Evolution and Ecology of Actinobacteria and Their Bioenergy Applications.
The ancient phylum Actinobacteria is composed of phylogenetically and physiologically diverse bacteria that help Earth's ecosystems function. As free-living organisms and symbionts of herbivorous animals, Actinobacteria contribute to the global carbon cycle through the breakdown of plant biomass. In addition, they mediate community dynamics as producers of small molecules with diverse biological activities. Together, the evolution of high cellulolytic ability and diverse chemistry, shaped by their ecological roles in nature, make Actinobacteria a promising group for the bioenergy industry. Specifically, their enzymes can contribute to industrial-scale breakdown of cellulosic plant biomass into simple sugars that can then be converted into biofuels. Furthermore, harnessing their ability to biosynthesize a range of small molecules has potential for the production of specialty biofuels.
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.
Gina R
GR
Lewin
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.
Camila
C
Carlos
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
Marc G
MG
Chevrette
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.
Heidi A
HA
Horn
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.
Bradon R
BR
McDonald
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.
Robert J
RJ
Stankey
Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.|Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
Brian G
BG
Fox
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706; email: currie@bact.wisc.edu.|Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53726.
Cameron R
CR
Currie
D039903:Actinobacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D044822:Biodiversity; D056804:Biofuels / Q000032:analysis*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001709:Biotechnology
D056804:Biofuels
Streptomyces; actinomycetes; biofuels; biotechnology; cellulases; symbiosis