Genetic Analysis of SCO2997, Encoding a TagF Homologue, Indicates a Role for Wall Teichoic Acids in Sporulation of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

Streptomyces coelicolor contains two gene clusters putatively involved in wall teichoic acid biosynthesis. Inactivation of the tagF homologue SCO2997 or SCO2584, a component of the Streptomyces spore wall synthesizing complex, affected sporulation. The mutant phenotypes resembled those of mre mutants, suggesting a function of wall teichoic acids in the differentiation of Streptomyces.