Origin, Evolution and Diversity of φ29-like Phages
Phage φ29 and related bacteriophages are currently the smallest known tailed viruses infecting various representatives of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Searches conducted using public genomic databases revealed in excess of 2000 sequences that share the characteristic features of phage φ29. An analysis of major capsid proteins (MCPs) of φ29-related phages indicated the dissimilarity of MCP sequences to those of almost all other known Caudoviricetes groups and a possible distant relationship to MCPs of T7-like phages. Sequence searches conducted using HMM revealed the relatedness between φ29-like phages and an unusual lactococcal phage, KSY1 (Chopinvirus KSY1), whose genome contains two genes of RNA polymerase. The combination of the unique features and distinctive origin of φ29-related phages suggests the categorisation of this vast group in a new order or as a new taxon of a higher rank. The results are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Learn more
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