Whole genome comparison of a large collection of mycobacteriophages reveals a continuum of phage genetic diversity Journal Article uri icon

Overview

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.

publication date

  • April 28, 2015

has restriction

  • gold

Date in CU Experts

  • December 18, 2017 1:46 AM

Full Author List

  • Pope WH; Bowman CA; Russell DA; Jacobs-Sera D; Asai DJ; Cresawn SG; Jacobs WR; Hendrix RW; Lawrence JG; Hatfull GF

author count

  • 10

published in

Other Profiles

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2050-084X

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 4