Differentiation in Streptomyces
Differentiation in Streptomyces: The Properties and Programming of Diverse Cell-types
from Keith F. Chater writing in Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:
Streptomyces colonies are complex differentiated organisms, generated from a single ovoid spore by filamentous growth and branching. Eventually, much of this biomass is converted to large numbers of spores in long chains on specialised aerial hyphae. During colony development, different cellular compartments have different physiology and metabolism, and exoskeletal and cytoskeletal elements bring about different morphological changes. These cellular differentiating processes are underpinned by a large number of regulatory genes, often operating in cascades. During the transition from biomass accumulation to reproductive development, antibiotics are made, sometimes under the control of developmental regulators.
Further reading: Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
from Keith F. Chater writing in Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:
Streptomyces colonies are complex differentiated organisms, generated from a single ovoid spore by filamentous growth and branching. Eventually, much of this biomass is converted to large numbers of spores in long chains on specialised aerial hyphae. During colony development, different cellular compartments have different physiology and metabolism, and exoskeletal and cytoskeletal elements bring about different morphological changes. These cellular differentiating processes are underpinned by a large number of regulatory genes, often operating in cascades. During the transition from biomass accumulation to reproductive development, antibiotics are made, sometimes under the control of developmental regulators.
Further reading: Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Streptomyces book
Paul Dyson (Institute of Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Swansea, UK) presents a new book on Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Streptomycetes are Gram-positive, high GC-content, sporulating bacteria found predominantly in soil. Streptomycetes are characterised by a complex secondary metabolism producing antibiotic compounds and other metabolites with medicinal properties. In recent years genomic studies, genomic mining and biotechnological approaches have been employed in the search for new antibiotics and other drugs.
With contributions from some of the leading scientists in the field, this volume documents recent research and development in streptomycetes genomics, physiology and metabolism. With a focus on biotechnology and genomics, the book provides an excellent source of up-to-date information. Topics include: genome architecture, conjugative genetic elements, differentiation, protein secretion, central carbon metabolic pathways, regulation of nitrogen assimilation, phosphate control of metabolism, gamma-butyrolactones and their role in antibiotic regulation, clavulanic acid and clavams, genome-guided exploration, gene clusters for bioactive natural products, genomics of cytochromes p450.
Streptomycetes are Gram-positive, high GC-content, sporulating bacteria found predominantly in soil. Streptomycetes are characterised by a complex secondary metabolism producing antibiotic compounds and other metabolites with medicinal properties. In recent years genomic studies, genomic mining and biotechnological approaches have been employed in the search for new antibiotics and other drugs.
With contributions from some of the leading scientists in the field, this volume documents recent research and development in streptomycetes genomics, physiology and metabolism. With a focus on biotechnology and genomics, the book provides an excellent source of up-to-date information. Topics include: genome architecture, conjugative genetic elements, differentiation, protein secretion, central carbon metabolic pathways, regulation of nitrogen assimilation, phosphate control of metabolism, gamma-butyrolactones and their role in antibiotic regulation, clavulanic acid and clavams, genome-guided exploration, gene clusters for bioactive natural products, genomics of cytochromes p450.
 | Edited by: Paul Dyson ISBN: 978-1-904455-77-6 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback |
Essential reading for research scientists, biotechnologists, graduate students and other professionals involved in streptomycetes research, antibiotic and antimicrobial development, drug discovery, soil microbiology and related fields. A recommended text for all microbiology laboratories.
Bacterial Spores
Category: Bacteria
Endospore-forming bacteria produce some of the most potent toxins known and are important pathogens in hospital-borne infections (Clostridium difficile) food contamination (Bacillus cereus, Clostridium botulinum), wound infestation (Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani) and bioterrorism (Bacillus anthracis).
Bacilli and Clostridia spores form in response to unfavorable environmental conditions and can withstand extremes of heat, radiation, and chemical agents. The spore's durability is even more remarkable considering that dormant spores revert back to actively growing cells almost immediately after nutrients return to the environment. The intrinsic resistance and the ability to remain dormant for long periods make spores the perfect delivery vehicle for infectious diseases.
Further reading: The Ger Receptor Family from Sporulating Bacteria
Bacilli and Clostridia spores form in response to unfavorable environmental conditions and can withstand extremes of heat, radiation, and chemical agents. The spore's durability is even more remarkable considering that dormant spores revert back to actively growing cells almost immediately after nutrients return to the environment. The intrinsic resistance and the ability to remain dormant for long periods make spores the perfect delivery vehicle for infectious diseases.
Further reading: The Ger Receptor Family from Sporulating Bacteria
The Ger Receptor Family
Category: Bacteria
Ger receptor activation is the first committed step in the germination process. Ger receptors are encoded, in general, as tricistronic operons containing three protein-coding genes, the A-, B-, and C-subunits. However, some Ger receptor subunits are encoded as orphan monocistronic genes and yet other ger receptor operons encode duplicated subunit genes.
The A-subunit protein of Ger receptors consist of five or six predicted membrane-spanning domains, as well as large N- and C-terminal hydrophilic domains. A-subunit proteins share significant homology to SpoVAF, a late-sporulation protein with no known function. Intriguingly, Ger receptors have been shown to interact with proteins from the spoVA operon. Whether these interactions are relevant to spore germination remains to be elucidated.
Further reading: The Ger Receptor Family from Sporulating Bacteria
The A-subunit protein of Ger receptors consist of five or six predicted membrane-spanning domains, as well as large N- and C-terminal hydrophilic domains. A-subunit proteins share significant homology to SpoVAF, a late-sporulation protein with no known function. Intriguingly, Ger receptors have been shown to interact with proteins from the spoVA operon. Whether these interactions are relevant to spore germination remains to be elucidated.
Further reading: The Ger Receptor Family from Sporulating Bacteria