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Intracellular Organization by Jumbo Bacteriophages.
Jingwen Guan1, Joseph Bondy-Denomy2,3,4
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|September 2, 2020
Summary
Jumbo phages, large viruses infecting bacteria, possess unique cytoskeletal elements and nucleus-like compartments. These structures organize phage DNA and enhance resistance, offering potential for phage therapy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are widely studied.
- Jumbo phages, a subclass of bacteriophages, are characterized by large genomes (200-500 kbp) and virions.
- Jumbo phages exhibit unique biological features, including a proteinaceous nucleus-like compartment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on jumbo phage cytoskeletal elements and their nuclear compartment.
- To highlight the role of these structures in viral life cycle organization.
- To discuss evolutionary links to eukaryotic viruses and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on jumbo phages.
- Analysis of unique biological features, including tubulin homologs and nuclear compartments.
- Comparative analysis with eukaryotic viruses and phage therapy applications.
Main Results:
- Jumbo phages utilize a conserved tubulin homolog to form a nucleus-like compartment for DNA segregation.
- This compartment, supported by a dynamic spindle, centers the phage nucleus within the host.
- The robust phage shell confers resistance to bacterial immune systems, broadening host range.
Conclusions:
- Jumbo phage cytoskeletal elements and nuclear compartments are crucial for spatial and temporal organization during infection.
- These features suggest evolutionary relationships between jumbo phages and eukaryotic viruses.
- Jumbo phages hold therapeutic potential as antimicrobial agents, though drawbacks exist.
Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas immune systemsPhuZ tubulin filamentcompartmentalizationjumbo bacteriophagenucleus-like structurephage therapyprotectionshellMore Related Videos
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