Abstract
BackgroundWhole genome sequencing promises to revolutionize our ability to link genotypic and phenotypic variation in a wide range of model and non-model species.ResultsHere we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel mycobacteriophage named BGlluviae that grows on Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. BGlluviae normally produces turbid plaques but a spontaneous clear plaque was also recovered. The genomic DNA from pure populations of the BGlluviae phage and the clear plaque mutant were sequenced. A single substitution, at amino acid 54 (I to T), in the immunity repressor protein resulted in a clear plaque phenotype.ConclusionsThis substitution is predicted to be located at the subunit interaction interface of the repressor protein, and thus prevents the establishment of lysogeny.
Highlights
Whole genome sequencing promises to revolutionize our ability to link genotypic and phenotypic variation in a wide range of model and non-model species
We named the mycobacteriophage BGlluviae after the location in which it was discovered (Bowling Green, KY, from a drainage ditch; lluvia is the Spanish word for rain)
Transmission electron microscopy of phages isolated from the turbid plaques revealed that the BGlluviae phage exhibits the siphoviral morphology that is typical of Mycobacteriophages, including an isometric head and long, flexible tail [6]
Summary
Whole genome sequencing promises to revolutionize our ability to link genotypic and phenotypic variation in a wide range of model and non-model species. Bacteriophages such as λ and T4 have long served as model systems in genetic research since they are easy to culture, have simple genomes, and vary in numerous aspects of plaque morphology [1]. During the lytic life cycle, the phage utilizes the host’s proteins to transcribe and translate phage genes necessary. Ptashne et al [4] isolated the first of these genes, cI, called the CI repressor, which is responsible for repressing the lytic life cycle in favor of the lysogenic life cycle in bacteriophages. In addition to illuminating the workings of the bacteriophage life cycle, the CI repressor has continued to serve as an important model for how Repressor proteins interact with DNA and repress transcription [5]
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