Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Vernonia patula (Dryand.) Merr

Objective:To investigate the inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of aerial part of Vernonia patula (Dryand.) Merr (EAV). Methods:The anti-inflammatory activity of EAV was studied using carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema test at different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight). DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe2+ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities. Results: The EAV, at the dose of 400 mg/kg, showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity (P Conclusions: Therefore, the obtained results suggest the acute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the EAV and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant part as a remedy for inflammations.

Panowamycins A and B, new antitrypanosomal isochromans produced by Streptomyces sp. K07-0010.

Two new isochromans, panowamycins A and B, were purified by solvent extraction, silica gel and octadecylsilyl silica gel (ODS) column chromatography followed by preparative HPLC, from a culture broth of Streptomyces sp. K07-0010, together with the known compounds NFAT-133, conglobatin, piericidin C series and dinactin. Structures of panowamycins were elucidated as new analogs of NFAT-133 by spectroscopic studies including various NMR experiments. Panowamycins A and B showed moderate antitrypanosomal activity, with IC(50) values of 0.40 and 3.30 µg ml(-1), respectively.

Cryptosporangium mongoliense sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycete, strain MN08-A0264(T), was isolated from soil sampled in Mongolia. The isolate formed pale to moderate yellowish brown colonies and branched substrate mycelium. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MN08-A0264(T) belonged to the genus Cryptosporangium and exhibited 97.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Cryptosporangium aurantiacum IMSNU 22120(T), 97.7 % with C. minutisporangium IFO 15962(T), 97.2 % with C. arvum IFO 15965(T) and 96.8 % with C. japonicum IFO 15966(T). The allocation of the isolate to the genus Cryptosporangium was supported by chemotaxonomic data: menaquinone MK-9(H(6)) with minor amounts of MK-9(H(8)) and MK-9(H(4)), major amounts of iso-C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)9c and C(17 : 0) 10-methyl, a polar lipid profile comprising phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and glycolipids, and whole-cell sugars glucose, galactose, acofriose (3-0 methylrhamnose), mannose, ribose, arabinose, xylose and rhamnose (trace). DNA-DNA relatedness (5-20 %) differentiated the isolate from its closest neighbours. The physiological and biochemical tests allowed the differentiation of strain MN08-A0264(T) from members of the genus Cryptosporangium. Thus, strain MN08-A0264(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Cryptosporangium mongoliense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MN08-A0264(T) ( = NBRC 105887(T)  = VTCC D9-27(T)).

Herbidospora mongoliensis sp. nov., isolated from soil, and reclassification of Herbidospora osyris and Streptosporangium claviforme as synonyms of Herbidospora cretacea.

A Gram-reaction-positive aerobic actinomycete, designated strain MN08-A0118(T), which produced short chains of non-motile spores on the tips of long sporophores and formed yellow-brown colonies with branched substrate mycelium, was studied in detail to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain MN08-A0118(T) was grouped into the genus Herbidospora, being most closely related to Streptosporangium claviforme (98.2%), Herbidospora osyris (98.2%), Herbidospora daliensis (98.2%), Herbidospora cretacea (97.9%) and Herbidospora yilanensis (97.4%). Chemotaxonomic data supported allocation of the strain to the genus Herbidospora. MK-10(H(4)) was the predominant menaquinone with minor amounts of MK-10(H(6)), MK-10(H(2)) and MK-9(H(4)); the fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C(16:0), C(17:0) 10-methyl, iso-C(14:0) and iso-C(16:0) 2-OH; the phospholipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and glucosamine-containing phospholipids; and the whole-cell sugars included ribose, glucose, galactose, madurose and rhamnose (trace). The phylogenetic data, phenotypic and genotypic properties and DNA-DNA hybridization differentiated this strain from its closely related strains, S. claviforme (35-54% DNA-DNA relatedness), H. osyris (39-51%), H. daliensis (3-16%), H. cretacea (34-39%) and H. yilanensis (34-42%). Thus, MN08-A0118(T) represents a novel species of the genus Herbidospora, for which the name Herbidospora mongoliensis sp. nov. is proposed, with MN08-A0118(T) ( = NBRC 105882(T)  = VTCC D9-22(T)) as the type strain. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization results showed that S. claviforme and H. osyris are synonyms of H. cretacea.

