The genomes and comparative genomics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii phages

Arch Virol. 2011 Jul;156(7):1217-33. doi: 10.1007/s00705-011-0980-5. Epub 2011 Apr 5.

Abstract

Lactobacillus delbrueckii phages are a great source of genetic diversity. Here, the genome sequences of Lb. delbrueckii phages LL-Ku, c5 and JCL1032 were analyzed in detail, and the genetic diversity of Lb. delbrueckii phages belonging to different taxonomic groups was explored. The lytic isometric group b phages LL-Ku (31,080 bp) and c5 (31,841 bp) showed a minimum nucleotide sequence identity of 90% over about three-fourths of their genomes. The genomic locations of their lysis modules were unique, and the genomes featured several putative overlapping transcription units of genes. LL-Ku and c5 virions displayed peptidoglycan hydrolytic activity associated with a ~36-kDa protein similar in size to the endolysin. Unexpectedly, the 49,433-bp genome of the prolate phage JCL1032 (temperate, group c) revealed a conserved gene order within its structural genes. Lb. delbrueckii phages representing groups a (a phage LL-H), b and c possessed only limited protein sequence homology. Genomic comparison of LL-Ku and c5 suggested that diversification of Lb. delbrueckii phages is mainly due to insertions, deletions and recombination. For the first time, the complete genome sequences of group b and c Lb. delbrueckii phages are reported.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / classification
  • Bacteriophages / genetics*
  • Bacteriophages / isolation & purification*
  • Bacteriophages / physiology
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Genomics
  • Host Specificity
  • Lactobacillus delbrueckii / virology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY739900
  • GENBANK/EU340421
  • GENBANK/EU409559