   Polyphasic study of Antarctic cyanobacterial strains; Grubisic, Stana  ; et alin Journal of Phycology (2006), 42(6), 1257-1270 We isolated 59 strains of cyanobacteria from the benthic microbial mats of 23 Antarctic lakes, from five locations in two regions, in order to characterize their morphological and genotypic diversity. On ... [more ▼] We isolated 59 strains of cyanobacteria from the benthic microbial mats of 23 Antarctic lakes, from five locations in two regions, in order to characterize their morphological and genotypic diversity. On the basis of their morphology, the cyanobacteria were assigned to 12 species that included four Antarctic endemic taxa. Sequences of the ribosomal RNA gene were determined for 56 strains. In general, the strains closely related at the 16S rRNA gene level belonged to the same morphospecies. Nevertheless, divergences were observed concerning the diversity in terms of species richness, novelty, and geographical distribution. For the 56 strains, 21 operational taxonomic units (OTUs, defined as groups of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences with more than 97.5% similarity) were found, including nine novel and three exclusively Antarctic OTUs. Sequences of Petalonema cf. involvens and Chondrocystis sp. were determined for the first time. The internally transcribed spacer (ITS) between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes was sequenced for 33 strains, and similar groupings were observed with the 16S rRNA gene and the ITS, even when the strains were derived from different lakes and regions. In addition, 48 strains were screened for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and 17 strains were bioactive against the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, or the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. The bioactivities were not in coincidence with the phylogenetic relationships, but rather were specific to certain strains. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 48 (6 ULg)Biogeographical distribution and ecological ranges of benthic cyanobacteria in East Antarctic lakes; Grubisic, Stana ; Balthasart, Pierre et alin FEMS Microbiology Ecology (2006), 57(2), 272-289 For the first time, the cyanobacterial diversity from microbial mats in lakes of Eastern Antarctica was investigated using microscopic and molecular approaches. The present study assessed the ... [more ▼] For the first time, the cyanobacterial diversity from microbial mats in lakes of Eastern Antarctica was investigated using microscopic and molecular approaches. The present study assessed the biogeographical distribution of cyanobacteria in Antarctica. Five samples were taken from four lakes spanning a range of different ecological environments in Larsemann Hills, Vestfold Hills and Rauer Islands to evaluate the influence of lake characteristics on the cyanobacterial diversity. Seventeen morphospecies and 28 16S rRNA gene-based operational taxonomic units belonging to the Oscillatoriales, Nostocales and Chroococcales were identified. The internal transcribed spacer was evaluated to complement the 16S rRNA gene data and showed similar but more clear-cut tendencies. The molecular approach suggested that potential Antarctic endemic species, including a previously undiscovered diversity, are more abundant than has been estimated by morphological methods. Moreover, operational taxonomic units, also found outside Antarctica, were more widespread over the continent than potential endemics. The cyanobacterial diversity of the most saline lakes was found to differ from the others, and correlations between the sampling depth and the cyanobacterial communities can also be drawn. Comparison with database sequences illustrated the ubiquity of several cyanobacterial operational taxonomic units and their remarkable range of tolerance to harsh environmental conditions. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 22 (5 ULg) Ultrastructure and taxonomic position of two species of the cyanobacterial genus Schizothrix; ; et al in Cryptogamie Algologie (2006), 27(1), 53-62 The cyanobacterial genus Schizothrix is traditionally classified in the special family Schizotrichaceae (order Oscillatoriales) according to the structure of the filaments and thallus: one, two, or more ... [more ▼] The cyanobacterial genus Schizothrix is traditionally classified in the special family Schizotrichaceae (order Oscillatoriales) according to the structure of the filaments and thallus: one, two, or more ensheathed and fasciculated trichomes are enveloped by common sheaths. The fine Structure of cells and filaments of two natural populations of typical Schizothrix-species (S. facilis, S lacustris) were investigated in our Study. The ultrastructure of trichomes was found to be similar to the pseudartabaenacean types (thylakoid arrangement, inclusions, cell wall), and indicates the close relationship to this group of simple filamentous cyanobacteria. The special life form, which was considered as the most important phenotypic intergeneric (and interfamilial) differentiating character was proven: Fasciculated trichomes are enveloped by their own sheaths, and form (usually heteropolar) filaments enveloped by mother common sheath. However, in spite of the fact that the ultrastructure and morphology of trichomes were found to be similar to other pseudanabacnacean types, the relationship to Pseudanabaenaceae must await detailed molecular studies to be more completely evaluated. The first molecular results concerning a few Schizothrix-like strains from Antarctica show that most belong to a cluster, which is separated from the other oscillatorian clusters. This could support the genetic basis of the Schizothrix genus. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 54 (2 ULg)Cyanobacterial diversity in natural and artificial microbial mats of Lake Fryxell (McMurdo dry valleys, Antarctica): A morphological and molecular approach; Grubisic, Stana ; et alin Applied & Environmental Microbiology (2003), 69(9), 5157-5169 Currently, there is no consensus concerning the geographic distribution and extent of endemism in Antarctic cyanobacteria. In this paper we describe the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of cyanobacteria ... [more ▼] Currently, there is no consensus concerning the geographic distribution and extent of endemism in Antarctic cyanobacteria. In this paper we describe the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of cyanobacteria in a field microbial mat sample from Lake Fryxell and in an artificial cold-adapted sample cultured in a benthic gradient chamber (BGC) by using an inoculum from the same mat. Light microscopy and molecular tools, including 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and sequencing, were used. For the first time in the study of cyanobacterial diversity of environmental samples, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were retrieved and analyzed to complement the information obtained from the 16S rRNA gene. Microscopy allowed eight morphotypes to be identified, only one of which is likely to be an Antarctic endemic morphotype. Molecular analysis, however, revealed an entirely different pattern. A much higher number of phylotypes (15 phylotypes) was found, but no sequences from Nodularia and Hydrocoryne, as observed by microscopy, were retrieved. The 16S rRNA gene sequences determined in this study were distributed in 11 phylogenetic lineages, 3 of which were exclusively Antarctic and 2 of which were novel. Collectively, these Antarctic sequences together with all the other polar sequences were distributed in 22 lineages, 9 of which were exclusively Antarctic, including the 2 novel lineages observed in this study. The cultured BGC mat had lower diversity than the field mat. However, the two samples shared three morphotypes and three phylotypes. Moreover, the BGC mat allowed enrichment of one additional phylotype. ITS sequence analysis revealed a complex signal that was difficult to interpret. Finally, this study provided evidence of molecular diversity of cyanobacteria in Antarctica that is much greater than the diversity currently known based on traditional microscopic analysis. Furthermore, Antarctic endemic species were more abundant than was estimated on the basis of morphological features. Decisive arguments concerning the global geographic distribution of cyanobacteria should therefore incorporate data obtained with the molecular tools described here. 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