Time-lapse microscopy helps reveal brake mechanism in Streptomyces lifecycle
Time-lapse microscopy helps reveal brake mechanism in Streptomyces lifecycle
February 5, 2019 , John Innes Centre
Brake mechanism revealed in Streptomyces venezuelae. Credit: Dr. Matt Bush
Streptomyces are soil-dwelling bacteria that produce approximately two-thirds of the antibiotics in current clinical use.
The production of these antibiotics—used by the bacteria to fend off rivals—is coordinated as part of a complex life-cycle that ends in the formation of spores.
In the reproductive process of sporulation, bacteria enter a state of dormancy enhancing their survival in adverse conditions.
If researchers can understand how such a reproductive life-cycle is controlled, they may be able to exploit the production of clinically-useful antibiotics.
In a study published today in the American Society for Microbiology journal, mBio, researchers from the John Innes Centre reveal that a key protein acts as a "brake" to ensure the correct timing of sporulation in Streptomyces. This protein is a DNA-binding protein called BldC.
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https://phys.org/news/2019-02-time-lapse-microscopy-reveal-mechanism-streptomyces.html
