The family myxococcaceae

Abstract

Myxococcaceae belong to the suborder Cystobacterineae in order Myxococcales and comprise three genera validly described as Myxococcus, Corallococcus, and Pyxidicoccus. Members of this family are widely distributed in soil and also occur in freshwater and marine environment. Myxococcus and Corallococcus appear to be the most commonly isolated myxobacterial genera in almost every soil sample. Myxococcaceae family covers the best explored and studied myxobacteria with a wide scope of research. The family's pioneering and significant contributions to the order Myxococcales include (1) first genome to be sequenced, (2) discovery of first replicating plasmid, and (3) discovery of first bacteriophage. To date, several genomes are available belonging to Myxococcus and Corallococcus, and sequencing of Pyxidicoccus is ongoing. Albeit being common in the environment, metagenomics studies revealed that many members of this family still remain not cultivated. The important application of Myxococacceae family is reflected primarily on diverse secondary metabolites acting as antimicrobials, antiparasitics, antivirals, cytotoxins, and anti-blood coagulants. Bacteriocin-like activity and the potential application as biocontrol agent were also determined. Natural product discovery in this family appears promising as an important source of future drugs.