Pseudonocardia mongoliensis sp. nov. and Pseudonocardia khuvsgulensis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

Two actinomycetes, designated MN08-A0270(T) and MN08-A0297(T), were isolated from soil from the area around Khuvsgul Lake, Khuvsgul province, Mongolia, and subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. They produced well-developed, branched substrate hyphae and, similar to closely related species of the genus Pseudonocardia, produced zigzag-shaped aerial hyphae by acropetal budding and blastospores. A comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MN08-A0270(T) and MN08-A0297(T) formed two distinct clades within the genus Pseudonocardia and were respectively most closely related to Pseudonocardia yunnanensis NBRC 15681(T) (97.3 % similarity) and Pseudonocardia thermophila IMSNU 20112(T) (97.1 %). Chemotaxonomic characteristics, including cell-wall diaminopimelic acid, whole-cell sugars, fatty acid components and major menaquinones, suggested that the two organisms belonged to the genus Pseudonocardia. Strains MN08-A0270(T) and MN08-A0297(T) could be differentiated from each other and from closely related species of the genus Pseudonocardia by physiological and biochemical characteristics, predominant fatty acids, menaquinones and whole-cell sugar components. Combined with the results of a broad range of phenotypic tests and DNA-DNA hybridization data and phylogenetic analysis, these results support the conclusion that these strains represent two novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which we propose the names Pseudonocardia mongoliensis sp. nov. (type strain MN08-A0270(T)  = NBRC 105885(T)  = VTCC D9-25(T)) and Pseudonocardia khuvsgulensis sp. nov. (type strain MN08-A0297(T)  = NBRC 105886(T)  = VTCC D9-26(T)).

Actinophytocola burenkhanensis sp. nov., isolated from Mongolian soil.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycete, strain MN08-A0203(T), that formed pale yellow to orange-brown colonies and non-fragmented branched substrate mycelium is described. The strain, which produced very scanty aerial mycelium-like structures and scanty formation of spherical bodies on the aerial mycelium on Bennett's agar medium, was studied in detail to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain MN08-A0203(T) grouped with the genus Actinophytocola, being most closely related to the type strain of Actinophytocola oryzae (97.8 %). Chemotaxonomic data [menaquinone MK-9(H(4)); iso-C(16 : 0) (27 %), iso-C(15 : 0) (18 %), C(16 : 1) H (8 %), C(16 : 0) 9-methyl (8 %) as major fatty acids; glucose, galactose, ribose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose (trace) as whole cell sugars; diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine and ninhydrin-positive phosphoglycolipids as polar phospholipids] supported allocation of the strain to the genus Actinophytocola. Furthermore, the results of DNA-DNA hybridization of strain MN08-A0203(T) with the type strain of Actinophytocola oryzae revealed that the two strains were genetically distinct from each other. Moreover, physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain MN08-A0203(T) from closely related species. Thus, MN08-A0203(T) represents a novel species of the genus Actinophytocola, for which the name Actinophytocola burenkhanensis sp. nov. is proposed, with MN08-A0203(T) ( = NBRC 105883(T)  = VTCC D9-23(T)) as the type strain.

Actinoplanes toevensis sp. nov. and Actinoplanes tereljensis sp. nov., isolated from Mongolian soil.

