Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
09:40

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins

Published on: June 11, 2015

12.2K

Genomic and biological characteristics of a novel lytic phage, vB_MscM-PMS3, infecting the opportunistic zoonotic

Hyemin Kwon1, Seon Young Park2, Seungki Lee3

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.

Archives of Virology
|December 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a novel bacteriophage, vB_MscM-PMS3, capable of infecting and lysing Mammaliicoccus sciuri, an opportunistic pathogen. This unique phage exhibits distinct genomic and phylogenetic characteristics, setting it apart from known relatives.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Virology
  • Bacteriophage Research
  • Genomic Analysis

Background:

  • Mammaliicoccus sciuri is recognized as an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen affecting both humans and animals.
  • The need for novel antimicrobial strategies against such pathogens is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage with lytic activity against Mammaliicoccus sciuri.
  • To determine the genomic and phylogenetic uniqueness of the isolated phage.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and purification of bacteriophage vB_MscM-PMS3.
  • Determination of host range, including infection and lysis capabilities against M. sciuri and M. lentus.
  • Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, including ORF identification and tRNA gene detection.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome data and major capsid protein sequences.

Main Results:

  • The isolated phage, vB_MscM-PMS3, demonstrated the ability to infect and lyse M. sciuri and M. lentus.
  • The phage possesses a linear double-stranded DNA genome of 147,811 bp, encoding 206 ORFs and three tRNA genes.
  • Genomic analysis revealed low coverage (<17%) and sequence identity (<91.3%) compared to other known phage genomes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis placed vB_MscM-PMS3 within the Twortvirinae subfamily (Herelleviridae) but distinctly separated from other members.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage vB_MscM-PMS3 represents a novel phage with significant lytic activity against M. sciuri.
  • The unique genomic and phylogenetic profile of vB_MscM-PMS3 highlights its distinct evolutionary lineage.
  • This discovery contributes to the understanding of phage diversity and offers potential for phage therapy applications.

More Related Videos

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus11:28

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus

Published on: October 7, 2011

11.0K
Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi09:01

Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

Published on: September 28, 2022

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages01:30

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the...
70.7K
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages

In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
62.2K