Multiple Antifungals Support Leafcutter Ants
Author Information
Author(s): Seipke Ryan F., Barke Jörg, Brearley Charles, Hill Lionel, Yu Douglas W., Goss Rebecca J. M., Hutchings Matthew I.
Primary Institution: School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
We hypothesize that production of multiple antifungals with different targets by single Actinobacterial species would make them more attractive to the ants as mutualists.
Conclusion
The study concludes that a single Streptomyces strain produces multiple antifungal compounds that help protect leafcutter ants' fungus gardens from pathogens.
Supporting Evidence
- Streptomyces S4 produces candicidin and multiple antimycin compounds.
- Disruption of the candicidin and antimycin gene clusters did not affect bioactivity against the pathogen Escovopsis.
- The genome analysis identified multiple antibiotic biosynthetic pathways in the Streptomyces strain.
Takeaway
This study found that a type of bacteria helps ants by making different medicines to keep their fungus healthy and safe from bad germs.
Methodology
Genome sequencing and analysis were performed to identify antibiotic biosynthetic pathways, followed by gene disruptions and mass spectrometry to assess antifungal activity.
Limitations
The study does not identify all antifungal compounds produced by the Streptomyces strain, leaving some questions about its full biosynthetic capabilities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website