A second case of -1 ribosomal frameshifting affecting a major virion protein of the Lactobacillus bacteriophage A2

Isolation and characterisation of novel phages infecting Lactobacillus plantarum and proposal of a new genus, "Silenusvirus"

Bacteria of Lactobacillus sp. are very useful to humans. However, the biology and genomic diversity of their (bacterio)phage enemies remains understudied. Knowledge on Lactobacillus phage diversity should broaden to develop efficient phage control strategies. To this end, organic waste samples were screened for phages against two wine-related Lactobacillus plantarum strains. Isolates were shotgun sequenced and compared against the phage database and each other by phylogenetics and comparative genomics. The new isolates had only three distant relatives from the database, but displayed a high overall degree of genomic similarity amongst them. The latter allowed for the use of one isolate as a representative to conduct transmission electron microscopy and structural protein sequencing, and to study phage adsorption and growth kinetics. The microscopy and proteomics tests confirmed the observed diversity of the new isolates and supported their classification to the family Siphoviridae and the proposal of the new phage genus "Silenusvirus".

Structural proteins of Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage Ef11

ϕEf11, a temperate Siphoviridae bacteriophage, was isolated by induction from a root canal isolate of Enterococcus faecalis. Sequence analysis suggested that the ϕEf11 genome included a contiguous 8 gene module whose function was related to head structure assembly and another module of 10 contiguous genes whose products were responsible for tail structure assembly. SDS-PAGE analysis of virions of a ϕEf11 derivative revealed 11 well-resolved protein bands. To unify the deduced functional gene assignments emanating from the DNA sequence data, with the structural protein analysis of the purified virus, 6 of the SDS-PAGE bands were subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. 5 of the 6 protein bands analyzed by mass spectrometry displayed identical amino acid sequences to those predicted to be specified by 4 of the ORFs identified in the ϕEf11 genome. These included: ORF8 (predicted scaffold protein), ORF10 (predicted major head protein), ORF15 (predicted major tail protein), and ORF23 (presumptive antireceptor).

Characterization of prophages containing "evolved" Dit/Tal modules in the genome of Lactobacillus casei BL23

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have many applications in food and industrial fermentations. Prophage induction and generation of new virulent phages is a risk for the dairy industry. We identified three complete prophages (PLE1, PLE2, and PLE3) in the genome of the well-studied probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei BL23. All of them have mosaic architectures with homologous sequences to Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, and Listeria phages or strains. Using a combination of quantitative real-time PCR, genomics, and proteomics, we showed that PLE2 and PLE3 can be induced-but with different kinetics-in the presence of mitomycin C, although PLE1 remains as a prophage. A structural analysis of the distal tail (Dit) and tail associated lysin (Tal) baseplate proteins of these prophages and other L. casei/paracasei phages and prophages provides evidence that carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) located within these "evolved" proteins may replace receptor binding proteins (RBPs) present in other well-studied LAB phages. The detailed study of prophage induction in this prototype strain in combination with characterization of the proteins involved in host recognition will facilitate the design of new strategies for avoiding phage propagation in the dairy industry.

Ribosomal frameshifting and transcriptional slippage: From genetic steganography and cryptography to adventitious use

Genetic decoding is not ‘frozen’ as was earlier thought, but dynamic. One facet of this is frameshifting that often results in synthesis of a C-terminal region encoded by a new frame. Ribosomal frameshifting is utilized for the synthesis of additional products, for regulatory purposes and for translational ‘correction’ of problem or ‘savior’ indels. Utilization for synthesis of additional products occurs prominently in the decoding of mobile chromosomal element and viral genomes. One class of regulatory frameshifting of stable chromosomal genes governs cellular polyamine levels from yeasts to humans. In many cases of productively utilized frameshifting, the proportion of ribosomes that frameshift at a shift-prone site is enhanced by specific nascent peptide or mRNA context features. Such mRNA signals, which can be 5′ or 3′ of the shift site or both, can act by pairing with ribosomal RNA or as stem loops or pseudoknots even with one component being 4 kb 3′ from the shift site. Transcriptional realignment at slippage-prone sequences also generates productively utilized products encoded trans-frame with respect to the genomic sequence. This too can be enhanced by nucleic acid structure. Together with dynamic codon redefinition, frameshifting is one of the forms of recoding that enriches gene expression.

