Abstract
Streptomycetes are sessile bacteria that produce metabolites that impact the behavior of microbial communities. Emerging studies have demonstrated that Streptomyces spores are distributed through various mechanisms, but it remains unclear how spores are transported to their preferred microenvironments, such as plant roots. Here, we show that Streptomyces spores are capable of utilizing the motility machinery of other soil bacteria. Motility assays and microscopy studies reveal that Streptomyces spores are transported to plant tissues by interacting directly with the flagella of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Genetics experiments demonstrate that this form of motility is facilitated by structural proteins on the spore coat. These results demonstrate that nonmotile bacteria are capable of utilizing the motility machinery of other microbes to complete necessary stages of their lifecycle.
Highlights
Bacteria belonging to the genus Streptomyces are an integral component of diverse ecosystems and are well-known to produce chemically diverse metabolites, including the vast majority of all clinically relevant antibiotics [1, 2]
Transportation of Streptomyces coelicolor (Sc) spores by Bacillus subtilis (Bs) was demonstrated by mixing isolated Sc spores with a liquid culture of Bs followed by inoculation onto an agar swarm plate and incubation
The resulting Sc colonies form streaks across the plate that emanate from the Bs inoculation site in a predictable manner in all samples tested (n = 10) (Fig. 1B)
Summary
Bacteria belonging to the genus Streptomyces are an integral component of diverse ecosystems and are well-known to produce chemically diverse metabolites, including the vast majority of all clinically relevant antibiotics [1, 2]. Soildwelling Streptomycetes, such as Streptomyces coelicolor (Sc), colonize plant roots and provide the associated plant protection from potential phytopathogens through antibiotic secretion [1]. The symbiosis of Streptomycetes with their plant hosts has been shown to improve plant health and productivity, and thereby provides a potential sustainable solution to increase crop yields [2,3,4,5]. The lifecycle of Streptomycetes is complex and involves stages of aerial hyphae formation on the soil surface to produce spores, and spore germination on plant roots to produce filamentous colonies [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
