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Phage-host co-evolution has led to distinct generalized transduction strategies
Sanne Wolput1, Cédric Lood2,3, Alfred Fillol-Salom4
1Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant 3000, Belgium.
Nucleic Acids Research
|June 17, 2024
Summary
Bacteriophages like Salmonella Typhimurium phages exhibit varied abilities to transfer bacterial DNA. Specific host DNA sequences can significantly enhance this generalized transduction process by phages.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Genetics
Background:
- Generalized transduction is a key mechanism in bacterial evolution.
- Understanding the phage features and variations influencing transduction is limited.
- Headful packaging phages initiate DNA packaging from specific sites (pac sites).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the transducing particle content of three Salmonella Typhimurium phages (Det7, ES18, P22).
- To investigate the role of host factors in phage transduction.
- To elucidate variations in phage transducing capacity.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of transducing particles from Salmonella Typhimurium phages Det7, ES18, and P22.
- Comparative analysis of phage DNA packaging mechanisms.
- Identification and characterization of host chromosomal sequences influencing transduction.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in the extent and content of transducing particles among the studied phages.
- Det7 showed a higher relative number of transducing particles compared to ES18.
- P22 phage demonstrated unique packaging characteristics, influenced by conserved pac-like sequences in the host genome.
- A specific 561 kb host region was identified as highly packaged and transduced by P22, located between oppositely oriented pac-like sequences.
Conclusions:
- Phage transducing capacity evolves towards attenuation, promiscuity, or directionality.
- Host chromosomal pac-like sequences can be selected to direct high-frequency transduction.
- This study provides insights into the co-evolution of phages and their bacterial hosts.
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