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Capsid structure of bacteriophage ΦKZ provides insights into assembly and stabilization of jumbo phages

Yashan Yang1,2, Qianqian Shao1,2, Mingcheng Guo1,2

  • 1School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Nature Communications
|August 2, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Jumbo phages like ΦKZ have complex capsids. This study reveals the 3.5-Å cryo-EM structure, uncovering proteins crucial for assembly and stability in these large viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Virology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Jumbo phages are large bacteriophages with complex capsids.
  • ΦKZ infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant pathogen.
  • Understanding jumbo phage structure is key to phage biology and antimicrobial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine the high-resolution structure of the ΦKZ jumbo phage capsid.
  • Elucidate the roles of minor capsid proteins in assembly and stabilization.
  • Provide insights into the assembly mechanisms of jumbo viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 3.5-Å resolution.
  • Structural analysis of the ΦKZ capsid.

Main Results:

  • Detailed structure of the ΦKZ capsid revealed.
  • Ten minor capsid proteins identified, located on the outer surface and inner network.
  • Inner capsid protein network implicated in assembly and stabilization.

Conclusions:

  • The ΦKZ capsid structure provides a detailed look at jumbo phage architecture.
  • Minor capsid proteins play critical roles in ΦKZ assembly and stability.
  • Identified mechanisms likely apply to other jumbo viruses and large viruses.

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