Proteus mirabilis converting phage 5006Mpa has an oversized genome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Proteus mirabilis phage 5006M is a known bacterial virus.
• Phage 5006Mpa is a variant of phage 5006M, exhibiting ampicillin resistance.
• Transposon Tn1 is a mobile genetic element conferring antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the genetic basis of ampicillin resistance in Proteus mirabilis phage 5006Mpa.
• To determine the location and size of the genetic insertion responsible for ampicillin resistance.
• To assess the impact of the insertion on the overall phage genome structure.

Main Methods:

• Comparative genome analysis of phage 5006M and 5006Mpa.
• Identification and mapping of the ampicillin resistance marker.
• Genome size determination.

Main Results:

• The ampicillin resistance of phage 5006Mpa is attributed to the insertion of transposon Tn1.
• This insertion constitutes approximately 9.8% of the phage genome.
• The modified phage 5006Mpa genome is approximately 5% larger than the wild-type phage 5006M genome.
• No loss of wild-type genetic material was observed in the phage population.

Conclusions:

• Proteus mirabilis phage 5006Mpa harbors an ampicillin resistance gene via Tn1 insertion.
• The genetic modification leads to a larger phage genome without compromising essential wild-type genetic information.
• This finding contributes to understanding phage evolution and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.