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Microbe Profile: Streptomyces formicae KY5: an ANT-ibiotic factory

Summary

Scientists discovered a special bacterium called Streptomyces formicae living in ant nests in Africa that produces powerful antibiotics effective against dangerous drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. This bacterium has the genetic potential to make at least 45 different antimicrobial compounds, though most are not currently being produced under standard laboratory conditions. Using advanced gene-editing techniques like CRISPR, researchers are working to activate these hidden pathways to discover new medicines. This research demonstrates how exploring bacteria in nature can lead to finding new antibiotics to treat serious infections.

Background

Streptomyces formicae KY5 was isolated from Tetraponera penzigi plant-ant nests in central Africa, where it exists in a mutualistic relationship with the host plant and fungus. The bacterium is known for producing formicamycins, antibiotics with potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens, and an uncharacterized antifungal compound.

Objective

This profile describes the characteristics, genomic features, and antimicrobial properties of S. formicae, highlighting its significance as a potential source for novel antimicrobial compounds. The research aims to characterize the regulation of secondary metabolism to activate silent biosynthetic pathways and identify new bioactive molecules.

Results

S. formicae has a single linear chromosome of 9.6 Mbps with 71.4% G+C content and encodes at least 45 biosynthetic gene clusters, most of which appear to produce novel compounds. The strain demonstrates bioactivity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Lomentospora prolificans, with genetic rewiring resulting in overproduction of pathway products.

Conclusion

S. formicae represents a promising source for antimicrobial discovery with significant untapped biosynthetic potential. Current research focusing on global regulation of secondary metabolism aims to unlock silent pathways and identify novel therapeutic compounds through genetic engineering approaches.
  • Published in:Microbiology (Reading),
  • Study Type:Microbe Profile/Review,
  • Source: 10.1099/mic.0.001623, PMID: 41133737
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