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Comparative Analysis of 37 Acinetobacter Bacteriophages
Dann Turner1, Hans-Wolfgang Ackermann2, Andrew M Kropinski3
1Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK. Dann2.Turner@uwe.ac.uk.
Viruses
|January 4, 2018
Summary
Researchers analyzed Acinetobacter phage genomes to understand their diversity. This bioinformatics study identified six genomic clusters and two singletons, aiding in the taxonomic classification of these important bacterial viruses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bioinformatics
- Virology
Background:
- Acinetobacter species, particularly multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, are significant clinical pathogens.
- Research into Acinetobacter phages is crucial for developing phage therapy and phage-derived antimicrobials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a comparative bioinformatics analysis of Acinetobacter phage genomes.
- To establish a genomic and proteomic framework for Acinetobacter phages.
- To update the taxonomic classification of Acinetobacter phages.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 37 Acinetobacter phage genome sequences.
- Clustering based on genomic organization and nucleotide sequence identity.
- Proteomic analysis using OrthoMCL to establish protein relationships.
Main Results:
- The 37 Acinetobacter phages were organized into six distinct genomic clusters and two singletons.
- Proteomic analysis supported the genomic clustering, identifying 737 protein groups and 974 orphans.
- Over half of the identified phage proteins have unknown functions, highlighting a gap in knowledge.
Conclusions:
- The comparative genomic and proteomic analysis provides an updated taxonomic framework for Acinetobacter phages.
- This classification aids in understanding the diversity and evolution of phages infecting Acinetobacter.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the function of the numerous uncharacterized phage proteins.
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