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Virus-Host Interaction Gets Curiouser and Curiouser. PART I: Phage P1vir Enhanced Development in an E. coli

Grzegorz M Cech1, Anna Kloska2, Klaudyna Krause1

  • 1Department of Bacterial Molecular Genetics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial DksA protein deficiency enhances bacteriophage P1 lytic development. This study reveals improved phage replication and gene expression in dksA mutant hosts, leading to more efficient P1 phage propagation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Bacteriophage P1 is a well-characterized bacterial virus widely used in molecular biology.
  • The DksA protein in E. coli acts as a global transcription regulator, influencing various cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of host cell DksA protein deficiency on the lytic development of bacteriophage P1.
  • To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying improved P1 phage development in dksA mutant E. coli.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic and microbiological approaches were employed to study P1vir biology in dksA mutant hosts.
  • Analysis of phage adsorption, DNA replication, and gene expression (C1, Lpa, lysozyme) was performed.

Main Results:

  • DksA deficiency led to minor improvements in P1 phage development, including enhanced bacterial cell adsorption and phage DNA replication.
  • Gene expression of key phage elements, including the lysogeny repressor C1, Lpa, and lysozyme, was downregulated in the dksA mutant.
  • Nucleotide substitutions in the P1vir immI region were identified, potentially contributing to its virulence.

Conclusions:

  • DksA deficiency appears to promote P1 lytic development through a combination of factors, including improved replication and altered gene expression.
  • Downregulation of C1 may reduce lysogeny repression, suggesting a balance between lysis and lysogeny, with a final outcome favoring lysis.
  • The cumulative effect of these minor improvements results in more efficient P1 phage development in DksA-deficient hosts.
Keywords:
DksAP1 phageP1vir bacteriophagehost-virus interactionslytic development

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