Isolation and characterization of Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov., a novel member of Acidobacteria subdivision 1, from a geothermally heated Hawaiian microbial mat

Researchers have identified and characterized Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov., a novel bacterium belonging to the Acidobacteria subdivision 1, isolated from a geothermally heated microbial mat in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This rod-shaped, Gram-negative microorganism exhibits unique physiological traits, including growth at temperatures ranging from 15 to 55 °C (optimal at 40 °C) and pH levels between 4.5 and 7.0 (optimal at 6.5). Genomic analysis revealed its potential for polysaccharide hydrolysis, particularly pectin degradation, and confirmed hydrogen consumption capabilities, including at sub-atmospheric concentrations. Comparative genomic studies showed an average nucleotide identity of 72.2% with its nearest relative, Acidobacterium capsulatum, supporting its classification as a distinct species. The discovery expands the known diversity of Acidobacteria and highlights the ecological significance of geothermal environments in shaping microbial evolution.

Myers, M. R., & King, G. M. (2016). Isolation and characterization of Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov., a novel member of Acidobacteria subdivision 1, from a geothermally heated Hawaiian microbial mat. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 66(12), 5328–5335. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.001516