Genomic insights into a novel species, Dyella thailandensis sp. nov., a cellulolytic and xylanolytic bacterium isolated from soil associated with leaf compost

Abstract

Abstract The efficient enzymatic conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars is essential for producing sustainable biofuels and biochemicals. During a screening for lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms, a novel bacterial strain, designated KULCS107 T , was isolated from soil associated with leaf compost in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain within the genus Dyella , with Dyella ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046 T as its closest described relative (99.0% sequence identity). However, genome-wide analyses revealed that strain KULCS107 T represents a distinct species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between KULCS107 T and D. ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046 T were 36.2% and 88.9%, respectively—both substantially below the established thresholds for species delineation. The complete genome of strain KULCS107 T is 3.98 Mb, with a G + C content of 67.8%, and encodes 3,549 protein-coding genes, 48 tRNA genes, and 6 rRNA genes. Cellulase and xylanase production was confirmed when the strain was grown in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and xylan broth, consistent with genomic predictions revealing numerous carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Based on this polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strain KULCS107 T represents a novel species within the genus Dyella , for which the name Dyella thailandensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KULCS107 T (= TBRC 20486 T  = KCTC 18276 T  = NBRC 117363 T ).