Advances in studies on the genus Nocardiopsis

Abstract:

The genus Nocardiopsis has classical filamentous mycelium differential characterization. In the last decade, studies on this genus have got much attention and undergone fast developments. Until now, this genus comprises of 42 species and 2 subspecies reported. Members of the genus Nocardiopsis are widely distributed in soil, especially natural hyper saline or alkaline samples, marine habitats, clinical specimen as well as other ecosystems. Recently, researchers have isolated many bioactive metabolites from various strains in this genus, including antibiotics, enzyme inhibitors, immune regulators and biosurfactants, as well as enzymes, which have great potentials in pharmaceutical agents and biotechnology. This paper reviews the research progress of taxonomic studies, ecological diversity, adaptive mechanism, metabolites and genetic transformation of the genus, and also proposes the future directions.

Key words:Nocardiopsis|Taxonomy|Biogeography|Natural products|Hyper saline-alkaline environments