Streptomyces bacteria are prolific producers of specialized metabolites, and have a well studied, complex life cycle. Recent work has revealed a new type of Streptomyces growth termed ‘exploration’ – so named for the ability of explorer cells to rapidly traverse solid surfaces. Streptomyces exploration is stimulated by fungal interactions, and is associated with the production of an alkaline volatile organic compound (VOC) capable of inducing exploration by other streptomycetes. Here, we examine Streptomyces exploration from the perspectives of interkingdom interactions, pH-induced morphological switches, and VOC-mediated communication. The phenotypic diversity that can be revealed through microbial interactions and VOC exposure is providing us with insight into novel modes of microbial development, and an opportunity to exploit VOCs to stimulate desired microbial behaviours.

链霉菌细菌是特殊代谢产物的多产者，并且具有经过充分研究的复杂生命周期。最近的工作揭示了一种新型的链霉菌生长，称为“探索”-因探索者细胞快速穿越固体表面的能力而得名。链霉菌的探索受真菌相互作用的刺激，并与能够诱导其他链霉菌探索的碱性挥发性有机化合物（VOC）的产生有关。在这里，我们检查链霉菌相互影响，pH诱导的形态转换和VOC介导的交流的角度进行探索。通过微生物相互作用和VOC暴露可以揭示表型多样性，这使我们对微生物发展的新模式有了更深入的了解，并为利用VOC刺激所需的微生物行为提供了机会。