They can be utilised to obtain mutations in specific genes which, by virtue of being tagged by the transposon, can subsequently be easily cloned. These genetic tools are now being used for functional genomics to identify the function of unknown genes identified by the ongoing S.coelicolor genome project. In their natural environment, Strepotmyces need to respond to changes to physical and chemical conditions. Another area is the response to a signalling compound produced by soya, Glycine max. Programmed cell death.
Antibiotic fermentations are notoriously susceptible to variations in yield.
Variation in antibiotic yield is partly a consequence of the timing of this cell turnover, which limits the productive stage of the stationary phase. In order to intervene to control this, we are investigating at the genetic level how cell death is programmed. These projects involve collaboration with other research groups in the UK, as well as groups in other European countries, North America and Asia. In Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Vol4, 2nd Ed pp451-466. Ed J. Lederberg.