Characterisation of bacteria representing a novel Nitrosomonas clade: Physiology, genomics and distribution of missing ammonia oxidizer

Members of the genus Nitrosomonas are major ammonia oxidizers that catalyse the first step of nitrification in various ecosystems. To date, six subgenus-level clades have been identified. We have previously isolated novel ammonia oxidizers from an additional clade (unclassified cluster 1) of the genus Nitrosomonas. In this study, we report unique physiological and genomic properties of the strain PY1, compared with representative ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB). The apparent half-saturation constant for total ammonia nitrogen and maximum velocity of strain PY1 were 57.9 +/- 4.8 mu M NH3 + NH4+ and 18.5 +/- 1.8 mu mol N (mg protein)(-1) h(-1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on genomic information revealed that strain PY1 belongs to a novel clade of the Nitrosomonas genus. Although PY1 contained genes to withstand oxidative stress, cell growth of PY1 required catalase to scavenge hydrogen peroxide. Environmental distribution analysis revealed that the novel clade containing PY1-like sequences is predominant in oligotrophic freshwater. Taken together, the strain PY1 had a longer generation time, higher yield and required reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers to oxidize ammonia, compared with known AOB. These findings expand our knowledge of the ecophysiology and genomic diversity of ammonia-oxidising Nitrosomonas.

Automated summary

In this study, the unique physiological and genomic properties of strain PY1, a novel ammonia oxidizer, were reported. Strain PY1 had a higher maximum velocity and a higher half-saturation constant for total ammonia nitrogen compared to known ammonia-oxidising bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain PY1 belongs to a new clade within the Nitrosomonas genus, and environmental distribution analysis showed that this clade is abundant in oligotrophic freshwater.