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Phage vB_BmeM-Goe8 infecting Bacillus megaterium DSM319
Lina Paola Baena Lozada1, Michael Hoppert2, Robert Hertel3
1Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Archives of Virology
|December 22, 2019
Summary
This study characterizes the Bacillus megaterium phage vB_BmeM-Goe8. Its genome and Myoviridae morphology suggest a close relationship to SPO1-like phages, with Bacillus phage Mater as its nearest relative.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and play crucial roles in microbial ecosystems.
- Bacillus megaterium is a large, common soil bacterium with industrial applications.
- Characterizing novel phages provides insights into viral diversity and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a comprehensive genomic and morphological characterization of the Bacillus megaterium phage vB_BmeM-Goe8.
- To determine the phylogenetic position of vB_BmeM-Goe8 within the bacteriophage landscape.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and analysis (GC content, size, gene annotation).
- Transmission electron microscopy for morphological characterization.
- BLASTn comparison against the NCBI non-redundant nucleotide database.
Main Results:
- vB_BmeM-Goe8 possesses a 161,583 bp genome with 38.9% GC content and terminal repeats.
- The phage exhibits Myoviridae morphology, including a double baseplate, indicative of SPO1-like phage relatedness.
- Genomic analysis identified 11 tRNA genes and 246 coding DNA sequences, with 66 annotated.
Conclusions:
- vB_BmeM-Goe8 is a novel bacteriophage of Bacillus megaterium.
- Its genomic and morphological features place it within the SPO1-like phage group.
- Bacillus phage Mater is identified as the closest known relative of vB_BmeM-Goe8.
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