Adaptive loss of tRNA gene expression leads to phage resistance in a marine Synechococcus cyanobacterium.

ABSTRACT: Synechococcus is a significant primary producer in the oceans, coexisting with cyanophages, which are important agents of mortality. Bacterial resistance against phage infection is a topic of significant interest, yet little is known for ecologically relevant systems. Here we use exogenous gene expression and gene disruption to investigate mechanisms underlying intracellular resistance of marine Synechococcus WH5701 to the Syn9 cyanophage. The restriction-modification and Gabija defence systems possessed by Synechococcus WH5701 did not contribute to resistance. Instead, resistance was primarily driven by insufficient levels of Leu^TAA tRNA, preventing translation of key phage genes in a passive, intracellular mode of resistance. Restoring cellular tRNA expression rendered the cya

SUBMITTER: Zborowsky S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11726456 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature