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Novel endolysin from Streptococcus iniae-Specific Prophage Selectively Inhibits Target Bacteria
JoonBeom Moon1, Hanbeen Kim2, Suryang Kwak3
1Department of Animal Science, Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463 Republic of Korea.
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
|December 30, 2025
Summary
A novel endolysin, SinLys1930, effectively targets and eliminates Streptococcus iniae, a key pathogen in aquaculture. This discovery offers a promising antibiotic alternative for preventing streptococcosis and reducing economic losses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Aquaculture Health
Background:
- Streptococcus iniae causes significant economic losses in aquaculture due to streptococcosis.
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates the development of alternative treatments.
- Bacteriophage-derived endolysins offer specific lytic activity against bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel endolysin, SinLys1930, with specific activity against Streptococcus iniae.
- To evaluate the lytic activity and optimal conditions for SinLys1930.
- To assess the potential of SinLys1930 as an alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic prediction of molecular and structural characteristics of SinLys1930.
- Evaluation of lytic activity against S. iniae under varying conditions (pH, temperature, salinity, metal ions).
- Testing SinLys1930 efficacy in sterilized seawater.
Main Results:
- SinLys1930 possesses two enzymatically active domains and two cell wall-binding domains.
- Optimal lytic activity observed at pH 6.0-6.5 and 16-37°C.
- SinLys1930 demonstrated significant reduction (approx. 60%) in S. iniae optical density in seawater within 1 hour.
Conclusions:
- SinLys1930 exhibits potent lytic activity against Streptococcus iniae.
- The endolysin shows stability under various environmental conditions relevant to aquaculture.
- SinLys1930 presents a viable alternative to antibiotics for managing streptococcosis in aquaculture.
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