Pectobacterium jejuense sp. nov. Isolated from Cucumber Stem Tissue.

A single Pectobacterium-like strain named 13-115T was isolated from a specimen of diseased cucumber stem tissue collected on Jeju Island, South Korea. The strain presented a rod-like shape and was negative for Gram staining. When grown on R2A medium at 25 °C, strain 13-115T formed round, convex and white colonies. This strain showed growth at temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C and tolerated a pH range of 6-9. The strain could also tolerate NaCl concentrations up to 5%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain 13-115T exhibited similarity of over 99% with Pectobacterium brasiliense, P. carotovorum, P. polaris, and P. parvum. By conducting multilocus sequence analyses using dnaX, leuS, and recA genes, a separate phylogenetic lineage was discovered between strain 13-115T and other members of the genus Pectobacterium. Moreover, the strain showed relatively low in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (<60.6%) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) (<94.9%) values with recognized Pectobacterium species. The isolate has a genome size of 5,069,478 bp and a genomic G + C content of 52.04 mol%. Major fatty acids identified in the strain included C16:0 (28.99%), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c; 28.85%), and C18:1 ω7c (19.01%). Pathogenicity assay confirmed that the novel strain induced soft rot symptoms in cucumber plants and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. Molecular analysis and phenotypic data indicated that strain 13-115T could be classified as a new species within the Pectobacterium genus, which has been named Pectobacterium jejuense. The type strain is 13-115T (= KCTC 92800T = JCM 35940T).

First report of Stagonosporopsis cucumeris causing internal fruit rot on Oriental melon (Cucumis melo L.) in Korea.

Oriental melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a popular Korean, Japanese, and Chinese fruit (Shin et al. 2017). In April 2022, abnormal fruit (n=20) that were collected in Sangju in Gyeongbuk Province (36°27'54.6"N, 128°10'49.7"E), Korea showed approximately 5% disease incidence with severity of 10-15%. Initial symptoms included shriveling, soaking, softening, dark discoloration, and sunken lesions. Internally, a rot extended to flesh, darkening from brown to black, and producing black mycelial masses. Two fungal strains (OM-rot-01 and OM-rot-02) were isolated and exhibited similar culture characteristics: aerial mycelium that was flat and pale grey to olivaceous on potato dextrose (PDA), malt extract (MEA), and oatmeal agar (OA) after seven days at 25°C and produced abundant buff-colored pycnidial ascomata on OA. Asci were bitunicate, clavate to cylindrical, 48.4 to 69.0 × 6.1 to 6.9 µm (n=10), and ascospores were biseriate, sparse, ellipsoidal, straight to slightly curved, hyaline, smooth, apex obtuse, 1-septate, 11.1 to 14.9 × 3.8 to 5.4 µm (n=20). Conidiomata were pycnidial, mostly solitary, irregular, pale brown to black, semi-immersed, 150 to 220 × 120 to 200 µm. Conidia were oblong or ovoid, smooth, thin-walled, hyaline, aseptate, 4.4 to 6.7 × 2.0 to 2.8 µm (n=35), with 1-3 guttules per conidium. The morphological characteristics corresponded to those of Stagonosporopsis cucumeris (Hou et al. 2020). For molecular identification, genomic DNA was extracted from strains (OM-rot-01 and OM-rot-02), and the ITS regions, partial 28S rDNA (LSU), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes were amplified and sequenced (White et al. 1990; Woudenberg et al. 2009; Vilgalys & Hester 1990; Liu et al. 1999). The obtained sequences revealed 99-100% homology with S. cucumeris accessions (MH858625, MH870265, MT005554, and MT018021). The sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession nos. for ITS regions (OP788058, OP788059), 28S rDNA (OP788094, OP788095), TUB2 (OP810568, OP810569), and RPB2 (OP810570, OP810571). Phylogenetic analysis combined with ITS, LSU, TUB2, and RPB2 concatenated sequences using neighbor-joining method revealed that the strains were S. cucumeris. To confirm pathogenicity, OM-rot-01 was inoculated onto ripe, asymptomatic Oriental melon fruit (n=6). After they were surface sterilized with 70% alcohol, fruit were wounded using a sterilized needle and corkborer, and 5-mm-diameter mycelial plugs were attached to the wound sites, followed by covering of the fruit with aluminum foil and maintenance in a plastic box (>90% relative humidity) at 25°C. Non-wounded fruit were inoculated and incubated in a similar manner, and fruit that were inoculated with PDA plugs served as controls (n=3). The aluminum foil was removed after three days of inoculation, and other conditions were kept constant. After six days, typical internal fruit rot symptoms were observed in both wounded and non-wounded fruit; brown to black rot extended into flesh, whereas control fruit remained asymptomatic. Fungi reisolated from lesions were morphologically identical to OM-rot-01; identity was confirmed by molecular analysis, fulfilling Koch's postulates, and the pathogenicity test was conducted three times. S. cucumeris was found as a canker on Cucumis sativus in the Netherlands (Hou et al. 2020), but has not been reported elsewhere as a pathogen on Cucumis spp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. cucumeris causing internal fruit rot on Oriental melon in Korea. This disease poses a threat to melon production, so accurate identification of the pathogen is a key starting point for development of sustainable management practices.