Comparative genomics and functional analysis of the 936 group of lactococcal Siphoviridae phages

Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of bacteriophage collections has greatly enhanced our understanding regarding their prevalence, phage-host interactions as well as the overall biodiversity of their genomes. This knowledge is very relevant to phages infecting Lactococcus lactis, since they constitute a significant risk factor for dairy fermentations. Of the eighty four lactococcal phage genomes currently available, fifty five belong to the so-called 936 group, the most prevalent of the ten currently recognized lactococcal phage groups. Here, we report the genetic characteristics of a new collection of 936 group phages. By combining these genomes to those sequenced previously we determined the core and variable elements of the 936 genome. Genomic variation occurs across the 936 phage genome, such as genetic elements that (i) lead to a +1 translational frameshift resulting in the formation of additional structures on the phage tail, (ii) specify a double neck passage structure, and (iii) encode packaging module-associated methylases. Hierarchical clustering of the gene complement of the 936 group phages and nucleotide alignments allowed grouping of the ninety 936 group phages into distinct clusters, which in general appear to correspond with their geographical origin.

Exposing the secrets of two well-known Lactobacillus casei phages, J-1 and PL-1, by genomic and structural analysis

Bacteriophage J-1 was isolated in 1965 from an abnormal fermentation of Yakult using Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, and a related phage, PL-1, was subsequently recovered from a strain resistant to J-1. Complete genome sequencing shows that J-1 and PL-1 are almost identical, but PL-1 has a deletion of 1.9 kbp relative to J-1, resulting in the loss of four predicted gene products involved in immunity regulation. The structural proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Similarly to phage A2, two capsid proteins are generated by a translational frameshift and undergo proteolytic processing. The structure of gene product 16 (gp16), a putative tail protein, was modeled based on the crystal structure of baseplate distal tail proteins (Dit) that form the baseplate hub in other Siphoviridae. However, two regions of the C terminus of gp16 could not be modeled using this template. The first region accounts for the differences between J-1 and PL-1 gp16 and showed sequence similarity to carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). J-1 and PL-1 GFP-gp16 fusions bind specifically to Lactobacillus casei/paracasei cells, and the addition of l-rhamnose inhibits binding. J-1 gp16 exhibited a higher affinity than PL-1 gp16 for cell walls of L. casei ATCC 27139 in phage adsorption inhibition assays, in agreement with differential adsorption kinetics observed for both phages in this strain. The data presented here provide insights into how Lactobacillus phages interact with their hosts at the first steps of infection.

Lytic activity of LysH5 endolysin secreted by Lactococcus lactis using the secretion signal sequence of bacteriocin Lcn972

Bacteriophage endolysins have an interesting potential as antimicrobials. The endolysin LysH5, encoded by Staphylococcus aureus phage vB_SauS-phi-IPLA88, was expressed and secreted in Lactococcus lactis using the signal peptide of bacteriocin lactococcin 972 and lactococcal constitutive and inducible promoters. Up to 80 U/mg of extracellular active endolysin was detected in culture supernatants, but most of the protein (up to 323 U/mg) remained in the cell extracts.

Functional genomic analysis of two Staphylococcus aureus phages isolated from the dairy environment

The genomes of the two lytic mutant Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages, vB_SauS-phiIPLA35 (phiIPLA35) and vB_SauS-phiIPLA88 (phiIPLA88), isolated from milk have been analyzed. Their genomes are 45,344 bp and 42,526 bp long, respectively, and contain 62 and 61 open reading frames (ORFS). Enzymatic analyses and sequencing revealed that the phiIPLA35 DNA molecule has 3'-protruding cohesive ends (cos) 10 bp long, whereas phiIPLA88 DNA is 4.5% terminally redundant and most likely is packaged by a headful mechanism. N-terminal amino acid sequencing, mass spectrometry, bioinformatic analyses, and functional analyses enabled the assignment of putative functions to 58 gene products, including DNA packaging proteins, morphogenetic proteins, lysis components, and proteins necessary for DNA recombination, modification, and replication. Point mutations in their lysogeny control-associated genes explain their strictly lytic behavior. Muralytic activity associated with other structural components has been detected in virions of both phages. Comparative analysis of phiIPLA35 and phiIPLA88 genome structures shows that they resemble those of phi12 and phi11, respectively, both representatives of large genomic groupings within the S. aureus-infecting phages.

Origin and function of the two major tail proteins of bacteriophage SPP1

The majority of bacteriophages have a long non-contractile tail (Siphoviridae) that serves as a conduit for viral DNA traffic from the phage capsid to the host cell at the beginning of infection. The 160-nm-long tail tube of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPP1 is shown to be composed of two major tail proteins (MTPs), gp17.1 and gp17.1*, at a ratio of about 3:1. They share a common amino-terminus, but the latter species has approximately 10 kDa more than gp17.1. A CCC.UAA sequence with overlapping proline codons at the 3' end of gene 17.1 drives a programmed translational frameshift to another open reading frame. The recoding event generates gp17.1*. Phages carrying exclusively gp17.1 or gp17.1* are viable, but tails are structurally distinct. gp17.1 and the carboxyl-terminus of gp17.1* have a distinct evolutionary history correlating with different functions: the polypeptide sequence identical in the two proteins is responsible for assembly of the tail tube while the additional module of gp17.1* shields the structure exterior exposed to the environment. The carboxyl-terminal extension is an elaboration present in some tailed bacteriophages. Different extensions were found to combine in a mosaic fashion with the MTP essential module in a subset of Siphoviridae genomes.

