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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins

Published on: June 11, 2015

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The heterogenous and diverse population of prophages in Mycobacterium genomes

Lawrence Abad1, Christian H Gauthier1, Isabella Florian1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Msystems
|October 4, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycobacterium abscessus infections can be treated with mycobacteriophages, but therapies require personalization. Researchers identified diverse prophages in M. abscessus genomes, offering a new source of therapeutic phages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Bacteriophage Therapy

Background:

  • Mycobacterium species are significant human pathogens.
  • Mycobacteriophages show promise for treating Mycobacterium infections.
  • Phage susceptibility varies among clinical isolates, necessitating personalized phage therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify prophage and phage-related genomic regions in sequenced Mycobacterium strains.
  • To explore the diversity of prophages, particularly in Mycobacterium abscessus.
  • To assess the potential of these prophages as a source for novel therapeutic agents.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of sequenced Mycobacterium genomes.
  • Identification and characterization of prophage and phage-related sequences.
  • Assessment of prophage diversity and abundance.

Main Results:

  • Numerous and diverse prophages were identified across Mycobacterium strains.
  • Mycobacterium abscessus genomes harbor a particularly rich reservoir of prophages.
  • These prophages represent potential candidates for lytic propagation and therapeutic use.

Conclusions:

  • The genomic analysis reveals a substantial pool of novel phages within Mycobacterium genomes.
  • Targeting these prophages can expand the arsenal of mycobacteriophages for clinical applications.
  • Personalized phage therapy strategies can be enhanced by exploring these genomic resources.
Keywords:
Mycobacteriumbacteriophagesprophages

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