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Genome sequence of cluster B1 Mycobacterium smegmatis phages Thunderbird, Gwilliam, and Jiraiya

Atalie B Bogh1, Jacob D Gwilliam1, Peter Mourik1

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.

Microbiology Resource Announcements
|June 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study examines three mycobacteriophages: Thunderbird, Gwilliam, and Jiraiya, which infect Mycobacterium smegmatis. Understanding these B1 subcluster phages offers insights into their genes and potential as therapeutic agents.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Mycobacteriophages are viruses that infect mycobacteria.
  • The B1 subcluster is a group of closely related mycobacteriophages.
  • Mycobacterium smegmatis is a commonly studied non-pathogenic mycobacterium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize three specific mycobacteriophages: Thunderbird, Gwilliam, and Jiraiya.
  • To deepen the understanding of the B1 subcluster of mycobacteriophages.
  • To explore the potential of these phages as therapeutic agents against mycobacterial infections.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing and analysis of Thunderbird, Gwilliam, and Jiraiya.
  • Comparative genomics within the B1 subcluster.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of phage genes and putative functions.

Main Results:

  • The genomes of Thunderbird, Gwilliam, and Jiraiya are approximately 69 kb in length.
  • These phages belong to the B1 subcluster and infect Mycobacterium smegmatis mc²155.
  • Identification of genes and prediction of their functions within these phage genomes.

Conclusions:

  • These findings contribute to the knowledge of B1 subcluster mycobacteriophages.
  • The study highlights the potential utility of these phages in mycobacterial research and therapy.
  • Further investigation is warranted to explore their therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
bacteriophages

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