Two novel actinomycetes, designated MN07-A0368(T) and MN07-A0371(T), were isolated from soil of Terelj, Töv Province, Mongolia, and subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. They produced well-developed, non-fragmenting, extensively branched substrate hyphae from which oval to irregular sporangia were produced. Chemotaxonomic characteristics, i.e. cell wall diaminopimelic acid, whole-cell sugars, fatty acid components and major menaquinones, suggested that the two organisms belonged to the genus Actinoplanes. A comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MN07-A0368(T) and MN07-A0371(T) formed a distinct clade within the genus and were closely related to the type strains of: Actinoplanes ferrugineus (97.7 % sequence similarity); Actinoplanes brasiliensis (97.7-97.8 %); Actinoplanes deccanensis (97.6-97.9 %); Actinoplanes durhamensis (96.9-97.0 %); and Actinoplanes globisporus (96.5-96.8 %). Strains MN07-A0368(T) and MN07-A0371(T) could be differentiated from each other and from strains of closely related species of the genus Actinoplanes by DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical characteristics, fatty acid composition, and whole-cell sugar components. The broad range of phenotypic and genetic characters supported the suggestion that these strains represent two novel species of the genus Actinoplanes, for which the names Actinoplanes toevensis sp. nov. (type strain MN07-A0368(T)=NBRC 105298(T)=VTCC D9-11(T)) and Actinoplanes tereljensis sp. nov. (type strain MN07-A0371(T)=NBRC 105297(T)=VTCC D9-10(T)) are proposed.

Luteipulveratus mongoliensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterial taxon in the family Dermacoccaceae.

A novel actinobacterial strain, MN07-A0370(T), was isolated from Mongolian soil and its taxonomic status was determined using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies revealed that strain MN07-A0370(T) represented a novel lineage within the actinobacteria. Strain MN07-A0370(T) formed a distinct clade in the family Dermacoccaceae and was most closely related to the members of the genera Dermacoccus (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 96.2 %-96.4 %), Demetria (94.1 %) and Kytococcus (93.7 %). The cell-wall peptidoglycan of the novel strain contained l-lysine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and serine and represented peptidoglycan type A4alpha. The menaquinones were MK-8(H(4)) and MK-8(H(6)). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol and the whole-cell sugars were galactose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose and glucose. Mycolic acids were absent. The fatty acid profile was characterized by the presence of large amounts of saturated iso- and anteiso-branched-chain fatty acids as well as smaller amounts of saturated straight-chain and unsaturated acids. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0), iso-C(16 : 1) H, C(17 : 1)omega9c and C(17 : 0) 10-methyl. The G+C content of the DNA was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical differences from other genera of the family Dermacoccaceae, strain MN07-A0370(T) should be classified as representing a novel species in a new genus, for which we propose the name Luteipulveratus mongoliensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is MN07-A0370(T) (=NBRC 105296(T)=VTCC D9-09(T)).

Kineococcus gynurae sp. nov., isolated from a Thai medicinal plant.

A novel, Gram-positive, motile, coccus-shaped, orange-pigmented organism, designated strain KKD096(T), was isolated from the roots of a Thai medicinal plant, Gynura pseudochina DC. var. hispida Thwaites. Growth of strain KKD096(T) occurred at temperatures of 14-34 degrees C, at pH 5.0-9.0 and at NaCl concentrations up to 7 % (w/v). Whole-cell hydrolysates contained arabinose and galactose as the characteristic sugars. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The glycan moiety of the murein contained acetyl residues. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2); mycolic acids were not detected. The genomic DNA G+C content was 73.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C(15 : 0) (81.42 % of the total). Strain KKD096(T) was assigned to the genus Kineococcus on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis; it was most closely related to Kineococcus radiotolerans DSM 14245(T) (97.1 % similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization revealed 39.4 % relatedness between these two taxa. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data presented, strain KKD096(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Kineococcus, for which the name Kineococcus gynurae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KKD096(T) (=TISTR 1856(T)=NRRL B-24568(T)=BCC 26245(T)=NBRC 103943(T)).

Transfer of Catellatospora koreensis Lee et al. 2000 as Catelliglobosispora koreensis gen. nov., comb. nov. and Catellatospora tsunoense Asano et al. 1989 as Hamadaea tsunoensis gen. nov., comb. nov., and emended description of the genus Catellatospora Asano and Kawamoto 1986 emend. Lee and Hah 2002.

