Cellulomonas telluris sp. nov., an endoglucanase-producing actinobacterium isolated from Badain Jaran desert sand

Researchers have identified Cellulomonas telluris sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium capable of producing endoglucanase, isolated from the Badain Jaran Desert's sand. This discovery was made through phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic characterization, and DNA-DNA hybridization studies, revealing its distinct genetic and biochemical traits. The bacterium exhibits optimal growth at 28°C and pH 7.0, with unique fatty acid profiles and polar lipids that differentiate it from related species like Cellulomonas oligotrophica. Its low DNA-DNA hybridization value (7.1%) and average nucleotide identity (79.8%) confirm its status as a novel species. This finding expands our understanding of microbial diversity in extreme desert environments, particularly within UNESCO-listed sites like the Badain Jaran Desert.

Shi, Y.-L., Sun, Y., Ruan, Z.-Y., Su, J., Yu, L.-Y., & Zhang, Y.-Q. (2020). Cellulomonas telluris sp. nov., an endoglucanase-producing actinobacterium isolated from Badain Jaran desert sand. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 70(1), 631–635. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.003806