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Structural aberrations in T-even bacteriophage. V. Effects of canavanine on the maturation and utilization of

R W Bolin, D J Cummings

    Journal of Virology
    |June 1, 1974
    PubMed

    Insights

    Exposure to l-canavanine disrupts T4 phage protein maturation, preventing the formation of essential head and tail proteins. This interference with T4 protein assembly ultimately inhibits the creation of lollipop phage particles.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Virology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • T-even bacteriophage infection can lead to the formation of abnormal 'lollipop' phage particles under specific conditions.
    • Previous research established l-canavanine's role in inducing these structures and l-arginine's role in their maturation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the precise effects of l-canavanine on the maturation of specific T4 bacteriophage proteins.
    • To elucidate the role of these affected proteins in the induction and formation of lollipop phage particles.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of T4 bacteriophage protein cleavage reactions in the presence of l-canavanine.
    • Monitoring the accumulation of precursor proteins and the absence of cleaved products.
    • Observing the impact of l-canavanine on the formation of specific head and tail proteins.

    Main Results:

    • l-Canavanine inhibits the proteolytic cleavage of T4 head proteins (P22, P23, P24, IPIII), leading to precursor accumulation.
    • The appearance of tailplate protein P12 and head protein P20 is also prevented by l-canavanine, suggesting their cleavage during normal assembly.
    • Formation of tailplate protein P10 and tail sheath protein P18 is affected by l-canavanine.
    • Data indicate a significant role for P23 and P20 in determining T4 phage head length.

    Conclusions:

    • l-Canavanine significantly disrupts T4 bacteriophage assembly by preventing essential protein maturation.
    • The study highlights the critical role of specific T4 proteins, particularly P23 and P20, in phage head formation and length determination.

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