Phenolic from apple blossom "Hongro" inhibits the expression of proteins related to melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells.

This study aimed to assess apple blossom extracts as potential natural whitening agents due to their ability to inhibit melanogenesis. Ethanol extracts of apple blossom (ABE) were assessed for biological activity in the B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line. ABE toxicity was assessed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Levels of melanogenic enzyme expression in response to ABE supplementation were assessed by western blotting. Also assessed purified kaempferol, one of the phenolic compounds extracted from apple blossom, was evaluated using western blot analysis. The expression levels of cellular tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 proteins related to melanogenesis decreased in a dose-dependent manner with ABE treatment of cells. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, we identified kaempferol in the ABE. Treatment of cells with purified kaempferol decreased the expression levels of tyrosinase and the MITF protein to a similar degree as that observed with ABE treatment. This suggests that the efficacy of melanogenesis-related inhibition demonstrated by ABE was due to kaempferol. ABE has an inhibitive effect on melanogenic enzymes and potentially can be applied to functional foods and cosmetics having a whitening effect as a natural material.

Isoquercitrin isolated from newly bred Green ball apple peel in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage regulates NF-κB inflammatory pathways and cytokines.

Apple peel has several bioactive properties. The fruit is grown worldwide, and its ingredients are used medicinally. However, its anti-inflammatory activities are poorly characterized. In this study, isoquercitrin isolated from newly bred Green ball apple peel from Korea showed anti-inflammatory effects. To confirm its anti-inflammatory effects, isoquercitrin was treated with lipopolysaccharide, which induces proinflammatory factors in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Proinflammatory effects were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to define the isoquercitrin concentration nontoxic to cells. Nitric oxide (NO) production, prostaglandin E2, inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-κB p65 protein expression decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by isoquercitrin. mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and prostaglandin E synthase 2 (PTGES2) as proinflammatory factors significantly decreased. PTGES2, which was stimulated by COX-2 and involved in PGE2 expression, was inhibited. Therefore, this study rendered isoquercitrin isolated from the newly bred Green ball apple peel as a potential pharmacological alternative to treat inflammation-related diseases.

Pigmentation and Flavonoid Metabolite Diversity in Immature 'Fuji' Apple Fruits in Response to Lights and Methyl Jasmonate.

Artificial pigmentation of apple fruits has been intensely evaluated to generate less pigmented red apples, which are profitable because of the changes in fruit quality. In this study, we analyzed the diversity of flavonoids and the patterns of flavonoid metabolic gene expression under light irradiation with or without methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment in immature (S1) and color-turning (S2) staged 'Fuji' apples. Further, we assessed the metabolic regulation at the gene level between anthocyanin and flavonol in light-responsive apple skins. UV-B exposure within 3 days was found to significantly stimulate anthocyanin accumulation in apple skin compared to other light exposure. S1 skin was more sensitive to UV-B and MeJA treatment, in the aspect of indaein accumulation. The enhancement of apple pigmentation following treatment with adequate levels of UV-B and MeJA was maximized at approximately 72 h. Red (range from 4.25 to 17.96 µg·g-1 DW), blue (range from 4.59 to 9.17 µg·g-1 DW) and UV-A (range from 3.98 to 19.12 µg·g-1 DW) lights contributed to the induction of idaein content. Most genes related to the flavonoid pathways increased their expression under UV-B exposure, including the gene expression of the transcription factor, MdMYB10, a well-known upstream factor of flavonoid biosynthesis in apples. The boosted upregulation of MdMYB10, MdCHS, MdF3H MdLDOX, and MdUFGT genes due to MeJA in UV-B was found and may contribute the increase of idaein. UV-A and UV-B caused higher quercetin glycoside content in both S1 and S2 apple skins than longer wavelengths, resulting in significant increases in quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin-3-O-glucoside. These results suggest that the application of adequate UV-B with MeJA in less-pigmented postharvest apples will improve apple color quality within a short period.

