Article
Whole genome comparison of a large collection of mycobacteriophages reveals a continuum of phage genetic diversity
eLIFE
(2015)
Abstract
The bacteriophage population is large, dynamic, ancient, and genetically diverse.
Limited genomic information shows that phage genomes are mosaic, and the genetic architecture of
phage populations remains ill-defined. To understand the population structure of phages infecting
a single host strain, we isolated, sequenced, and compared 627 phages of Mycobacterium
smegmatis. Their genetic diversity is considerable, and there are 28 distinct genomic types (clusters)
with related nucleotide sequences. However, amino acid sequence comparisons show pervasive
genomic mosaicism, and quantification of inter-cluster and intra-cluster relatedness reveals
a continuum of genetic diversity, albeit with uneven representation of different phages. Furthermore,
rarefaction analysis shows that the mycobacteriophage population is not closed, and there is
a constant influx of genes from other sources. Phage isolation and analysis was performed by a large
consortium of academic institutions, illustrating the substantial benefits of a disseminated, structured
program involving large numbers of freshman undergraduates in scientific discovery.
Keywords
- Mycobacteriphage,
- SEA-PHAGES,
- phage,
- Mycobacterium smegmatis
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April 28, 2015
DOI
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.06416.001
Citation Information
Kathleen Cornely. "Whole genome comparison of a large collection of mycobacteriophages reveals a continuum of phage genetic diversity" eLIFE (2015) ISSN: 2050-084X Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kathleen-cornely/16/