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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
13.0K
Lactococcal 949 group phages recognize a carbohydrate receptor on the host cell surface
Jennifer Mahony1, Walter Randazzo2, Horst Neve3
1School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|March 10, 2015
Summary
A novel lactococcal bacteriophage, WRP3, has the largest genome sequenced to date. Researchers identified its receptor binding protein and confirmed it targets cell wall components, aiding in preventing dairy fermentation failures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Lactococcal bacteriophages are a major cause of dairy fermentation issues.
- Phage WRP3, isolated from cheese whey, belongs to the 949 phage group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genome and host interaction of the lactococcal phage WRP3.
- To identify the specific receptors targeted by 949 group phages.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing of phage WRP3.
- Bioinformatic analysis of open reading frames (ORFs).
- Determination of phage-host interaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- WRP3 possesses the largest known lactococcal phage genome (130,008 bp).
- Functional assignment of ORFs, including the receptor binding protein.
- Demonstration that 949 phages utilize cell wall phospho-polysaccharides as receptors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding WRP3's genome and receptor interaction provides insights into phage specificity.
- This knowledge can help in selecting dairy starter cultures resistant to phage infection.
- Mitigation strategies for phage-related dairy production losses can be developed.
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