Adhaeribacter terrigena sp. nov., Isolated from Korean Soil.

A bacterial strain, designated BT258T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Uijeongbu-si, Gyeong-do Province, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram stain negative, aerobic, rod shaped, motile by gliding, and formed light pink-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Growth of the isolate was observed at 10-37 °C and pH 6-7. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain BT258T is a member of the genus Adhaeribacter in the family Hymenobacteraceae and had the highest sequence similarity with 'Adhaeribacter soli' MA2T (97.1%), Adhaeribacter terreus DNG6T (96.6%), and Adhaeribacter terrae HY02T (96.5%). The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7, the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine, and the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (37.7%), summed feature 4 (C17:1 anteiso B/iso-C17:1 I; 16.8%), and C16:0 (10.3%). The draft genome of strain BT258T had a whole length of 4,974,022 bp and DNA G + C content of 46.0 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between the novel isolate and 'Adhaeribacter soli' and seven other Adhaeribacter species ranged from 17.9 to 22.7% and 69.7 to 77.9%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain BT258T represents a novel species in the genus Adhaeribacter, for which the name Adhaeribacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BT258T (= KCTC 72409 T = JCM 34303 T).

Mucilaginibacter segetis sp. nov., Isolated from Soil.

A bacterial strain, SD-gT, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Dokdo Island, South Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram stain negative and short rod shaped, and colonies to be pink in color. Growth of the isolate was observed at 4-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-2.0% NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified strain SD-gT as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with high levels of sequence similarity with Mucilaginibacter terrenus ZH6T (96.9%), Mucilaginibacter lutimaris BR-3T (96.8%), Mucilaginibacter carri PR0008KT (96.8%), Mucilaginibacter gilvus F01003T (96.7%), Mucilaginibacter litoreus BR-18T (96.6%), and Mucilaginibacter terrigena 17JY9-4T (96.5%). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SD-gT was calculated to be 40.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-7; the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; and the major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 29.0%), C15:0 iso (19.1%), C15:0 iso (28.1%), C16:0 (14.9%), and C17:0 iso 3-OH (7.4%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain SD-gT and M. terrenus ZH6T, M. gilvus F01003T, and M. terrigena ranged from 17.7 to 18.4% and 72.1 to 74.0%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain SD-gT represents a novel species in the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter segetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SD-gT (= KCTC 82353T = JCM 34284T).

Isolated isoquercitrin from Green ball apple peel inhibits photoaging in CCD-986Sk fibroblasts cells via modulation of the MMPs signaling.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is viewed as the main factor of skin aging, associated with acceleration of elastin, collagen degradation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the world, and isoquercitrin is the main active ingredient in new bred varieties "Green ball" apple. Therefore, we are studying the functionality of the active ingredient of apple, a natural raw material that does not have toxicity or sensitivity problems. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study, we scrutinized the effects of isoquercitrin on skin photoaging in UVB-exposed human fibroblasts (CCD-986Sk). METHODS: To investigate the inhibition effect on photoaging factor regulation, isolated isoquercitrin were treated with UVB, which induces photoaging-related factors in CCD-986Sk fibroblast cells. Pro-inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA, Western blotting and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Isoquercitrin exhibited antioxidant activity and UVB-induced generation of photoaging-related factor inhibition without showing any toxicity. Anti-photoaging effect for protein levels using Isoquercitin was competent, of both the combate MMP-1 and MMP-9. Also, effect of COL1A2 product significantly increase, from up regulating the TIMP-1 mediated pathway in CCD-986Sk cells via the inhibition of MMPs. Isoquercitrin also downregulated the mRNA gene expression of MMPs while upregulating type I procollagen, HAS2 by modulating TIMP-1 and TGF-ß in UVB-irradiated CCD-986Sk cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results show that isoquercitrin might be useful as a functional food while being a good candidate in the development of cosmetic products and medicines for the remedy of UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Characterization of Fruit Quality Attributes and Cell Wall Metabolism in 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-Treated 'Summer King' and 'Green Ball' Apples During Cold Storage.

