Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages HarryOW and Peeb

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Genomics

Background:

• Mycobacterium smegmatis is a model organism for studying mycobacteria.
• Temperate phages are viruses that can integrate into the host genome or replicate independently.
• Phage discovery and characterization are crucial for understanding microbial ecosystems and developing phage-based therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize novel temperate phages of Mycobacterium smegmatis.
• To determine the genome size and subcluster classification of the isolated phages, HarryOW and Peeb.
• To provide annotated genomic data for these phages.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of phages from environmental samples.
• Genome sequencing and assembly.
• Bioinformatic analysis for genome annotation and subcluster classification.

Main Results:

• Two temperate phages, HarryOW (52,935 bp) and Peeb (41,876 bp), were successfully isolated and sequenced.
• HarryOW was classified into subcluster A1, while Peeb belongs to subcluster G1.
• The genomes were annotated, providing valuable genetic information.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified and characterized two new Mycobacterium smegmatis phages.
• The genomic data and subcluster classifications of HarryOW and Peeb advance the understanding of Siphoviridae diversity.
• Student participation in the Science and Technology Entry Program facilitated these discoveries.