Phenotypic heterogeneity in Streptomyces colonies

Current Opinion in Microbiology, vol. 78, pp. 102448

Abstract

Streptomyces are a large genus of multicellular bacteria best known for their prolific production of bioactive natural products. In addition, they play key roles in the mineralisation of insoluble resources, such as chitin and cellulose. Because of their multicellular mode of growth, colonies of interconnected hyphae extend over a large area that may experience different conditions in different parts of the colony. Here, we argue that within-colony phenotypic heterogeneity can allow colonies to simultaneously respond to divergent inputs from resources or competitors that are spatially and temporally dynamic. We discuss causal drivers of heterogeneity, including competitors, precursor availability, metabolic diversity and division of labour, that facilitate divergent phenotypes within Streptomyces colonies. We discuss the adaptive causes and consequences of within-colony heterogeneity, highlight current knowledge (gaps) and outline key questions for future studies.

Authors 3

1. Paul A. Hoskisson

   University of Strathclyde

   Affiliation as printed

   Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK

2. Francisco Barona‐Gómez Aachen Institute of Biology, Leiden University

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Daniel E. Rozen corresponding Aachen Institute of Biology, Leiden University

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: d.e.rozen@biology.leidenuniv.nl

   Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, The Netherlands