Ruminococcus champanellensis 18P13 = JCM 17042

Ruminococcus champanellensis 18P13, also known as JCM 17042, is a type of bacterium that thrives in a warm environment, with a temperature preference category of mesophilic, characterized by temperatures between 20-40°C. It is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, rather than producing its own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Energy production is achieved through aerobic respiration, utilizing oxygen as a final electron acceptor. The bacterium is comprised of a gram-positive cell wall, featuring a characteristic shape of curved rods or "cigar-shaped" cells. Originally isolated from the gut of a ruminant host, such as a cow or sheep, Ruminococcus champanellensis 18P13 is found in the gastrointestinal tract of these animals, as well as potentially in other body sites across various species. Oxygen preference is aerobic, meaning it requires the presence of oxygen to grow and thrive. In fact, it is an obligate aerobic, which suggests that it cannot survive in the absence of oxygen. Furthermore, Ruminococcus champanellensis 18P13 is a key member of the gut microbiota, playing a crucial role in the degradation of complex plant polymers and the extraction of nutrients from the diet of its hosts. Its unique set of enzymes and metabolic pathways allows it to contribute to the breakdown of cellulose, hemicellulose, and other dietary fiber components, ultimately influencing the host's nutritional status and overall health. Despite its limited cultivation on laboratory media, Ruminococcus champanellensis 18P13 has been extensively investigated due to its importance in the ruminant gut ecosystem. Its enzymes and metabolic pathways have been studied in detail, providing valuable insights into the evolution of gut microbiota and the degradation of plant material.