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Two Synechococcus genes, Two Different Effects on Cyanophage Infection
Ayalla Fedida1, Debbie Lindell2
1Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel. aya.shlos@gmail.com.
Viruses
|June 3, 2017
Summary
Marine cyanobacteria like Synechococcus are vital for primary production. This study reveals that specific host genes can either aid or hinder cyanophage Syn9 infection, impacting phage production and host-pathogen dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Synechococcus cyanobacteria are abundant marine microbes crucial for primary production.
- Lytic phages significantly influence cyanobacterial populations and evolution.
- Previous studies showed some Synechococcus genes are upregulated during cyanophage Syn9 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of two specific Synechococcus host-response genes (SYNW1659 and SYNW1946) during cyanophage Syn9 infection.
- To determine if these genes influence phage replication and progeny yield.
Main Methods:
- Gene inactivation of SYNW1659 (DUF3387) and SYNW1946 (PIN-PhoH) in Synechococcus sp. strain WH8102.
- Assessing the impact of mutations on host growth and Syn9 lytic cycle.
- Quantifying phage DNA replication and progeny yield in mutant versus wild-type strains.
Main Results:
- Inactivation of SYNW1659 (DUF3387) reduced phage DNA replication and progeny yield.
- Inactivation of SYNW1946 (PIN-PhoH) increased phage DNA replication and progeny yield.
- Neither mutation affected host growth or the Syn9 lytic cycle duration.
Conclusions:
- Host-response genes play a critical role during cyanophage infection.
- SYNW1659 product appears to support phage production, potentially being exploited by the phage.
- SYNW1946 product seems to act as a defense mechanism, restraining the infection process.
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