# Genomic insights into a novel species, Dyella thailandensis sp. nov., a cellulolytic and xylanolytic bacterium isolated from soil associated with leaf compost

## TL;DR

A new cellulose-degrading bacterium, Dyella thailandensis, was discovered in Thai leaf compost soil and could help in biofuel production.

## Contribution

The discovery and genomic characterization of a novel cellulolytic and xylanolytic species, Dyella thailandensis.

## Key findings

- Strain KULCS107T is a new species in the genus Dyella, distinct from related species based on genomic metrics.
- The genome encodes numerous carbohydrate-active enzymes, supporting its ability to degrade lignocellulose.
- The strain produces cellulase and xylanase, confirmed through both genomic and experimental evidence.

## Abstract

The efficient enzymatic conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars is essential for producing sustainable biofuels and biochemicals. During a screening for lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms, a novel bacterial strain, designated KULCS107T, was isolated from soil associated with leaf compost in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain within the genus Dyella, with Dyella ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046T as its closest described relative (99.0% sequence identity). However, genome-wide analyses revealed that strain KULCS107T represents a distinct species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between KULCS107T and D. ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046T were 36.2% and 88.9%, respectively—both substantially below the established thresholds for species delineation. The complete genome of strain KULCS107T is 3.98 Mb, with a G + C content of 67.8%, and encodes 3,549 protein-coding genes, 48 tRNA genes, and 6 rRNA genes. Cellulase and xylanase production was confirmed when the strain was grown in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and xylan broth, consistent with genomic predictions revealing numerous carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Based on this polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strain KULCS107T represents a novel species within the genus Dyella, for which the name Dyella thailandensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KULCS107T (= TBRC 20486T = KCTC 18276T = NBRC 117363T).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-33717-w.