Characterization of Hymenobacter isolates from Victoria Upper Glacier, Antarctica reveals five new species and substantial non-vertical evolution within this genus

Extremophiles. 2011 Jan;15(1):45-57. doi: 10.1007/s00792-010-0336-1. Epub 2010 Nov 21.

Abstract

We isolated several Hymenobacter-like strains from Victoria Upper Glacier, Antarctica, basal ice that diverged substantially from currently defined Hymenobacter species according to their 16S rRNA and gyrB gene phylogenies. All strains were psychrotolerant, heterotrophic aerobes which grew preferentially on low salt and low nutrient strength agar. Further phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization of these isolates supported their assignment as five novel species: H. algoricola sp. nov., H. antarcticus sp. nov., H. elongatus sp. nov., H. fastidiosus sp. nov., and H. glaciei sp. nov. Remarkable among these data was the prevalence of horizontal gene transfers and phenotypic variation, even between apparently closely related strains. These results suggest extensive non-vertical evolution within the genus Hymenobacter, and may reflect evolutionary trajectories resulting from dormancy, e.g., during interment in glacial ice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antarctic Regions
  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Cold Temperature*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Ice Cover / microbiology*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S