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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
08:42
Visual and Microscopic Evaluation of Streptomyces Developmental Mutants
Published on: September 12, 2018
The evolution of development in Streptomyces analysed by genome comparisons
Keith F Chater1, Govind Chandra
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, UK. keith.chater@bbsrc.ac.uk
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Streptomyces bacteria develop complex structures through gene acquisition. Comparative genomics reveals most developmental genes are unique to sporulating species, suggesting evolutionary gene transfer.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Streptomyces bacteria are known for forming spore-bearing aerial hyphae.
- The genetic control of this differentiation process is extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct the evolution of Streptomyces differentiation using a comparative genomic approach.
- To analyze the distribution of developmental genes across actinobacteria and other bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of 16 actinobacteria species, including two Streptomyces.
- Evaluation of the presence and distribution of key developmental genes.
Main Results:
- Most evaluated developmental genes are found exclusively in actinobacteria that form sporulating aerial hyphae.
- Several genes are specific to Streptomyces, while only a few are widespread in other bacteria.
- Four genes (whiA, whiB, whiD, crgA) are common in non-differentiating actinobacteria, and two (whiA, whiG) are widespread in other bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Streptomyces development likely evolved through the stepwise acquisition of laterally transferred DNA.
- Gene acquisitions led to regulatory changes or alterations in cellular structure and morphology during differentiation.
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