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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
09:40
Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
First experimentally characterised Proteus phage endolysins have distinct metal cofactor dependencies
Akash Shambharkar1, Thomas P Thompson1, Laura A McClenaghan1
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Two novel Proteus phage endolysins, LysPM1 and LysPM2, show antibacterial activity against Proteus species. These findings offer new phage-derived antimicrobial solutions for treating urinary tract infections caused by these resilient bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
- Antimicrobial resistance in CAUTI pathogens necessitates novel treatments.
- Bacteriophage endolysins are promising antimicrobial agents, but none were previously characterized for Proteus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel bacteriophage endolysins from Proteus phages.
- To evaluate the antibacterial activity and optimal conditions for these endolysins.
- To investigate the role of metal cofactors in endolysin activity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of two Proteus phage endolysins, LysPM1 and LysPM2.
- Experimental confirmation of antibacterial activity against Proteus species.
- Assessment of enzyme activity under varying pH, temperature, and in the presence of permeabilizers and metal ions.
Main Results:
- LysPM1 and LysPM2 are the first characterized endolysins from Proteus phages.
- Both enzymes exhibit antibacterial activity, particularly with outer membrane permeabilizers.
- Optimal activity is observed at pH 7-8 and up to 60°C, with metal cofactors (Zn2+ for LysPM1, Ca2+ for LysPM2) being essential.
Conclusions:
- LysPM1 and LysPM2 represent a new class of antibacterial agents against Proteus.
- LysPM2 is the first characterized single-domain CHAP endolysin active against Gram-negative bacteria.
- These endolysins hold potential for developing new therapies against Proteus infections.
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