ARS | Publication request: Multigene phylogenetic analysis of the Lipomycetaceae and the proposed transfer of Zygozyma species to Lipomyces and Babjevia anomala to Dipodascopsis

Submitted to: Federation Of European Microbiological Societies Yeast Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2007
Publication Date: July 15, 2007
Citation: Kurtzman, C.P., Albertyn, J., Basehoar Powers, E.A. 2007. Multigene phylogenetic analysis of the Lipomycetaceae and the proposed transfer of Zygozyma species to Lipomyces and Babjevia anomala to Dipodascopsis. Federation Of European Microbiological Societies Yeast Research. 7:1027-1034.

Interpretive Summary: Species of the yeast family Lipomycetaceae are found worldwide and many of the species occur only in soil. A characteristic of the family is production of large amounts of extracellular polysaccharide that may be of industrial interest. The species have been classified in 3-7 genera depending on interpretation of morphological and physiological properties. We determined species relationships from analysis of four gene sequences. The analysis showed that the family is made up of two genera (Lipomyces and Dipodascopsis) that form ascospores and an additional genus (Myxozyma) that does not form ascospores. Consequently, the genera Zygozyma, Waltomyces, Smithiozyma, Kawasakia and Babjevia, most of which were based on single species, are not sufficiently isolated genetically to be accepted as genera. Because species and genera of the Lipomycetaceae are now recognized from gene sequence analysis, interpretation of differences in polysaccharide biochemistry will be more logical, and it will be easier to identify known species and to recognize new species.

Technical Abstract: Phylogenetic relationships among species assigned to genera of the family Lipomycetaceae were determined from analysis of the nearly entire large subunit rDNA, the small subunit rDNA, mitochondrial small subunit rDNA and the translation elongation factor-1' gene. Monophyly of the Lipomycetaceae was strongly supported, and currently described species appear genetically unique. The multigene analysis provided no support for maintaining the genera Kawasakia, Smithiozyma, Waltomyces and Zygozyma, and it is proposed that species in these genera be assigned to the genus Lipomyces. The monotypic genus Babjevia is a member of the Dipodascopsis clade and it is proposed to reassign B. anomala to Dipodascopsis. The proposed changes will result in the Lipomycetaceae having two ascosporic genera, Lipomyces and Dipodascopsis, and the anamorphic genus Myxozyma.