Long tail fibres of the novel broad‐host‐range T‐even bacteriophage S16 specifically recognize Salmonella OmpC. Issue 4 (15th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marti, Roger; Zurfluh, Katrin; Hagens, Steven; Pianezzi, Jasmin; Klumpp, Jochen; Loessner, Martin J.
• Is Part Of: Molecular microbiology. Volume 87:Issue 4(2013)
• Page Start: 818
• Page End: 834
• Publication Date: 2013-01-15
• Subjects: Molecular microbiology -- Periodicals; 572.829
• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-382X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <p>We report isolation and characterization of the novel T4‐like <italic>Salmonella</italic> bacteriophage vB_SenM‐S16. S16 features a T‐even morphology and a highly modified 160 kbp dsDNA genome with 36.9 mol % G+C, containing 269 putative coding sequences and three tRNA genes. S16 is a virulent phage, and exhibits a maximally broad host range within the genus <italic>Salmonella</italic>, but does not infect other bacteria. Synthesis of functional S16 full‐length long tail fibre (LTF) in <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> was possible by coexpression of gp37 and gp38. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed nanomolar equilibrium affinity of the LTF to its receptor on <italic>Salmonella</italic> cells. We show that OmpC serves as primary binding ligand, and that S16 adsorption can be transferred to <italic>E. coli</italic> by substitution of <italic>ompC</italic> with the <italic>Salmonella</italic> homologue. S16 also infects 'rough' <italic>Salmonella</italic> strains which are defective in lipopolysaccharide synthesis and/or its carbohydrate substitution, indicating that this interaction does not require an intact LPS structure. Altogether, its virulent nature, broad host range and apparent lack of host DNA transduction render S16 highly suitable for biocontrol of <italic>Salmonella</italic> in foods and animal production. The S16 LTF represents a highly specific affinity reagent useful for cell decoration and labelling, as well as bacterial immobilization and separation.</p> </abstract>