Exploratory Growth in Streptomyces venezuelae Involves a Unique Transcriptional Program, Enhanced Oxidative Stress Response, and Profound Acceleration in Response to Glycerol
E Shepherdson, Tina Netzker, Yordan Stoyanov, Marie A. Elliot
Abstract
bacteria and is initiated in response to other microbes or specific environmental conditions. Here, we show that entry into exploration involves comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming, with an emphasis on changes in primary metabolism and regulatory/signaling functions. Intriguingly, a number of transcription factor classes were downregulated upon entry into exploration. In contrast, respiration-associated genes were strongly induced, and this was accompanied by an enhanced oxidative stress response. Notably, our transcriptional analyses suggested that glycerol may play a role in exploration, and we found that glycerol supplementation dramatically enhanced the exploration response in many streptomycetes. This work sheds new light on the regulatory and metabolic cues that influence a fascinating new microbial behavior.