Genome sequences and characterization of the related Gordonia phages GTE5 and GRU1 and their use as potential biocontrol agents

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012 Jan;78(1):42-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.05584-11. Epub 2011 Oct 28.

Abstract

Activated sludge plants suffer frequently from the operational problem of stable foam formation on aerobic reactor surfaces, which can be difficult to prevent. Many foams are stabilized by mycolic acid-containing Actinobacteria, the mycolata. The in situ biocontrol of foaming using phages is an attractive strategy. We describe two polyvalent phages, GTE5 and GRU1, targeting Gordonia terrae and Gordonia rubrupertincta, respectively, isolated from activated sludge. Phage GRU1 also propagates on Nocardia nova. Both phages belong to the family Siphoviridae and have similar-size icosahedral heads that encapsulate double-stranded DNA genomes (∼65 kb). Their genome sequences are similar to each other but markedly different from those of other sequenced phages. Both are arranged in a modular fashion. These phages can reduce or eliminate foam formation by their host cells under laboratory conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Biological Control Agents*
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Gordonia Bacterium / virology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sewage / microbiology*
  • Siphoviridae / genetics*
  • Siphoviridae / isolation & purification
  • Siphoviridae / physiology
  • Waste Management / methods*

Substances

  • Biological Control Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Sewage

Associated data

  • GENBANK/JF923796
  • GENBANK/JF923797