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Bacteriophages with tails: chasing their origins and evolution.
Roger W Hendrix1, Graham F Hatfull, Margaret C M Smith
1Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. rhx@pitt.edu
Research in Microbiology
|June 12, 2003
Summary
Tailed bacteriophages evolve through extensive horizontal gene exchange, leading to mosaic genomes. This genetic exchange shapes phage evolution by sharing functions and introducing new ones.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Tailed bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous viruses with complex genomes.
- Understanding phage evolution is crucial for various biological and biotechnological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of horizontal sequence exchange in the evolution of tailed bacteriophages.
- To analyze the patterns and consequences of genetic exchange within and between phage populations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of tailed bacteriophage genomes.
- Identification and characterization of homologous and analogous gene exchanges.
- Analysis of novel genetic elements (e.g., morons) within phage genomes.
Main Results:
- Tailed phages exhibit genetically mosaic genomes, indicating significant horizontal sequence exchange.
- Intensive gene exchange occurs among closely related phages, with reduced frequency across the broader phage population.
- Horizontal exchange facilitates the acquisition of homologous and analogous functions, as well as novel genes (morons).
Conclusions:
- Horizontal gene exchange is a major driving force in the evolution of tailed bacteriophages.
- These exchange processes contribute to the diversification and adaptation of phage genomes.
- The findings support a model for the origins and early evolution of phages based on genetic exchange mechanisms.