ARS | Publication request: Phylogenetic analysis of ascomycete yeasts that form coenzyme Q-9 and the proposal of the new genera Babjeviella, Meyerozyma, Millerozyma, Priceomyces and Scheffersomyces

Submitted to: Mycoscience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 19, 2009
Publication Date: January 5, 2010
Citation: Kurtzman, C.P., Suzuki, M. 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of ascomycete yeasts that form coenzyme Q-9 and the proposal of the new genera Babjeviella, Meyerozyma, Millerozyma, Priceomyces and Scheffersomyces. Mycoscience. 51(1):2-14.

Interpretive Summary: The genetic relationships among certain ascomycete yeast species that form the biochemical termed coenzyme Q-9 were determined from analysis of nucleotide sequences from two ribosomal RNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the yeasts separated into 12 distinct groups (clades), which were interpreted as genera. Five of these genera are described as new to science. The importance of this research was to define the genera from genetic relationships rather than from simple growth tests. Certain species in these new genera ferment pentose sugars from biomass, cause human clinical infections and cause food spoilage. Consequently, this work will be of interest to biotechnologists, the medical profession and to food microbiologists.

Technical Abstract: Species assigned to the genera Debaryomyces, Lodderomyces, Spathaspora and Yamadazyma, as well as selected species of Pichia and Candida that also form coenzyme Q-9, were phylogenetically analyzed from the combined sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit and the small subunit rRNA genes. Species assigned to Debaryomyces partitioned into three clades and species assigned to Pichia were distributed among six clades. These well supported clades were interpreted as genera, and from this analysis, the following new genera are proposed: Babjeviella, Meyerozyma, Millerozyma, Priceomyces, and Scheffersomyces. The genus Schwanniomyces was reinstated and emended, and the genus Yamadazyma was phylogenetically defined. The preceding genera are members of a single, large clade, and it is proposed to delineate this clade as the new family Debaryomycetaceae.