Phage SV76 Host Range and Genomic Characterization.

BACKGROUND

Increasing the quantity and detail of bacteriophage genomic data is critical to broadening our understanding of how bacteriophages operate to allow us to harness their unique properties for biotechnology advancements. Here we present the complete sequence of phage SV76's assembled and annotated genome (Accession OM339528). SV76 has previously been classified as a T4-like bacteriophage belonging to the genus within the family of contractile tailed bacteriophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation was performed on SV76. Double-agar spot assays were utilized to determine SV76's host range against a panel of 72 isolates meant to represent the diversity of , as well as a series of knockouts designed to identify required receptor binding proteins. The genome and host range were compared to the closely related phage, T2.

RESULTS

Spot assays revealed that SV76 could plaque on 10 of the 72 strains (13.9 %) and nine of the nine K12 single gene knockout of known phage receptors (100%). SV76 did not plate on a indicating suggesting a requirement as a receptor binding protein.

CONCLUSIONS

SV76 is closely related to T2 with similar host ranges within ECOR. This study presents novel host range and genomic data on SV76 phage, providing a foundation for future studies to further characterize SV76 to understand more about SV76 and other T4-like phages that can be applied to create novel biotechnologies.