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Prophage induction can facilitate the in vitro dispersal of multicellular Streptomyces structures

Hoda Jaffal1, Mounia Kortebi1, Pauline Misson2

  • 1Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France.

Plos Biology
|July 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that the Samy prophage in Streptomyces ambofaciens enhances bacterial dispersal under stress. This bacteriophage infection impacts multicellular bacterial aggregate dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Streptomyces bacteria are vital soil microbes known for producing medically and agriculturally important specialized metabolites.
  • These bacteria exhibit complex developmental cycles, but the influence of their viruses (phages) on their physiology remains poorly understood.
  • Investigating phage-host interactions is crucial for understanding microbial ecology and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and production of the Samy siphoprophage in Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC 23877.
  • To determine the conditions that regulate Samy prophage activation and release.
  • To elucidate the impact of Samy prophage on Streptomyces physiology, particularly multicellular behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC 23877 as the model organism.
  • Monitored prophage expression and production in correlation with other mobile genetic elements.
  • Assessed bacterial dispersal and multicellular aggregate dynamics under various in vitro stress conditions.

Main Results:

  • The Samy prophage is co-expressed and produced concurrently with the activation of other mobile genetic elements in Streptomyces ambofaciens.
  • The presence and production of the Samy prophage significantly increase bacterial dispersal, especially under in vitro stress conditions.
  • This bacteriophage activity influences the dynamics of multicellular bacterial aggregates.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage infection can confer novel properties to host bacteria, such as enhanced dispersal capabilities.
  • The Samy prophage represents a newly identified factor influencing Streptomyces multicellular aggregate dynamics and stress response.
  • Understanding phage-host interactions provides insights into bacterial adaptation and ecological roles.

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