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Sequence analysis of the Mycoplasma arthritidis bacteriophage MAV1 genome identifies the putative virulence factor
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Comparative Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA. leroy_l_voelker@sbphrd.com
Abstract:
The bacteriophage MAV1 is required for the development of arthritis in rats after infection with its host Mycoplasma arthritidis. To identify the phage-encoded virulence factor for this arthritis, the complete nucleotide sequence of MAV1 was determined. The linear double-stranded genome of MAV1 is 15644bp and contains 15 ORFs. Putative protein products from these ORFs were identified by comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences to known proteins and comprise DNA replication, restriction-modification, structural, regulatory, and integration/excision proteins. Eight putative promoters were identified; four of these would produce polycistronic transcripts. Translation of each ORF appears to be initiated independently, with each having its own RBS. A single ORF, vir, was identified on the minus strand of the phage genome. The putative protein product of vir contains a classic prokaryotic lipoprotein signal sequence and is a strong candidate for the MAV1-encoded virulence determinant.
Insights
The MAV1 bacteriophage causes arthritis in rats. Researchers sequenced the MAV1 genome and identified a specific gene, vir, as a likely cause of this Mycoplasma arthritidis-induced disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bacteriophage MAV1 is essential for arthritis development in rats following Mycoplasma arthritidis infection.
- Identifying the specific phage-encoded virulence factor is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the MAV1 bacteriophage.
- To identify potential virulence factors encoded by MAV1.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing of the MAV1 bacteriophage.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the MAV1 genome, including Open Reading Frame (ORF) identification and comparison to known protein databases.
- Analysis of putative promoter regions and translation initiation sites.
Main Results:
- The MAV1 genome is 15,644 bp and double-stranded, containing 15 ORFs.
- Deduced proteins include those involved in DNA replication, restriction-modification, structure, regulation, and integration/excision.
- A single ORF, 'vir', on the minus strand encodes a protein with a prokaryotic lipoprotein signal sequence, a strong candidate for the virulence determinant.
Conclusions:
- The 'vir' gene product is a primary candidate for the MAV1-encoded virulence factor responsible for arthritis.
- Understanding MAV1's genetic makeup provides insights into phage-host interactions and disease mechanisms.