A polyphasic taxonomic analysis of all species of the genus Catellatospora with validly published names revealed morphological, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic heterogeneity. The type species, Catellatospora citrea, and Catellatospora methionotrophica, Catellatospora chokoriensis, Catellatospora coxensis and Catellatospora bangladeshensis had similar morphological and chemotaxonomical properties. Phylogenetic studies based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that Catellatospora koreensis and Catellatospora tsunoense were heterogeneous and were also heterogeneous with other species of the genus Catellatospora with respect to the menaquinone composition. DNA-DNA hybridization data showed that the type strains of Catellatospora koreensis and Catellatospora tsunoense were significantly different from each other and other recognized species in the genus Catellatospora. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic differences, two new genera with the names Catelliglobosispora gen. nov. and Hamadaea gen. nov. are proposed to accommodate two species classified originally as belonging to the genus Catellatospora and Catelliglobosispora koreensis gen. nov., comb. nov. and Hamadaea tsunoensis gen. nov., comb. nov. are described. The type species of the genus Catelliglobosispora is Catelliglobosispora koreensis (type strain LM 042T=JCM 10976T=DSM 44566T=IMSNU 50729T) and the type species of the genus Hamadaea is Hamadaea tsunoensis (type strain 6420-P T=JCM 9105T=DSM 44101T=IMSNU 22005T).

Pseudosporangium ferrugineum gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Micromonosporaceae.

An actinomycete strain 3-44-a(19)(T) was isolated from sandy soil collected in Bangladesh. The strain formed irregular pseudosporangia directly from aggregated spore chains above the rudimentary aerial mycelium. The pseudosporangia developed singly. Each pseudosporangium contained many small, non-motile, spherical, smooth-surfaced spores in chains. Strain 3-44-a(19)(T) contained meso- and 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid in the cell wall and MK-9(H(6)) as the major menaquinone and arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, ribose and xylose were present in the whole-cell hydrolysate. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and iso-C(15 : 0) (24.6 %), C(18 : 1)omega9c (15.5 %), C(16 : 0) (10.6 %), C(18 : 0) (9.4 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (8.6 %) and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (6.0 %) were detected as the major cellular fatty acids. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl and mycolic acids were not detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 73.6 mol%. The chemotaxonomic data indicated that the strain belonged to the family Micromonosporaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data also suggested that strain 3-44-a(19)(T) fell within the family Micromonosporaceae. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and characteristic patterns of 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotides as well as morphological and chemotaxonomic data, this strain should be classified as a member of a new genus and species, Pseudosporangium ferrugineum gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Micromonosporaceae. The type strain of Pseudosporangium ferrugineum is 3-44-a(19)(T) (=JCM 14710(T) =MTCC9007(T)).

Actinomadura bangladeshensis sp. nov. and Actinomadura chokoriensis sp. nov.

The taxonomic position of two soil isolates, 3-46-b(3)(T) and 3-45-a(11)(T), was clarified based on data from a polyphasic study. The organisms showed a combination of chemotaxonomic and morphological properties typical of the genus Actinomadura. They formed distinct phyletic lines in the Actinomadura 16S rRNA gene tree and were closely associated with the type strains of Actinomadura meyerae (sequence similarity of 98.3-98.5 %), Actinomadura napierensis (98.1-98.3 %) and Actinomadura latina (96.4-96.8 %). The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the new isolates was 99.1 %. The level of DNA-DNA hybridization between strains 3-46-b(3)(T) and 3-45-a(11)(T) was 43.6 % and levels of relatedness between the two new isolates and the type strains of A. meyerae and A. napierensis were 21.0-27.3 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties, the new isolates could be differentiated from each other and from their closest phylogenetic relatives. It is proposed that the organisms be classified as representing two novel species of the genus Actinomadura. The names proposed for these taxa are Actinomadura bangladeshensis sp. nov. [type strain 3-46-b(3)(T) =JCM 13933(T) =MTCC8057(T)] and Actinomadura chokoriensis sp. nov. [type strain 3-45-a(11)(T) =JCM 13932(T) =MTCC8056(T)].

Actinomadura maheshkhaliensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil of Maheshkhali, Bangladesh.

