Streptomyces avermitilis

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Streptomyces avermitilis

Classification

Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteridae; Actinomycetales; Streptomycineae; Streptomycetaceae; Streptomyces; Streptomyces avermitilis

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Streptomyces avermitilis

Genome structure

Streptomyces avermitilis was first isolated in 1979 at Kitasato Institute from a soil sample collected at Kawana, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was sent to Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories for screen testing. (1)

This particular Streptomyces species dwells in terrestrial soils and has a brownish-gray spore mass. The spores are spherical (as opposed to oval) with a smooth spore surface and come in chains of more than 15. The sporophores form spiral side branches on aerial mycelia. (1)

S. avermitilis is an important species to have its genome sequenced because it produces certain secondary metabolites, called avermectins, that have antihelmintic and insecticidal properties. (2)

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

(1) Burg, R., Miller, B., Baker, E., Birnbaum, J. et. al. "Avermectins, New Family of Potent Anthelmintic Agents: Producing Organism and Fermentation." Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. March 1979. Vol 15, No 3, p. 361-367.

(2) Demain, A. "Pharmaceutically active secondary metabolites of microorganisms." Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 1999. Vol 52, p. 455-463.

Edited by Jennifer Woods, student of Rachel Larsen