This study aimed to elucidate whether 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment delays the fruit softening mechanism associated with the fruit quality of the newly released apple cultivars "Summer King" and "Green Ball" during cold storage. For both cultivars, the fruit treated with 1-MCP exhibited lower internal ethylene concentration, higher firmness, and higher titratable acidity relative to the control fruit, in association with less fruit softening. In addition, the treated fruit significantly delayed fresh weight loss and reduction of soluble solids content, especially in "Green Ball." Moreover, slower degradation of cell wall components (water-soluble pectin, sodium carbonate-soluble pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose) was also observed in the treated fruit in comparison to the control fruit. Similarly, the enzymatic activities (of polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, cellulase, ß-galactosidase, and α-L-arabinofuranosidase) that cause cell wall degradation were relatively lower in the treated fruit than in the control fruit for both cultivars, which was further proved by transcriptional analysis of the genes encoding the enzymes. Overall, the results suggested that the usage of 1-MCP is useful to delay fruit softening of the two cultivars during cold storage by delaying the degradation of cell wall components and enzymatic activities of cell wall hydrolysis.

Hymenobacter pomorum sp. nov., Isolated from Apple Orchard Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 9-2-1-1T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belongs to the family Cytophagaceae, Bacteroidetes and it is most closely related to Hymenobacter metalli A2-91T (97.8% similarity) and Hymenobacter marinus KJ035T (96.6%). Growth of strain 9-2-1-1T was observed at 4-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.0 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7; the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (29.3%), C16:1ω5c (15.4%), C15:0 anteiso (12.5%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c; 12.3%), and C16:0 (10.6%); and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 9-2-1-1T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and H. metalli and H. marinus were 31.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain 9-2-1-1T is the representative of a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter pomorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 9-2-1-1T (=KCTC 52740T = JCM 32193T).

Flavobacterium knui sp. nov., a novel member of the family Flavobacteriaceae.

A Gram-stain negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 2-56T, was isolated from water and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 2-56T belongs to the family Flavobacteriaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes and is closely related to Flavobacterium paronense KNUS1T (98.4%) and Flavobacterium collinsense 4-T-2T (96.7%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain 2-56T was 33.4 mol%. The isolate contained MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and iso-C15:1 G (15.9%), iso-C15:0 (15.8%), iso-C17:0 3-OH (10.7%), and iso-C15:0 3-OH (9.6%) were the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 2-56T with the genus Flavobacterium. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and F. paronense and F. collinsense were 35.7 and 21.5%, respectively, clearly showing that strain 2-56T is not related to them at the species level. Strain 2-56T could be clearly differentiated from its close neighbours on the basis of its phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 2-56T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium knui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2-56T (= KCTC 62061T = JCM 32247T).

Hymenobacter jeollabukensis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 1-3-3-8T, was isolated from soil and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 1-3-3-8T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae of phylum Bacteroidetes and is most closely related to Hymenobacter paludis KBP-30T (96.8% similarity), Hymenobacter ocellatus Myx2105T (96.8%), Hymenobacter coalescens WW84T (95.6%), and Hymenobacter deserti ZLB-3T (95.4%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain 1-3-3-8T was 63.6 mol%. The isolate contained C15:0 iso (28.4%), summed feature 4 (C17:1 anteiso B/C17:1 iso I; 18.9%), and C15:0 anteiso (17.6%) as major fatty acids, MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and sym-homospermidine as the predominant polyamine. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 1-3-3-8T with the genus Hymenobacter. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 1-3-3-8T and H. paludis KCTC 32237T and H. ocellatus DSM 11117T were 24.5 and 27.4% respectively, clearly showing that the isolate is not related to them at the species level. Overall, the novel strain could be differentiated from its phylogenetic neighbors on the basis of several phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 1-3-3-8T represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter jeollabukensis sp. nov. has been proposed. The type strain is 1-3-3-8T (= KCTC 52741T = JCM 32192T).

