Characterization of a novel temperate phage facilitatingin vitrodispersal of multicellular bacteria

ABSTRACT Streptomyces are renowned for their prolific production of specialized metabolites with applications in medicine and agriculture. These multicellular bacteria present a sophisticated developmental cycle, and play a key role in soil ecology. Little is known about Streptomyces -phage interactions and the impact of phages on Streptomyces physiology. In this study, we investigated the conditions governing the expression and production of ‘Samy’, a prophage found in Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC 23877. This siphoprophage is produced simultaneously with the activation of other mobile genetic elements. We show that Samy production increases bacterial dispersal under in vitro stress conditions. Altogether, we unveiled a new property of a bacteriophage infection that it is closely linked to the multicellular community life of Streptomyces bacteria. Graphical summary IMPORTANCE Streptomyces are multicellular bacteria producing valuable metabolites, including antibiotics, with applications in medicine and agriculture. In this study, we characterized a novel temperate phage, named Samy, and its impact on bacteria physiology. Remarkably, the presence and production of Samy increases bacterial dispersal under in vitro stress conditions. This constitutes an emerging property associated with bacteriophage infection that might enhance the spread of the species. Our study reveals a new aspect of bacteriophage infection in the context of multicellular aggregate dynamics.