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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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Forced phage uncorking: viral DNA ejection triggered by a mechanically sensitive switch.

Miklós S Z Kellermayer1, Zsuzsanna Vörös, Gabriella Csík

  • 1Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 37-47, Budapest H-1094, Hungary. kellermayer.miklos@med.semmelweis-univ.hu.

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|January 11, 2018
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Summary

Researchers discovered that mechanically tapping bacteriophage T7 capsids triggers rapid DNA ejection. This process is driven by internal pressure and can be activated by external forces or tail fiber interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Virology

Background:

  • Bacteriophage infection begins with DNA ejection into host bacteria.
  • The precise trigger mechanism for this DNA ejection remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanical triggers of DNA ejection in single bacteriophage T7 particles.
  • To elucidate the role of intra-capsid pressure and tail fiber interactions in initiating ejection.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to apply controlled mechanical force to individual T7 phage particles.
  • Analyzed DNA ejection dynamics and kinetics in response to applied forces.
  • Investigated the effect of chemically immobilizing tail fibers on DNA ejection.

Main Results:

  • Mechanical tapping of the T7 phage capsid directly triggered rapid DNA ejection.
  • Ejection rate showed an exponential dependence on applied force, consistent with transition-state theory.
  • A significant activation energy barrier of 23 kcal mol⁻¹ was identified.
  • Ejected DNA conformation indicated a propulsive force originating from intra-capsid pressure.
  • Immobilizing tail fibers enhanced DNA ejection, suggesting a mechanically activated conformational switch.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanical force applied to the phage capsid is a key trigger for DNA ejection.
  • Intra-capsid pressure provides a propulsive force essential for DNA transfer.
  • The triggering mechanism likely involves a conformational switch activated by mechanical stimuli or tail fiber engagement.