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DNA Bacteriophages

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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
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The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects...
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In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
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Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the...
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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
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Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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Phage host range: determinants, dynamics and applications.

Audrey Leprince1, Vincent Somerville1, Audrey A Addablah1

  • 1Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding phage host range is crucial for applications in therapy and biocontrol. This review explores the dynamic molecular and ecological factors influencing phage specificity, essential for developing predictive tools.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Host range determination is fundamental for phage characterization and applications.
  • Traditional focus on viral-bacterial receptor interactions overlooks broader determinants.
  • Bacterial defense systems and environmental factors significantly shape phage specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an integrated perspective on the molecular and ecological determinants of phage host range.
  • To explore the dynamic nature of phage host range.
  • To discuss implications for phage-based applications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on phage-host interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing phage adsorption and bacterial defense.
  • Integration of ecological factors influencing phage specificity.

Main Results:

  • Phage host range is determined by a complex interplay of factors beyond initial adsorption.
  • Bacterial defense systems, phage-phage interactions, and environmental conditions are key.
  • Phage host range is dynamic, influenced by coevolution and phenotypic variability.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of diverse, dynamic factors is essential for predicting phage host range.
  • Genomic data-driven prediction tools require deep insights into these determinants.
  • This knowledge is critical for advancing phage therapy and biocontrol strategies.