Genetics of Phage Lysis

Microbiol Spectr. 2014 Feb;2(1):MGM2-0017-2013. doi: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MGM2-0017-2013.

Abstract

We have been witnessing an increased interest in bacteriophage studies focused on their use as antibacterial agents to fight pathogenic bacteria. This interest is a consequence of the phages' ability to lyse a bacterial host. Until recently, little was known about the mechanisms used by mycobacteriophages to induce lysis of their complex hosts. However, studies on Ms6-induced lysis have changed this scenario and provided new insights into the mechanisms of bacteriophage-induced lysis. Specific lysis protein genes have been identified in mycobacteriophage genomes, reflecting the particular mycobacterial cell envelope composition. These include enzymes that target mycolic acid-containing lipids and proteins that participate in the secretion of the phage endolysin, functioning as chaperone-like proteins. This chapter focuses on the current knowledge of mycobacteriophage-induced lysis, starting with an overview of phage lysis and basic features of the lysis players.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriolysis*
  • Endopeptidases / genetics*
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Mycobacteriophages / enzymology*
  • Mycobacteriophages / physiology*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Viral Proteins
  • Endopeptidases
  • endolysin