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Genome annotation and intraviral interactome for the Streptococcus pneumoniae virulent phage Dp-1

Mourad Sabri1, Roman Häuser, Marc Ouellette

  • 1Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et Bio-Informatiques, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Félix d' Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.

Journal of Bacteriology
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study fully characterizes the virulent Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteriophage Dp-1, revealing its genomic sequence and novel replication mechanisms. The findings provide insights into phage-host interactions and Dp-1 structure.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae causes severe diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.
  • Bacteriophage Dp-1 is a rare virulent phage of S. pneumoniae with limited characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform a comprehensive characterization of bacteriophage Dp-1.
  • To determine the complete genomic sequence and analyze the structure and function of Dp-1.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing and analysis (Siphoviridae family classification, ORF identification, promoter/terminator analysis).
  • Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for identifying structural proteins.
  • Yeast two-hybrid screens for mapping phage protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Confirmed Dp-1 as a Siphoviridae phage with a 56,506 bp genome encoding 72 ORFs (44 functionally assigned).
  • Identified potential novel DNA replication systems and host protein synthesis redirection via queuosine tRNAs.
  • Characterized eight structural proteins and mapped 156 phage protein interactions, enabling a structural model proposal.

Conclusions:

  • The complete characterization of Dp-1 provides a foundation for its potential use in phage therapy against S. pneumoniae.
  • Dp-1 possesses unique genetic elements and interaction networks that warrant further investigation.

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