Abstract
Two novel prophages ФAH14a and ФAH14b of a psychrotolerant Antarctic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. ANT_H14 have been characterized. They were simultaneously induced with mitomycin C and packed into capsids of the same size and protein composition. The genome sequences of ФAH14a and ФAH14b have been determined. ФAH14b, the phage with a smaller genome (16,812 bp) seems to parasitize ФAH14a (55,060 bp) and utilizes its capsids, as only the latter encodes a complete set of structural proteins. Both viruses probably constitute a phage helper-satellite system, analogous to the P2-P4 duo. This study describes the architecture and function of the ФAH14a and ФAH14b genomes. Moreover, a functional analysis of a ФAH14a-encoded lytic enzyme and a DNA methyltransferase was performed. In silico analysis revealed the presence of the homologs of ФAH14a and ФAH14b in other Pseudomonas genomes, which may suggest that helper-satellite systems related to the one described in this work are common in pseudomonads.
Highlights
Bacteriophages outnumber all other viruses, but they are the most abundant, diverse and widely distributed biological entities in the biosphere
A virus often integrates its genome into the chromosome of the host cell and, as a prophage, remains dormant until induction [2]
Prophages and prophage remnants have been identified in many bacterial genomes sequenced so far, suggesting that this group of mobile genetic elements is widespread in bacteria and constitutes the main source of genetic diversity and strain variation [3]
Summary
Bacteriophages outnumber all other viruses, but they are the most abundant, diverse and widely distributed biological entities in the biosphere. They are a valuable source of enzymes that serve as important tools in molecular genetics and biotechnology [1]. After infecting the host cell, temperate phages can choose between a lytic and lysogenic pathway of development. A virus often integrates its genome into the chromosome of the host cell and, as a prophage, remains dormant until induction [2]. Prophages genes can modulate fitness and lifestyle, including virulence, antibiotic tolerance and biofilm formation of their
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