Ms. Kimia Hasani, Dr. Fatemeh Shahryari,
Volume 13, Issue 2 ((Spring and Summer) 2024)
The genus Streptomyces belongs to the actinomycetes, which is an aerobic, gram-positive and multicellular bacterium. The members of this genus are mostly known as soil-dwelling bacteria. However, they are found in various environments such as marine sediments, freshwater ecosystems, symbiotic with insects and sponges, and plant endophytes. In particular, only a few pathogenic species of this genus have been identified that cause disease in plants and humans. Beyond the range of distribution, specific genomic features, unusual mushroom-like growth mode, impressive metabolic capabilities, including the ability to produce diverse antibiotics and other bioactive natural products, have made members of this genus attractive organisms for study. They are also among the most promising microorganisms for improving the overall health of the soil and increasing agricultural productivity. Approximately two-thirds of all known actinomycete antibiotics are produced primarily by members of this genus. The metabolites of this genus have a wide spectrum including cyclic and linear peptides, terpenoids, macrolactams, macrolides, glycosides, polyaromatics and linear polyketides. The discovery of numerous and different compounds shows the high potential of Streptomyces as a source of new and interesting natural products.