The taxonomic position of one soil isolate 13-12(50)(T) was clarified by a polyphasic study. The organism showed a combination of chemotaxonomic and morphological properties typical of the genus Actinomadura. It formed a distinct phyletic line in the Actinomadura 16S rRNA gene tree and was closely associated with Actinomadura mexicana (sequence similarity 99.5%), Actinomadura glauciflava, Actinomadura citrea (sequence similarity 99.4%) and Actinomadura madurae (sequence similarity 99.2%). The result of DNA-DNA hybridizations between 13-12(50)(T) and Actinomadura mexicana was 49.9%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties, the isolate was differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives. It is proposed that the organism be classified as a novel species of the genus Actinomadura. The name proposed for the new taxa are Actinomadura maheshkhaliensis sp. nov. [(13-12(50)(T)=JCM 13934(T) =MTCC 8055(T)].

Nonomuraea maheshkhaliensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from mangrove rhizosphere mud.

A strain of Nonomuraea was isolated from Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, an unexplored region of Bangladesh. Strain 16-5-14(T) is a Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycete that formed branched substrate and aerial mycelia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain 16-5-14(T) was shown to belong to the genus Nonomuraea, being most closely related to Nonomuraea kuesteri. Chemotaxonomic data supported allocation of the strain as a member of the genus Nonomuraea. The strain 16-5-14(T) contained MK-9(H(4)) as the major menaquinone, the polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and major cellular fatty acids were observed as C(16 : 0 )(15.5%), iso-C(16 : 0) (13.8%) and 10-methyl C(17 : 0) (9.6%). Results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 16-5-14(T) from closely related species N. kuesteri. Thus 16-5-14(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea. On the basis of evaluation of the morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization, Nonomuraea maheshkhaliensis sp. nov. (type strain, 16-5-14(T)=JCM 13929(T)=MTCC 8545(T)) is proposed.

Nonomuraea bangladeshensis sp. nov. and Nonomuraea coxensis sp. nov.

Two novel bacterial strains were isolated from sandy soil from Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Strains 5-10-10(T) and 5-38-42(T) were Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinomycetes that form branched substrate and aerial mycelium. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, the novel strains were shown to belong to the genus Nonomuraea, being most closely related to Nonomuraea fastidiosa. Chemotaxonomic data supported the assignment of the novel strains as members of the genus Nonomuraea. Strain 5-10-10(T) contained MK-9(H(4)) and strain 5-38-42(T) contained MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(4)) as the major menaquinones. Major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acid for strain 5-10-10(T) was iso-C(16 : 0) (26.4 %); C(16 : 0) (17.4 %) was the major cellular fatty acid for strain 5-38-42(T). The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological tests enabled strains 5-10-10(T) and 5-38-42(T) to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from each other and from the closely related species, N. fastidiosa. On the basis of these results, strains 5-10-10(T) and 5-38-42(T) represent two novel species of the genus Nonomuraea. Following an evaluation of morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments, the new isolates are proposed as two novel species, Nonomuraea bangladeshensis sp. nov. [type strain, 5-10-10(T) (=MTCC 8089(T)=JCM 13930(T))] and Nonomuraea coxensis sp. nov. [type strain, 5-38-42(T) (=MTCC 8090(T)=JCM 13931(T))].

Two new species of the genus Micromonospora: Micromonospora chokoriensis sp. nov. and Micromonospora coxensis sp. nov., isolated from sandy soil.

Two actinomycete strains, 2-19(6)(T) and 2-30-b(28)(T), which produced single, non-motile noduler to warty spore surfaces, were isolated from sandy soil in Chokoria, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic position of these strains. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of these strains coincided with those of the genus Micromonospora. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA sequences indicated that these strains should be classified in the genus Micromonospora. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain 2-19(6)(T )showed closest similarity to the type strains of M. mirobrigensis (98.9%) and M. carbonacea (98.8%), and the strain 2-30-b(28)(T) to the type strains of M. purpureochromogenes (99.4%), M. halophytica (99.3%) and M. aurantiaca (99.2%). Furthermore, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some differential physiological and biochemical properties indicated that these strains were distinguished from the phylogenetically closest relatives. These strains therefore represent two novel species, for which the name Micromonospora chokoriensis sp. nov. and Micromonospora coxensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are 2-19(6)(T) (=JCM 13247(T) =MTCC 8535(T)) and 2-30-b(28)(T) (=JCM 13248(T)=MTCC 8093(T)).

