Download MendeleyStructures of a T1-like siphophage reveal capsid stabilization mechanisms and high structural similarities with a myophage.
Cai, C., Wang, Y., Liu, Y., Shao, Q., Wang, A., Li, L., Zheng, Y., Zhang, T., Luo, Z., Yang, C., Fang, Q.(2025) Structure 33: 663-676.e2
- PubMed: 39914381
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2025.01.012
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9JLF, 9KMG, 9KMH - PubMed Abstract:
Bacteriophage T1, a member of Siphoviruses, infects Escherichia coli with high efficiency, making it a promising candidate for phage therapy. Here, we report the near-atomic structures of FCWL1, a T1-like phage that belongs to the T1 phage family. We focus on the head, the head-to-tail interface, and its surrounding components. The hexameric capsomer displays unique gaps between neighboring A domains of the major capsid proteins. These gaps are partially filled by the N-loop of the decoration protein, which adopts a unique conformation. These structural features suggest that the phage might employ a novel strategy for stabilizing its head. Furthermore, despite being a siphophage, the head and head-to-tail connector of the phage show high structural similarity to those of a myophage. These findings enhance our understanding of the structure, capsid stabilization mechanism, and evolution of phages in the T1 family.
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China.
Organizational Affiliation:
