Phylogenetic position of Geitleribactron purpureum (Synechococcales, cyanobacteria / cyanophyceae) and its implications for the taxonomy of Chamaesiphonaceae and Leptolyngbyaceae

Over the last decades, the taxonomy of cyanobacteria has been considerably improved and restructured due to the increase in data output from molecular phylogeny. Recently, a new protocol was developed that enables reliable sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in cultivation–resistant cyanobacteria using analysis of single cells, filaments, or colonies. In the current study, we examined a sample of a heteropolar unicellular cyanobacterium, Geitleribactron purpureum, from the holotype material (deep epilithon of Lake Tovel, Western Dolomites, Italy). We isolated and purified single colonies of G. purpureum, and subjected them to direct PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We obtained a congruent set of sequences that formed a unique, isolated cyanobacterial lineage, showing phylogenetic clustering among simple filamentous genera of the family Leptolyngbyaceae. We provide evidence for deep polyphyly in Chamaesiphonaceae, and suggest that Geitleribactron should be re–classified in the Leptolyngbyaceae.