ST(R)EP BY ST(R)EP
Have you ever thought what it would be like if we had an instruction manual for creating new antibiotics and antitumor drugs for Streptomyces?
Streptomyces: The Hidden Treasure of Secondary Metabolites
Have you ever heard of Streptomyces before? Chances are, you haven't. These bacteria are still relatively unknown and unexplored in the scientific community. Yet, within their microorganisms, they conceal several "treasures," one of which is the production of antibiotics. So, let's get to know them a little better.
In the world of microbiology, the importance of Streptomyces bacteria shines brightly. These remarkable organisms are renowned for their ability to thrive in diverse environments while producing secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites include antibiotics, antitumor drugs, vitamins, and other substances with tremendous potential for treating diseases. But that's not all; Streptomyces contributes significantly to the soil and plant ecosystem. They can act as biofertilizers and biocontrollers, benefiting agriculture on a grand scale.
Streptomyces is a fascinating genus of bacteria. They are filamentous, mycelial, gram-positive, and aerobic organisms with a remarkable ability to harness organic compounds as an energy source. You can easily find them in their most common habitat: soil. Some species of Streptomyces are responsible for the delightful "Petrichor" effect, releasing the scent of wet earth into the atmosphere when it rains. This effect is attributed to a molecule called geosmin, which Streptomyces produces.
Cosmomycin D is an anthracycline produced by Streptomyces olidensis, with potential anticancer and bactericidal properties.
Anthracyclines belong to a group of glycosides derived from quinone 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-5,12-naphthacene, and they are part of the aromatic polyketide antibiotics family. These molecules exhibit activity against bacteria, fungi, and cytotoxic properties against certain tumor types. The antineoplastic activities of anthracyclines are attributed to the inhibition of DNA biosynthesis in target cells, caused by strong non-covalent intercalation with DNA.
Economic Significance
In the realm of synthetic biology, advances have enabled the production of pharmaceutical compounds in microorganisms. Currently, the majority of antibiotics are sourced from microorganisms, which is the most economically and environmentally viable method. It's estimated that a whopping 80% of antibiotic production comes from actinobacteria, particularly Streptomyces. Therefore, understanding these bacteria and how to manipulate them is crucial for boosting the production of secondary metabolites.
St(r)ep by St(r)ep: Our Inspiration
Given the crucial role of medicines in saving lives, our team drew inspiration from the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to contribute to a world where everyone has access to rapid, affordable, and effective cancer treatment and more. According to the IHME Global Burden of Disease, in 2017, over 9 million people died from cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide. As seen in the following chart, infectious diseases are the third leading cause of death, signaling a global concern. Our goal is to make a difference.