Phages communicate across species to shape microbial ecosystems

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Bacteriophages utilize the arbitrium system for lysis-lysogeny decisions.
• This system involves arbitrium communication peptides (AimP) binding arbitrium receptors (AimR) to regulate lysogeny.
• Previously, AimR receptors were thought to be exclusive to their cognate AimP peptides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential cross-communication between different arbitrium systems in bacteriophages.
• To challenge the assumption of exclusive AimP-AimR interactions.
• To understand the ecological implications of such cross-communication.

Main Methods:

• Utilized prototypical arbitrium phages for experiments.
• Performed structural and biochemical analyses of AimP-AimR interactions.
• Assessed outcomes in mixed lysogenic cultures and infection contexts.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that AimP peptides can bind and repress non-cognate AimR receptors.
• Showed that this cross-communication promotes lysogeny and reduces prophage induction.
• Identified conserved receptor features enabling cross-recognition.

Conclusions:

• Bacteriophages engage in cross-species communication via peptide signaling.
• This crosstalk influences phage behavior and reshapes microbial communities.
• Cross-communication favors lysogeny in mixed infections and impacts ecological dynamics.