Hymenobacter segetis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on a novel strain designated as S7-3-11T, which was isolated from soil of the Gyeongsangnam-do province in Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain S7-3-11T belongs to the genus Hymenobacter and is most closely related to Hymenobacter ruber PB156T (97.9%), Hymenobacter daeguensis 16F3Y-2T (97.8%), Hymenobacter glaciei VUG-A130T (97.7%), Hymenobacter soli PB17T (97.5%), Hymenobacter terrae DG7AT (97.5%), and Hymenobacter antarcticus VUG-A42aaT (97.3%). However, DNA-DNA hybridization results showed less than 50% relatedness with respect to the type strains of the six most closely related species. The DNA G + C content of strain S7-3-11T was 60.2 mol%. MK-7 was identified as the predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 21.5%), C15:0 iso (16.8%), C15:0 anteiso (16.2%), and C15:1 iso G (10.8%) were the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, and an unidentified aminophospholipid were detected as major polar lipids. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, strain S7-3-11T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter segetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-3-11T (= KCTC 52732T = JCM 32197T).

Hymenobacter pedocola sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil.

Strain S12-2-1T was isolated from a soil sample collected in the Gyeongsangnam-do province of the Republic of Korea. The isolate is a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short, rod-shaped bacterium, and its colonies are red to pink in colour. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene identified strain S12-2-1T as a member of the genus Hymenobacter in the family Cytophagaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Hymenobacter arizonensis OR362-8T (97.7 %), Hymenobacter sedentarius DG5BT (97.4 %) and Hymenobacter humi DG31AT (97.2 %). The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase, but negative for acid production from glucose. The growth of strain S12-2-1T was supported at 4-30 °C, pH 7-10 and in the presence of 0-0.5 % NaCl. Strain S12-2-1T contained menaquinone-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine and iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 58.7 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the assignment of the isolate to the genus Hymenobacter. However, strain S12-2-1T exhibited a relatively low level of DNA-DNA relatedness with H. humi (31.7 %), H. arizonensis (24.4 %) and H. sedentarius (21.3 %). Based on its phenotypic and genotypic properties, along with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain S12-2-1T should be considered a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter pedocola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S12-2-1T (=KCTC 52730T=JCM 32198T).

Hymenobacter agri sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil.

A bacterial isolate was recovered from a soil sample collected in Jeollabuk-do Province, South Korea, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic assessment. Cells of the isolate, designated strain S1-2-1-2-1T, were observed to be rod-shaped, pink in color, and Gram-stain negative. The strain was able to grow at temperature range from 10 to 30 °C, with an optimum of 25 °C, and growth occurred at pH 6-8. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S1-2-1-2-1T belongs to the genus Hymenobacter, with closely related type strains being Hymenobacter daeguensis 16F3Y-2T (95.8% similarity), Hymenobacter rubidus DG7BT (95.8%), Hymenobacter soli PBT (95.7%), Hymenobacter terrenus MIMtkLc17T (95.6%), Hymenobacter terrae DG7AT (95.3%), and Hymenobacter saemangeumensis GSR0100T (95.2%). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S1-2-1-2-1T was 63.0 mol%. The main polar lipid of this strain was phosphatidylethanolamine, the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7, and the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (27.3%), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c) (16.5%), C15:0 anteiso (15.3%), and C16:0 (14.7%), supporting the affiliation of this strain with the genus Hymenobacter. The results of this polyphasic analysis allowed for the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain S1-2-1-2-1T from recognized Hymenobacter species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S1-2-1-2-1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter agri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1-2-1-2-1T (=KCTC 52739T = JCM 32194T).

Spirosoma horti sp. nov., isolated from apple orchard soil.

