Insights into diversity, host-range, and temporal stability of Bacteroides and Phocaeicola prophages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phages are critical components of the gut microbiome, influencing bacterial composition and function as predators, parasites, and modulators of bacterial phenotypes. Prophages, integrated forms of these phages, are prevalent in many bacterial genomes and play a role in bacterial adaptation and evolution. However, the diversity and stability of prophages within gut commensals, particularly in the genera Bacteroides and Phocaeicola, remain underexplored. This study aims to screen and characterize prophages in these genera, providing insights into their diversity, host range, and temporal dynamics in the human gut.

Results

Using a combination of three bioinformatic tools-Cenote-Taker 3, Vibrant, and PHASTER-we conducted a comprehensive analysis of prophages in Bacter

SUBMITTER: Stopnisek N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11863486 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature