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Complete Genome Sequence of Sinorhizobium Phage ΦM6, the First Terrestrial Phage of a Marine Phage Group

Tess E Brewer1, Brian K Washburn2, Jason S Lynn1

  • 1Department of Biological Science, Biology Unit I, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.

Microbiology Resource Announcements
|December 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Sinorhizobium phage ΦM6 infects Sinorhizobium meliloti, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium. Its genome analysis reveals unique characteristics, distinguishing it from other known rhizobial phages and showing resemblance to marine phages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Sinorhizobium meliloti is a crucial nitrogen-fixing bacterium.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and play roles in microbial ecology.
  • Understanding phage diversity is essential for microbial community dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the Sinorhizobium phage ΦM6.
  • To determine the genomic features of ΦM6.
  • To compare ΦM6 with other known phages, particularly rhizobial and marine phages.

Main Methods:

  • Bacteriophage isolation and characterization.
  • Genome sequencing of ΦM6.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of the ΦM6 genome.
  • Comparative genomics with related phage genomes.

Main Results:

  • Sinorhizobium phage ΦM6 was isolated and characterized.
  • The ΦM6 genome is 68,176 bp and predicted to encode 121 open reading frames.
  • ΦM6 shares limited genomic similarity (10 ORFs) with other Sinorhizobium phages.
  • ΦM6 exhibits greater genomic resemblance to marine phages like Puniceispirillum phage HMO-2011.

Conclusions:

  • Phage ΦM6 represents a distinct lineage of Sinorhizobium-infecting phages.
  • Its genetic makeup suggests a potential marine origin or significant horizontal gene transfer.
  • ΦM6 expands our understanding of phage diversity within the Sinorhizobium-host system.

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