A Gram-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated S7-3-19T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea, and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain S7-3-19T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae and was most closely related to Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (96.38 %), Spirosoma fluviale MSd3T (96.38 %), Spirosoma pulveris JSH5-14T (96.35 %) and Spirosoma radiotolerans DG5AT (96.24 %). Chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the classification of strain S7-3-19T within the genus Spirosoma. Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 46.7 %) and C16 : 1ω5c (23.8 %) were the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids were the major polar lipids. Menaquinone with seven isoprene units was the predominant respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain S7-3-19T was 48.6 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-3-19T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosomahorti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-3-19T (=KCTC 52728T=JCM 32131T).

Spirosoma pomorum sp. nov., isolated from apple orchard soil.

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated S7-2-11T, was isolated from apple orchard soil from Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain S7-2-11T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae in phylum Bacteroidetes, and is closely related to Spirosoma luteolum 16F6ET (94.2% identity), Spirosoma knui 15J8-12T (92.7%), and Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (91.0%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain S7-2-11T was 49.8 mol%. Strain S7-2-11T contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 35.1%), C16:1 ω5c (22.4%), C15:0 iso (13.9%), and C17:0 iso 3-OH (10.6%) as major cellular fatty acids, and MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and two unidentified polar lipids. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain S7-2-11T with the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests showed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-2-11T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma pomorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-2-11T (= KCTC 52726T = JCM 32130T).

Spirosoma agri sp. nov., Isolated from Apple Orchard Soil.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated S7-3-3T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Gyeongsangnam-do province, South Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain S7-3-3T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes was most closely related to Spirosoma rigui WPCB118T (94.3%), Spirosoma pulveris JSH5-14T (93.9%), and Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (93.7%). The strain showed typical chemotaxonomic characteristics of the genus Spirosoma with a predominant respiratory quinone of menaquinone MK-7 and the major fatty acids of summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 43.9%) and C16:1 ω5c (25.6%). The G+C content of genomic DNA was 49.6 mol%. The polar lipid profile contained major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and an unidentified polar lipid. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain S7-3-3T with the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests showed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-3-3T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma agri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-3-3T (= KCTC 52727T = JCM 32199T).

Whitening and anti-wrinkle activities of ferulic acid isolated from Tetragonia tetragonioides in B16F10 melanoma and CCD-986sk fibroblast cells.

Ferulic acid isolated from Tetragonia tetragonioides was tested for its whitening effect on the B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line and its anti-wrinkle activity on the CCD-986sk human dermal fibroblast cell line. Ferulic acid, one of the primary phenolic compounds that can be isolated from T. tetragonioides, has been reported to show potential as a functional food, for its whitening effect and anti-wrinkle activity. To measure its whitening and anti-wrinkle activities, cells were treated with ferulic acid isolated from T. tetragonioides at concentrations between 5 and 20 µM. Ferulic acid showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 20 µM. Ferulic acid inhibited melanin synthesis, tyrosinase expression, and microphthalmia transcription factor expression in B16F10 cells stimulated with α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Ferulic acid induced procollagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid synthesis, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase synthesis, and inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-9 expression in CCD-986sk cells stimulated with UV-B. On the basis of these results, we conclude that ferulic acid isolated from T. tetragonioides shows potential for use as a functional food, with whitening and anti-wrinkle activities.

Spirosoma terrae sp. nov., Isolated from Soil from Jeju Island, Korea.

The taxonomic position of bacterial strain, designated 15J9-4T, recovered from a beach soil sample on Jeju Island, South Korea, was established using a polyphasic approach. Strain 15J9-4T was assigned to phylum Bacteroidetes within the family Cytophagaceae based on 16S rRNA gene similarities. The closest phylogenetic relatives with validly published names were Spirosoma panaciterrae Gsoil 1519T (94.2% similarity) and Spirosoma luteolum 16F6ET (94.1%). Cells were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, and non-motile. The isolate grew on NA, R2A, TSA, and LB agar. The temperature limits for growth were 10 and 30 °C with an optimum at 25 °C and the pH range was 7-8. Menaquinone MK-7 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids comprised summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c, 30.2%), C16:1 ω5c (22.2%), iso C15:0 (12.9%), and C16:0 (8.8%). Phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as the major polar lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 48.4 mol%. The results obtained from the polyphasic analyses allowed for the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J9-4T from recognized Spirosoma species. Therefore, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J9-4T (= KCTC 52035T = JCM 31994T).