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06:10
Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
Published on: October 14, 2011
Anatomy of a lactococcal phage tail
Stephen Mc Grath1, Horst Neve, Jos F M L Seegers
1Department of Microbiology, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland. smcgrath@ucc.ie
Journal of Bacteriology
|May 19, 2006
Summary
Researchers detailed the tail anatomy of lactococcal phage Tuc2009, a Siphoviridae bacteriophage infecting gram-positive bacteria. This study reveals structural similarities to phage lambda, advancing our understanding of phage-host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Bacteriophages in the Siphoviridae family possess long, noncontractile tails crucial for host recognition, DNA injection, and infection.
- While the tail anatomy of lambda phage (a model Siphoviridae) is well-characterized, less is known about phages infecting Gram-positive bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed anatomical description of the tail structure of lactococcal phage Tuc2009, a representative Siphoviridae phage infecting Gram-positive bacteria.
- To correlate genetic information with specific architectural components of the phage tail.
Main Methods:
- N-terminal protein sequencing
- Western blotting
- Immunogold transmission electron microscopy
Main Results:
- The tail superstructure of lactococcal phage Tuc2009 was elucidated, revealing a detailed anatomical map.
- A striking structural parity was observed between the Tuc2009 tail and that of the archetypal Siphoviridae phage lambda.
- A model for Tuc2009 tail architecture was reinforced, and potential genetic submodules encoding specific tail structures were identified through comparative analysis.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of Tuc2009 tail anatomy, highlighting conserved features within the Siphoviridae family.
- The findings contribute to a refined model of phage tail architecture and identify potential genetic elements responsible for specific structural components.
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