Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
09:40
Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
Comparative genomic analysis of twelve Streptococcus suis (pro)phages
Fang Tang1, Alex Bossers, Frank Harders
1Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Genomics
|April 17, 2013
Summary
This study analyzed Streptococcus suis (S. suis) prophages, revealing five distinct groups. Some prophages carry virulence genes, suggesting they enhance S. suis pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a significant bacterial pathogen.
- Bacteriophages, particularly prophages, are frequently found integrated into bacterial genomes.
- The role of prophages in S. suis pathogenicity remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative genomic analysis of twelve prophages identified in S. suis isolates.
- To characterize the genetic organization and phylogenetic relationships of these prophages.
- To investigate the potential contribution of prophage-encoded genes to S. suis virulence.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of twelve (pro)phage genomes from S. suis isolates.
- Prediction and functional annotation of open reading frames (ORFs).
- Phylogenetic analysis of prophage sequences.
Main Results:
- The twelve (pro)phages were organized into five major functional gene clusters: lysogeny, replication, packaging, morphogenesis, and lysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis divided the prophages into five distinct groups.
- Prophages in groups 1, 2, and 3 exhibited similar genome content, while groups 4 and 5 had distinct genome structures.
- Several prophages carried genes homologous to known virulence factors, including virulence associated protein E, toxin-antitoxin systems, Clp protease, and DNA methyltransferase.
Conclusions:
- The analyzed (pro)phages possess distinct functional gene clusters and phylogenetic relationships.
- The presence of virulence-associated genes on these prophages indicates their potential role in enhancing S. suis pathogenicity.
- Prophage-host interactions represent a crucial factor in S. suis virulence and disease potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:26DNA Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
00:43Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
00:46Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes
The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
01:16Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects its...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...