Transcriptomics-Driven Characterization of LUZ100, a T7-like Pseudomonas Phage with Temperate Features

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Bacteriophage Research
• Genomics and Transcriptomics

Background:

• The Autographiviridae family, including phage T7, is known for its lytic lifestyle.
• Recent discoveries suggest some T7-like phages may possess temperate characteristics, challenging established models.
• Understanding phage life cycles is crucial for applications like phage therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage LUZ100, a T7 relative.
• To investigate the peculiar infection dynamics and genomic features of LUZ100.
• To elucidate the LUZ100 transcriptome using ONT-cappable-seq analysis.

Main Methods:

• Genomic analysis of LUZ100.
• Infection dynamics studies.
• ONT-cappable-seq transcriptomics.

Main Results:

• LUZ100, a podovirus using LPS receptor, shows moderate adsorption and low virulence.
• Genomic analysis revealed T7-like organization with temperate lifestyle genes.
• Transcriptomic data identified regulatory elements, antisense RNA, and novel RNAP-promoter pairs.
• LUZ100 integrase and MarR-like regulator are cotranscribed; phage RNAP regulation is linked to MarR-based control.

Conclusions:

• LUZ100 exhibits characteristics of a temperate phage, contrary to the typical Autographiviridae model.
• Transcriptomics revealed key regulatory insights and potential biotechnological tools.
• The findings suggest temperate T7-like phages are more common than previously thought.
• This study enhances understanding of nonmodel Autographiviridae phages for phage therapy and synthetic biology.