Studies on Streptomyces phage. I. Growth characteristics of the Streptomyces griseus host-phage system

Isolation, characterization and application of noble bacteriophages targeting potato common scab pathogen Streptomyces stelliscabiei

Bacteriophages have emerged as promising alternatives to pesticides for controlling bacterial pathogens in crops. Among these pathogens, Streptomyces stelliscabiei (syn. S. stelliscabiei) is a primary causative agent of potato common scab (PCS), resulting in substantial global economic losses. The traditional management methods for PCS face numerous challenges, highlighting the need for effective and environmentally friendly control strategies. In this study, we successfully isolated three novel bacteriophages, namely Psst1, Psst2, and Psst4, which exhibited a broad host range encompassing seven S. stelliscabiei strains. Morphological analysis revealed their distinct features, including an icosahedral head and a non-contractile tail. These phages demonstrated stability across a broad range of temperatures (20-50°C), pH (pH 3-11), and UV exposure time (80 min). Genome sequencing revealed double-stranded DNA phage with open reading frames encoding genes for phage structure, DNA packaging and replication, host lysis and other essential functions. These phages lacked genes for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and toxicity. Average nucleotide identity, phylogenetic, and comparative genomic analyses classified the three phages as members of the Rimavirus genus, with Psst1 and Psst2 representing novel species. All three phages efficiently lysed S. stelliscabiei in the liquid medium and alleviated scab symptom development and reduced pathogen abundance on potato slices. Furthermore, phage treatments of radish seedlings alleviated the growth inhibition caused by S. stelliscabiei with no disease symptoms. In soil potted experiments, phages significantly reduced disease incidence by 40%. This decrease is attributed to a reduction in pathogen density and the selection of S. stelliscabiei strains with reduced virulence and slower growth rates in natural environments. Our study is the first to report the isolation of three novel phages that infect S. stelliscabiei as a host bacterium. These phages exhibit a broad host range, and demonstrate stability under a variety of environmental conditions. Additionally, they demonstrate biocontrol efficacy against bacterial infections in potato slices, radish seedlings, and potted experiments, underscoring their significant potential as biocontrol agents for the effective management of PCS.

Genome sequence and characterization of Streptomyces phages Vanseggelen and Verabelle, representing two new species within the genus Camvirus

Despite the rising interest in bacteriophages, little is known about their infection cycle and lifestyle in a multicellular host. Even in the model system Streptomyces, only a small number of phages have been sequenced and well characterized so far. Here, we report the complete characterization and genome sequences of Streptomyces phages Vanseggelen and Verabelle isolated using Streptomyces coelicolor as a host. A wide range of Streptomyces strains could be infected by both phages, but neither of the two phages was able to infect members of the closely related sister genus Kitasatospora. The phages Vanseggelen and Verabelle have a double-stranded DNA genome with lengths of 48,720 and 48,126 bp, respectively. Both phage genomes contain 72 putative genes, and the presence of an integrase encoding protein indicates a lysogenic lifestyle. Characterization of the phages revealed their stability over a wide range of temperatures (30-45 °C) and pH values (4-10). In conclusion, Streptomyces phage Vanseggelen and Streptomyces phage Verabelle are newly isolated phages that can be classified as new species in the genus Camvirus, within the subfamily Arquattrovirinae.

Genome Sequence and Characterization of Five Bacteriophages Infecting Streptomyces Coelicolor and Streptomyces Venezuelae: Alderaan, Coruscant, Dagobah, Endor1 and Endor2

Streptomyces are well-known antibiotic producers, also characterized by a complex morphological differentiation. Streptomyces, like all bacteria, are confronted with the constant threat of phage predation, which in turn shapes bacterial evolution. However, despite significant sequencing efforts recently, relatively few phages infecting Streptomyces have been characterized compared to other genera. Here, we present the isolation and characterization of five novel Streptomyces phages. All five phages belong to the Siphoviridae family, based on their morphology as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Genome sequencing and life style predictions suggested that four of them were temperate phages, while one had a lytic lifestyle. Moreover, one of the newly sequenced phages shows very little homology to already described phages, highlighting the still largely untapped viral diversity. Altogether, this study expands the number of characterized phages of Streptomyces and sheds light on phage evolution and phage-host dynamics in Streptomyces.

Temperature-sensitive replication of an actinophage for Streptomyces aureofaciens

Actinophage SAP2 could infect, replicate in, and lyse Streptomyces aureofaciens at 27 °C and 37 °C. The phage attached to, and killed, the host at 42 °C but no new phage particles were produced. Phage-infected mycelia incubated at 42 °C for 2 h, and then lysed with lysozyme, did not contain viable actinophage particles. Viral yields were markedly decreased when phage-infected cultures were exposed to 42 °C during the first quarter or last quarter of the latent period. Phage lysates prepared at 37 °C contained less halo-producing lysin than those prepared at 27 °C. The data suggest that elevated temperatures affect an early event during the latent period and also suppress lysin production.

CYTOLOGY OF PHAGE-INFECTED STREPTOMYCES GRISEUS HYPHAE

The fine structure of phage-infected Streptomyces griseus hyphae was examined using ultrathin sections and electron microscopy. The intracellular phage was observed to be uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. The diameter and hexagonal shape of the head compared well with shadowed phage preparations. Alterations in fine structure centered on irregular cell wall disintegration, plasma membrane disruption, and leakage of cytoplasmic components.

Electron Microscopic Observations on Actinophages for Streptomyces venezuelae

Painter , B. G. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), and S. G. Bradley . Electron microscopic observations on actinophages for Streptomyces venezuelae . J. Bacteriol. 89: 240–244. 1965.—Actinophages MSP2 and MSP8 were treated with various chemical agents to determine the phages' substructure. Normal MSP2 and MSP8, shadowed with uranium, or negatively stained with uranyl acetate or phosphotungstic acid, were tadpole-shaped. The average overall length of MSP2 was 245 mμ, and of MSP8, 206 mμ. The head width of both phages was approximately 58 mμ; the tail of MSP2 was 161 mμ long, and of MSP8, 137 mμ. Treatment of MSP2 and MSP8 with 7.5 m ammonium hydroxide at 56 C or 8 m urea at room temperature released some of the head contents, and revealed substructures in both the heads and the tails. The tails of phages treated with 7.5 m mercaptoethanol were destroyed.