Genome sequence and characteristics of Lrm1, a prophage from industrial Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain M1

Prophage Lrm1 was induced with mitomycin C from an industrial Lactobacillus rhamnosus starter culture, M1. Electron microscopy of the lysate revealed relatively few intact bacteriophage particles among empty heads and disassociated tails. The defective Siphoviridae phage had an isometric head of approximately 55 nm and noncontractile tail of about 275 nm with a small baseplate. In repeated attempts, the prophage could not be cured from L. rhamnosus M1, nor could a sensitive host be identified. Sequencing of the phage Lrm1 DNA revealed a genome of 39,989 bp and a G+C content of 45.5%. A similar genomic organization and mosaic pattern of identities align Lrm1 among the closely related Lactobacillus casei temperate phages A2, PhiAT3, and LcaI and with L. rhamnosus virulent phage Lu-Nu. Of the 54 open reading frames (ORFs) identified, all but 8 shared homology with other phages of this group. Five unknown ORFs were identified that had no homologies in the databases nor predicted functions. Notably, Lrm1 encodes a putative endonuclease and a putative DNA methylase with homology to a methylase in Lactococcus lactis phage Tuc2009. Possibly, the DNA methylase, endonuclease, or other Lrm1 genes provide a function crucial to L. rhamnosus M1 survival, resulting in the stability of the defective prophage in its lysogenic state. The presence of a defective prophage in an industrial strain could provide superinfection immunity to the host but could also contribute DNA in recombination events to produce new phages potentially infective for the host strain in a large-scale fermentation environment.

Immunoglobulin-like domains on bacteriophage: weapons of modest damage?

Recent work has shown that Immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains occur frequently on the surface of tailed dsDNA bacteriophages. Several of these Ig-like domains are added to bacteriophage structural proteins via programmed ribosomal frameshifts, and their evolutionary patterns suggest that they can be exchanged by horizontal transfer, independently of the protein to which they are attached. We propose that Ig-like domains on phages interact with carbohydrates on the cell surface and facilitate phage adsorption. Furthermore, Ig-like domains appear to be one of a number of conserved domains displayed on phage surfaces that serve to increase infectivity by binding to or degrading polysaccharides.

Alternative translational products and cryptic T cell epitopes: expecting the unexpected

Although CD8 T cell epitopes have been studied extensively, often overlooked are unconventional cryptic epitopes generated from nontraditional sources of peptides/proteins and/or mechanisms of translation. In this review, we discuss alternative reading frame epitopes, both mechanistically and also in terms of their physiologic importance in the induction of antiviral and antitumor CTL responses. Issues of the influence of cryptic translational products on foreign and self-Ag diversity, thymic selection, and the T cell repertoire; disease pathogenesis; and approaches to vaccine design are discussed in context of the potentially large impact of unconventional epitopes on T cell immunity.

Ig-like domains on bacteriophages: a tale of promiscuity and deceit

The immunoglobulin (Ig) fold is one of the most important structures in biology, playing essential roles in the vertebrate immune response, cell adhesion, and many other processes. Through bioinformatic analysis, we have discovered that Ig-like domains are often found in the constituent proteins of tailed double-stranded (ds) DNA bacteriophage particles, and are likely displayed on the surface of these viruses. These phage Ig-like domains fall into three distinct sequence families, which are similar to the classic immunoglobulin domain (I-Set), the fibronectin type 3 repeat (FN3), and the bacterial Ig-like domain (Big2). The phage Ig-like domains are very promiscuous. They are attached to more than ten different functional classes of proteins, and found in all three morphogenetic classes of tailed dsDNA phages. In addition, they reside in phages that infect a diverse set of gram negative and gram positive bacteria. These domains are deceptive because many are added to larger proteins through programmed ribosomal frameshifting, so that they are not always detected by standard protein sequence searching procedures. In addition, the presence of unrecognized Ig-like domains in a variety of phage proteins with different functions has led to gene misannotation. Our results demonstrate that horizontal gene transfer involving Ig-like domain encoding DNA has occurred commonly between diverse classes of both lytic and temperate phages, which otherwise display very limited sequence similarities to one another. We suggest that phage may have been an important vector in the spread of Ig-like domains through diverse species of bacteria. While the function of the phage Ig-like domains is unknown, several lines of evidence suggest that they may play an accessory role in phage infection by weakly interacting with carbohydrates on the bacterial cell surface.