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

Summary

Scientists have discovered a special bacterium called Streptomyces formicae that lives with ants in African acacia trees and produces powerful antibiotics. This bacterium naturally makes compounds called formicamycins that can kill dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, as well as antifungal compounds. Researchers are using advanced gene-editing techniques to unlock more hidden antimicrobial compounds from this bacterium’s genome, which could lead to discovering new medicines to treat infections.

Background

Streptomyces formicae KY5 was isolated from Tetraponera penzigi plant-ant nests in Africa, where it exists in a mutualistic relationship with ants and acacia trees. The bacterium is notable for producing formicamycins, antibiotics with potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal compounds against drug-resistant fungi.

Objective

This microbe profile aims to characterize S. formicae KY5 as a promising source of novel antimicrobial compounds. The research focuses on understanding the regulation of secondary metabolism and identifying additional bioactive molecules encoded within its 45+ biosynthetic gene clusters.

Results

S. formicae possesses a 9.6 Mbps linear chromosome with 71.4% G+C content and encodes at least 45 biosynthetic gene clusters, considerably more than average for Streptomyces. The strain demonstrates broad-ranging bioactivity under standard laboratory conditions and genetic rewiring has resulted in overproduction of multiple pathway products. Most BGCs have potential to produce novel compounds.

Conclusion

S. formicae represents a valuable source for antibiotic discovery with significant potential for identifying novel antimicrobial compounds. Continued research using genetic engineering to activate silent pathways and understand global regulation of secondary metabolism may reveal promising new therapeutics. The study demonstrates the importance of exploring natural microbiota associated with ecological symbioses for antimicrobial discovery.
  • Published in:Microbiology (Reading),
  • Study Type:Microbe Profile,
  • Source: 10.1099/mic.0.001623, PMID: 41133737
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