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Phage resistance mutations in a marine bacterium impact biogeochemically relevant cellular processes
Marion Urvoy1,2, Cristina Howard-Varona1,2, Carlos Owusu-Ansah1,2,3
1Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Nature Microbiology
|December 4, 2025
Summary
Marine bacteria develop new phage resistance mechanisms impacting microbial ecology. These include surface protein mutations for broad resistance and intracellular changes affecting metabolism, with potential ecosystem-level biogeochemical effects.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Marine Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Phage-bacteria interactions are crucial for ecosystem functioning.
- Bacterial resistance to phages is a key evolutionary driver.
- Mechanisms of phage resistance beyond receptor mutations are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel phage resistance mechanisms in marine bacteria.
- To characterize the ecological implications of these resistance strategies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of 13 phage-resistant Cellulophaga baltica mutants.
- Characterization of resistance mechanisms (extracellular vs. intracellular).
- In vitro experiments to assess ecosystem impacts.
Main Results:
- Surface protein mutations conferred broad extracellular resistance via reduced phage adsorption.
- Intracellular mutations in amino acid metabolism provided narrower resistance, sometimes lipid-mediated.
- Mutants exhibited altered carbon utilization, increased metabolite secretion, and changes in aggregation/sedimentation.
Conclusions:
- Identified novel phage resistance mechanisms in marine bacteria.
- Demonstrated potential for phage-host coevolution to influence marine biogeochemical cycles.
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