Mechanism of action of the BldB/AbaA proteins

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Streptomyces coelicolor is a superb experimental model for a large family of spore-forming and antibiotic-producing bacteria. Unlike simpler bacteria, the streptomycetes grow in via defined a life cycle that is similar to those of many eukaryotic fungi. This commences with spore germination and the generation of filamentous substrate hyphae. These grow by elongating and branching to produce a substrate mycelium. After 1-2 days a second cell type, the aerial hyphae, appears on the surface of the substrate mycelium, grows up into the air and metamorphoses into spores. While spore formation is taking place in the aerial hyphae, the substrate hyphae produce antibiotics such that the next generation (the spores) is protected from predators. Most currently employed antibiotics are produced by the streptomycetes. My NSERC-funded work is aimed at understanding the differentiation of the substrate and aerial hyphae. In the process we intend to solve the mechanism of action of a novel family of proteins.