Phylogenomic and comparative analyses support the reclassification of several species as novel members of the . and bring new insights into the evolution of cellulose synthase genes.

The genus harbours bacteria presenting the ability to produce increased levels of crystalline nanocellulose, as well as strains used in the industrial production of fermented products and beverages. Still, most of the studies of this biotechnologically relevant genus were conducted based on limited phenotypic methodologies and taxonomical classifications. In this work, a detailed analysis of the currently described genus was conducted based on phylogenomic analysis, unveiling the phylogenomic relationships within the genus and allowing a detailed phylogenetic analysis of biotechnologically important genes such as those involved in cellulose biosynthesis ( genes). Phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis revealed that several type strains formed an independent genomic group from those of other , prompting their reclassification as members of a novel genus, hereby termed gen. nov. The results support the reclassification of , , and as novel members of the genus . The species is the proposed representative of the novel genus. Importantly, phylogenetic analysis based on cellulose biosynthesis genes (, , , ), showed that the evolutionary history of these genes is closely related to the strain's phylogenomic/taxonomic classification. Hence, the robust taxonomic classification of these bacteria will allow the better characterization and selection of strains for biotechnological applications.