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Published on: October 14, 2011
The Characteristics and Genome Analysis of vB_AviM_AVP, the First Phage Infecting Aerococcus viridans
Hengyu Xi1, Jiaxin Dai2, Yigang Tong3
1Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China. m15543135579@163.com.
Abstract:
Aerococcus viridans is an opportunistic pathogen that is clinically associated with various human and animal diseases. In this study, the first identified A. viridans phage, vB_AviM_AVP (abbreviated as AVP), was isolated and studied. AVP belongs to the family Myoviridae. AVP harbors a double-stranded DNA genome with a length of 133,806 bp and a G + C content of 34.51%. The genome sequence of AVP showed low similarity (<1% identity) to those of other phages, bacteria, or other organisms in the database. Among 165 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), there were only 69 gene products exhibiting similarity (≤65% identity) to proteins of known functions in the database. In addition, the other 36 gene products did not match any viral or prokaryotic sequences in any publicly available database. On the basis of the putative functions of the ORFs, the genome of AVP was divided into three modules: nucleotide metabolism and replication, structural components, and lysis. A phylogenetic analysis of the terminase large subunits and capsid proteins indicated that AVP represents a novel branch of phages. The observed characteristics of AVP indicate that it represents a new class of phages.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel bacteriophage, vB_AviM_AVP (AVP), targeting the opportunistic pathogen Aerococcus viridans. This discovery introduces a new phage class with unique genomic features, offering potential for new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Aerococcus viridans is an opportunistic pathogen linked to human and animal diseases.
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are potential therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the first identified bacteriophage infecting Aerococcus viridans.
- To determine the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of this novel phage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of the bacteriophage vB_AviM_AVP (AVP) from a relevant source.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the AVP genome.
- Phylogenetic analysis using conserved phage proteins (terminase large subunit, capsid proteins).
Main Results:
- The first Aerococcus viridans phage, AVP, belonging to the Myoviridae family, was isolated.
- AVP possesses a 133,806 bp double-stranded DNA genome with low similarity to known sequences, indicating novelty.
- Genomic analysis revealed three functional modules: nucleotide metabolism/replication, structural components, and lysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis positioned AVP as a distinct lineage, suggesting a new class of phages.
Conclusions:
- AVP represents a novel bacteriophage with a unique genome, distinct from previously characterized phages.
- The genomic and phylogenetic distinctiveness of AVP suggests it may represent a new phage class.
- This discovery opens avenues for further research into AVP's biological properties and potential applications.
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