833-12
• Publication Date: 2012-10-20T03:11:39Z
• Authors: Tony Gutierrez; David H. Green; Peter D. Nichols; William B. Whitman; Kirk T. Semple; Michael D. Aitken
• Keywords: Halotolerance; Strain (injury); Marine bacteriophage; Aromatic hydrocarbon

A strictly aerobic, halotolerant, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain TG408, was isolated from a laboratory culture of the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum (CCAP1077/1C) by enrichment with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as sole carbon source. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this organism within order Xanthomonadales class Gammaproteobacteria. Its closest relatives included representatives Hydrocarboniphaga-Nevskia-Sinobacter clade (<92% similarity) in family Sinobacteraceae. The exhibited narrow nutritional spectrum, preferring to utilize aliphatic and hydrocarbon compounds small organic acids. Notably, it displayed versatility degrading two- three-ring PAHs. Moreover, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity detected lysates, indicating that utilizes meta-cleavage pathway for compound degradation. Cells produced surface blebs contained single polar flagellum. predominant isoprenoid quinone TG408 Q-8, dominant fatty acids were C(16:0), C(16:1) ω7c, C(18:1) ω7c. G+C content isolate's DNA 64.3 mol% ± 0.34 mol%. On basis distinct phenotypic genotypic characteristics, represents novel genus species Gammaproteobacteria which name Polycyclovorans algicola gen. nov., sp. is proposed. Quantitative PCR primers targeting developed used show found associated other phytoplankton. Phytoplankton may be natural biotope ocean where new hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria await discovery contribute significantly remediation processes.