Whole genome sequencing identifies an allele responsible for clear vs. turbid plaque morphology in a Mycobacteriophage

BMC Microbiol. 2020 Jun 8;20(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12866-020-01833-4.

Abstract

Background: Whole genome sequencing promises to revolutionize our ability to link genotypic and phenotypic variation in a wide range of model and non-model species.

Results: Here 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.

Conclusions: This substitution is predicted to be located at the subunit interaction interface of the repressor protein, and thus prevents the establishment of lysogeny.

Keywords: Immunity repressor protein; Mycobacteriophage; Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution*
  • Genome, Viral
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Lysogeny
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mycobacteriophages / classification
  • Mycobacteriophages / genetics*
  • Mycobacteriophages / isolation & purification
  • Mycobacterium smegmatis / virology*
  • Phenotype
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Conformation
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Whole Genome Sequencing / methods*

Substances

  • Viral Proteins