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The distribution of a phage-related insertion sequence element in the cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa

Sotaro Kuno1, Takashi Yoshida, Ryoma Kamikawa

  • 1Department of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606–8502, Japan.

Microbes and Environments
|May 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A cyanophage insertion sequence element, IS607-cp, was found in multiple Microcystis aeruginosa strains. This element may transfer between cyanobacteria and phages, influencing genome plasticity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cyanophages, viruses that infect cyanobacteria, play roles in marine ecosystems.
  • Insertion sequences (IS) are mobile genetic elements that can alter host genomes.
  • The cyanophage Ma-LMM01 infects Microcystis aeruginosa, a globally significant bloom-forming cyanobacterium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize an insertion sequence (IS) element in the cyanophage Ma-LMM01.
  • To investigate the presence and distribution of this IS element in different strains of Microcystis aeruginosa.
  • To explore the potential for horizontal gene transfer of the IS element between cyanobacteria and their phages.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect the IS607-cp element.
  • Thermal Asymmetric Interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR) was employed to determine the insertion sites and copy numbers of the IS element.
  • Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using nucleotide sequences of IS elements from various bacteria.

Main Results:

  • The cyanophage Ma-LMM01 harbors an insertion sequence element, designated IS607-cp, with high similarity to elements in cyanobacteria.
  • IS607-cp was detected in four out of 21 tested M. aeruginosa strains, with multiple copies present in each.
  • Different insertion patterns of IS607-cp were observed across the strains, suggesting replicative transposition.
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicated potential transfer of IS607-cp between M. aeruginosa and Cyanothece spp., mediated by phages.

Conclusions:

  • The cyanophage-associated insertion sequence IS607-cp is present in several M. aeruginosa strains.
  • Ma-LMM01-related phages may act as vectors for IS607-cp transfer, contributing to genome plasticity in M. aeruginosa.
  • Understanding IS element dynamics is crucial for comprehending cyanobacterial evolution and adaptation.

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