Panton-valentine leukocidin genes in a phage-like particle isolated from mitomycin C-treated Staphylococcus aureus V8

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A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues
07:10

A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues

Published on: February 19, 2019

J Kaneko1, T Kimura, Y Kawakami

  • 1Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
|December 24, 1997
PubMed

Insights

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were found within a phage-like particle (phi PVL) from Staphylococcus aureus. This particle

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a toxin produced by some strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The genetic basis and structure of PVL delivery systems are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the phage-like particle (phi PVL) containing the staphylococcal PVL genes.
  • To analyze the genomic structure and organization of the PVL genes within phi PVL.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of phi PVL from mitomycin C-induced Staphylococcus aureus V8.
  • Genome analysis of the double-stranded DNA packed within phi PVL, including cohesive ends (cos).
  • Mapping of the PVL genes (lukS-PV-lukF-PV), attP, and integrase gene (int) on the phi PVL genome.

Main Results:

  • The staphylococcal PVL genes were identified within a hexagonal phage-like particle (phi PVL).
  • The phi PVL genome is a linear 40-kb double-stranded DNA with single-stranded cohesive ends.
  • The PVL genes, attP, and integrase gene are clustered within a 4.0 kb segment, featuring direct repeat sequences similar to S. aureus bacteriophage recombinase-binding sites.

Conclusions:

  • Phi PVL is a distinct phage-like particle encapsulating the staphylococcal PVL genes.
  • The genomic organization suggests a specific mechanism for PVL gene integration and propagation in Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The identified repeat sequences may play a role in the phage's lifecycle and host interaction.

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