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Molecular evidence for the presence of novel actinomycete lineages in a temperate forest soil

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Journal of Industrial Microbiology

Abstract

PCR primers were designed to selectively recover partial (∼1100 bp) actinomycete 16S ribosomal DNA sequences from a temperate forest soil. A gene library was made and colony PCR was used to identify clones containing inserts. Unique clones were identified and partial or complete insert sequences were determined for 53 clones. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 46 (87%) of the clones sampled contained 16S rDNA sequences which fell within the actinomycete radiation. The largest group of 34 sequences formed two closely related monophyletic groups in the 16S rRNA tree, which in turn formed a weakly supported sister group with the sequence fromActinomadura madurae. Four novel 16S rDNA lineages were detected inMycobacterium, one inPropionibacterium and one inCorynebacterium. Three novel sequences weakly grouped withSporichthya polymorpha. Two sequences formed an isolated lineage not closely related to any of the reference actinomycetes. Our results lend strong support to the hypothesis that cultured (and sequenced) actinomycetes do not adequately describe the diversity of this group in the environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiology Division, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London

    H P McVeigh & T M Embley

  2. Compound Diversity, GlaxoWellcome Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, SG1 2NY, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK

    J Munro

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McVeigh, H.P., Munro, J. & Embley, T.M. Molecular evidence for the presence of novel actinomycete lineages in a temperate forest soil. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 17, 197–204 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01574693

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01574693

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