Summary auto-generated
This article describes the reclassification of Subtercola pratensis as Agreia pratensis based on comprehensive phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses. Two independent research groups had simultaneously described closely related coryneform bacteria containing a novel B-type peptidoglycan with ornithine and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, resulting in the proposal of both Agreia bicolorata and Subtercola pratensis before direct comparison was possible. Subsequent analyses revealed 99.6% similarity in 16S rDNA sequences between the two species, shared cell wall composition (D-ornithine and L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid), and identical fatty acid and 1,1-dimethoxy-alkane profiles. However, DNA-DNA hybridization showed only 47.8% relatedness, and phenotypic differences including menaquinone profiles and biochemical reactions (oxidase, Voges-Proskauer) confirmed they represent distinct species. The authors propose moving Subtercola pratensis into the genus Agreia based on their polyphasic approach, which prioritizes shared chemotaxonomic features defining the genus. This reclassification creates a coherent genus Agreia with consistent cell wall composition and 1,1-dimethoxy-alkane spectra.
Key findings
- 16S rDNA sequencing showed 99.6% similarity between Subtercola pratensis and Agreia bicolorata, with both clustering together in phylogenetic analyses
- Both species share identical B-type peptidoglycan containing D-ornithine and L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, plus matching fatty acid and 1,1-dimethoxy-alkane profiles
- DNA-DNA hybridization demonstrated only 47.8% relatedness between the two strains, confirming they are separate genomospecies despite genetic similarity
- Phenotypic differences in motility, oxidase/Voges-Proskauer reactions, and menaquinone profiles distinguish the two species
- Subtercola pratensis is formally reclassified as Agreia pratensis comb. nov. based on polyphasic taxonomy emphasizing shared genus-specific chemotaxonomic characteristics
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Abstract
1 DSMZ German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Mascheroder Weg 1b, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
2 Centre for Agricultural Landscape and Land Use Research (ZALF), Institute of Primary Production and Microbial Ecology, Gutshof 7, D-14641 Paulinenaue, Germany
3 Centre for Agricultural Landscape and Land Use Research (ZALF), Institute of Primary Production and Microbial Ecology, Eberswalder Straße 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany
4 Biological Resource Centre, Biotechnology Centre, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kazusa Academia Park, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0812, Japan