Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Visual and Microscopic Evaluation of Streptomyces Developmental Mutants
Published on: September 12, 2018
Colony politics to chemical warfare: phenotypic plasticity in Streptomyces
John T Munnoch1, Paul A Hoskisson1
1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, U.K.
Abstract:
Members of the genus Streptomyces are prolific producers of antibiotics and bioactive natural products, whose biosynthesis is intricately linked to complex social and ecological interactions. Understanding how these bacteria adaptively regulate development and natural product biosynthesis in response to diverse environmental cues remains incomplete. Here, recent advances are synthesised revealing that phenotypic plasticity in Streptomyces is underpinned by regulatory networks integrating physiological and social signals, enabling multicellular differentiation, division of labour, and alternative growth modes such as exploration and foraging. These dynamic responses allow colonies to balance competition, cooperation, and reproduction in fluctuating environments. Our insights highlight the ecological and evolutionary significance of plasticity in shaping Streptomyces biology, with implications for natural product discovery and understanding microbial community dynamics.
Related Concept Videos
Bioreactor Controls-III
Colonisation of Pathogens
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Transduction

