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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #316034
Title: Description of Martiniozyma gen. nov. and transfer of seven Candida species to Saturnispora as new combinations

Author
item Kurtzman, Cletus

Submitted to: Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2015
Publication Date: 7/19/2015
Citation: Kurtzman, C.P. 2015. Description of Martiniozyma gen. nov. and transfer of seven Candida species to Saturnispora as new combinations. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 108(4):803-809.

Interpretive Summary: Analysis of DNA sequences has brought speed and accuracy to identification of yeasts and other fungi. Sequence comparisons are also used to infer species relationships, which will allow accurate assignment of species to genera. Species placed in phylogenetically defined genera often have similar growth properties, thus providing the opportunity to test related species for a particular characteristic, such as occurrence of a unique enzyme to modify agricultural wastes. In the present study, the new genus Martiniozyma was described for placement of two isolated yeast species that had been misclassified in the genus Candida. Seven other misplaced species of Candida were transferred to the genus Saturnispora. This study grouped similar species in phylogenetically defined genera, which will provide a means for recognizing species that may have unique characteristics of value to agriculture and biotechnology.

Technical Abstract: DNA sequence analysis has shown Candida abiesophila (NRRL Y-11514T, CBS 5366T) and Candida asiatica (NRRL Y-63747T, CBS 10863T) to be members of a small clade that is phylogenetically separate from other yeasts. In view of their isolation from neighboring genera, such as Pichia and Saturnispora, the two anamorphic species are proposed for transfer to Martiniozyma gen. nov. (MycoBank MB 812061) with Martiniozyma abiesophila designated as type species (MycoBank MB 812062). In keeping with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, which specifies that related anamorphic and teleomorphic species can be assigned to the same genus, the following Candida species are transferred to Saturnispora to conform with their phylogenetic placement: Candida diversa (NRRL Y-5713T), Candida halmiae (CBS 11009T), Candida sanitii (CBS 10864T), Candida sekii (CBS 10931T), Candida siamensis (CBS 11022T), Candida silvae (NRRL Y-6725T) and Candida suwanaritii (CBS 11021T).