Luedemannella gen. nov., a new member of the family Micromonosporaceae and description of Luedemannella helvata sp. nov. and Luedemannella flava sp. nov.

Three actinomycete strains were isolated from soil samples collected in Bangladesh. The cultures formed spherical sporangia on short sporangiophores directly above the surface of the substrate mycelium. The sporangia developed singly or in clusters and each sporangium contained several nonmotile spherical to oval spores with a smooth surface. The strains 3-9(24)(T), 3-21(27) and 7-40(26)(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell walls, predominant menaquinone MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(4)) and glucose, xylose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose and arabinose in the whole-cell hydrolysates. Diagnostic phospholipid is phosphatidylethanolamine and branched anteiso-C(17 : 0) (30.0-38.0%), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (12.5-14.0%), iso-C(16 : 0) (10.0-15.0%) and iso-C(15 : 0) (10.0-12.0%) were detected as the major cellular fatty acids. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl and mycolic acids were not detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 71 mol%. The chemotaxonomic data indicate that these strains belong to the family Micromonosporaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data suggested that the strains 3-9(24)(T), 3-21(27) and 7-40(26)(T) fall within the family Micromonosporaceae. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and characteristic patterns of signature nucleotides as well as morphological and chemotaxonomic data, Luedemannella gen. nov. is proposed for our 3 isolates. DNA-DNA hybridization experiment and phenotypic characterization indicated that the new genus was constituted of 2 species, as Luedemannella helvata sp. nov. for the strain 3-9(24)(T) (=JCM 13249(T)=MTCC 8091(T)) and Luedemannella flava for the strain 7-40(26)(T) (=JCM 13250(T)=MTCC 8095(T)) in the family Micromonosporaceae.

Three novel species of the genus Catellatospora, Catellatospora chokoriensis sp. nov., Catellatospora coxensis sp. nov. and Catellatospora bangladeshensis sp. nov., and transfer of Catellatospora citrea subsp. methionotrophica Asano and Kawamoto 1988 to Catellatospora methionotrophica sp. nov., comb. nov.

Three Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, mesophilic strains, designated 2-25(1)T, 2-29(17)T and 2-70(23)T, were isolated from sandy soil from Chokoria, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The organisms produce short chains of non-motile spores that emerge singly or in tufts from vegetative hyphae on the surface of agar media. A comparative phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolates formed a distinct clade within the evolutionary radiation of the family Micromonosporaceae and clustered with members of the genus Catellatospora. The nearest neighbours were Catellatospora citrea subsp. citrea and C. citrea subsp. methionotrophica. Chemotaxonomic data, such as the presence of meso- and 3-hydroxy-diaminopimelic acids, N-glycolyl type muramic acid, arabinose and xylose and glucose in whole-cell hydrolysates, phosphatidylethanolamine as a diagnostic phospholipid, a tetrahydrogenated menaquinone with 9 isoprene units as a major menaquinone and fatty acid profiles predominated by iso-branched hexadecanoic acid and iso-branched pentadecanoic acid, supported the affiliation of the novel isolates to the genus Catellatospora. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed the novel isolates to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the three recognized Catellatospora species. The three isolates therefore represent novel species for which the names Catellatospora chokoriensis sp. nov. [type strain 2-25(1)T=JCM 12950T=DSM 44900T], Catellatospora coxensis sp. nov. [type strain 2-29(17)T=JCM 12951T=DSM 44901T] and Catellatospora bangladeshensis sp. nov. [type strain 2-70(23)T=JCM 12949T=DSM 44899T], are proposed. DNA-DNA hybridization tests with C. citrea subsp. citrea and C. citrea subsp. methionotrophica, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that C. citrea subsp. methionotrophica should be elevated to a separate species for which the name Catellatospora methionotrophica sp. nov., comb. nov. is proposed (type strain JCM 7543T=DSM 44098T).