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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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The genome of phiAsp2, an actinoplanes infecting phage

Martin Jarling1, Kai Bartkowiak, Hermann Pape

  • 1Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Corrensstrasse 3, 48149 Münster, Germany.

Virus Genes
|June 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The first genome of phage phiAsp2, infecting Actinoplanes bacteria, was sequenced. This unique viral genome features a circularly permuted chromosome with 76 open reading frames and distinct gene clusters.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Actinoplanes are eubacterial hosts of interest.
  • Viral genomes provide insights into microbial evolution and function.
  • Characterizing novel phages expands our understanding of viral diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the complete genome sequence of a novel virus, phage phiAsp2, infecting Actinoplanes.
  • To analyze the genomic structure and organization of phage phiAsp2.
  • To compare the phiAsp2 genome with other known viral genomes.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of phage phiAsp2.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify open reading frames (ORFs) and gene functions.
  • Comparative genomics to assess genomic similarity with other phages.

Main Results:

  • The genome of phage phiAsp2 is a 58,638 bp circularly permuted chromosome with a high G/C content (70.39%).
  • 76 open reading frames were identified, with 63 showing similar transcriptional orientations.
  • Functional gene clustering was observed for head, tail, DNA modification, repair, recombination, and packaging proteins.
  • Two regions showed homology to mycobacteriophage rosebush, but the overall genome structure is unique.

Conclusions:

  • Phage phiAsp2 represents the first sequenced genome from a virus infecting the Actinoplanes genus.
  • The genome exhibits a unique structure distinct from other known viral genomes.
  • The findings contribute to the understanding of phage diversity and evolution within the Actinoplanes host genus.

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