Gene product 0.4 increases bacteriophage T7 competitiveness by inhibiting host cell division.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Bacteriophages take over host resources primarily via the activity of proteins expressed early in infection. One of these proteins, produced by the Escherichia coli phage T7, is gene product (Gp) 0.4. Here, we show that Gp0.4 is a direct inhibitor of the E. coli filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z division protein. A chemically synthesized Gp0.4 binds to purified filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z protein and directly inhibits its assembly in vitro. Consequently, expression of Gp0.4 in vivo is lethal to E. coli and results in bacteria that are morphologically elongated. We further show that this inhibition of cell division by Gp0.4 enhances the bacteriophage's competitive ability. This division inhibition is thus a fascinating example of a strategy in bacteriophages to maximize utilization of their hosts' cell resources.
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Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Kiro, R; Molshanski-Mor, S; Yosef, I; Milam, SL; Erickson, HP; Qimron, U
Published Date
- November 26, 2013
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 110 / 48
Start / End Page
- 19549 - 19554
PubMed ID
- 24218612
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3845191
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1091-6490
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1073/pnas.1314096110
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States