Resolving systematic uncertainty in Streptomyces by interpreting their evolution and biogeography through the prism of horizontal gene exchange

链霉菌普遍存在于土壤中，是一种细菌，我们一半以上的临床有用生物活性化合物都是从它们那里获得的。然而，我们缺乏一个连贯的分类学框架来解释抗生素生产在该属中的生态和进化意义。水平基因交换被认为在某些细菌谱系中是深刻的，并有望解释链霉菌的分类挑战。这个项目将研究链霉菌属的遗传多样性以及产生这些模式的进化力量。该项目具有变革性，因为它研究了一种理解链霉菌进化史的新范式。这一新的范式应该对我们理解微生物进化和抗生素生产的进化产生重大影响。我们对链霉菌进化史的有限了解阻碍了对抗生素进化的理解。关于链霉菌生物地理学和进化的信息应该促进合理抽样战略的发展，以发现不同的菌株和新的生物活性化合物。该项目包括一项针对高中科学教师和学生的新的外展工作，允许他们通过对当地土壤进行采样来参与我们的研究工作。一名博士后研究员、一名研究生和本科生也将在这个项目中接受培训和指导。

Ubiquitous in soils, streptomycetes are bacteria from which we derive more than half of all clinically useful bioactive compounds. However, we lack a coherent taxonomic framework to explain the ecological and evolutionary significance of antibiotic production in the genus. Horizontal gene exchange is hypothesized to be profound within certain bacterial lineages and is expected to explain taxonomic challenges in Streptomyces. This project will examine genetic diversity in the genus Streptomyces and the evolutionary forces that generate these patterns. The project is transformational in that it examines a new paradigm for understanding the evolutionary history of streptomycetes. This new paradigm should have a dramatic impact on our understanding of microbial evolution and the evolution of antibiotic production.Our limited knowledge of the evolutionary history of Streptomyces bacteria has impeded progress in understanding the evolution of antibiotics. Information on the biogeography and evolution of Streptomyces should promote development of rational sampling strategies for discovering diverse strains and novel bioactive compounds. This project includes a novel outreach effort for high school science teachers and students, allowing them to participate in our research efforts through sampling of their local soils. A postdoctoral researcher, a graduate student, and undergraduates will also receive training and mentorship in this project.