A5039479896- Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Plant Disease Resistance and Genetics
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Insect behavior and control techniques
- Marine Sponges and Natural Products
- Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control
- Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis
University of Toronto
2015-2023
ORCID
2020
Canada Research Chairs
2015
University of New Brunswick
2015
It has long been thought that the life cycle of Streptomyces bacteria encompasses three developmental stages: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae and spores. Here, we show interactions between fungi trigger a previously unobserved mode development. We term these cells ‘explorers’, for their ability to adopt non-branching hyphal conformation rapidly transverse solid surfaces. Fungi exploratory growth in part by altering composition medium, explorer can communicate this behaviour other physically...
Most existing antibiotics were discovered through screens of environmental microbes, particularly the streptomycetes, for capacity to prevent growth pathogenic bacteria. This "activity-guided screening" method has been largely abandoned because it repeatedly rediscovers those compounds that are highly expressed during laboratory culture. these metabolites have already biochemically characterized. However, sequencing streptomycete genomes revealed a large number "cryptic" secondary metabolic...
Bacteria in the genus Streptomyces are found ubiquitously nature and known for number diversity of specialized metabolites they produce, as well their complex developmental lifecycle. Studies viruses that prey on Streptomyces, phages, have aided development tools genetic manipulation these bacteria, contributing to a deeper understanding behaviours environment. Here, we present genomic biological characterization twelve phages. Genome analyses reveal phages closely related genetically, while...
Actinobacteria produce antibacterial and antifungal specialized metabolites. Many insects harbour actinobacteria on their bodies or in nests use these metabolites for protection. However, some that are toxic to the evolutionary relevance of this toxicity is unknown. Here we explore chemical interactions between streptomycetes fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We find many have potent larvicidal effects against fly; larvae ingest spores species die. The mechanism specific bacterium's...
Abstract Bacteria in the genus Streptomyces are found ubiquitously nature and known for number diversity of specialized metabolites they produce, as well their complex developmental lifecycle. Studies viruses that prey on , phages, have aided development tools genetic manipulation these bacteria, contributing to a deeper understanding behaviours environment. Here, we present genomic biological characterization twelve phages. Genome analyses reveal phages closely related genetically, while...
Abstract Actinobacteria such as the filamentous streptomycetes are widely known for their ability to produce specialized metabolites that include antibacterial and antifungal compounds. In addition, a growing body of work demonstrates many insects harbour actinobacteria on bodies in nests. The result these mutualistic relationships is protection offspring or food sources by virtue bacterially encoded metabolites. However, some molecules toxic relevance this toxicity nature unknown. We have...