Adaptive genomic plasticity in large-genome, broad-host-range vibrio phages.

ABSTRACT: The host range of a bacteriophage-the diversity of hosts it can infect-is central to understanding phage ecology and applications. Whereas most well-characterized phages have narrow host ranges, broad-host-range phages represent an intriguing component of marine ecosystems. The genetic and evolutionary mechanisms driving their generalism remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed Schizotequatroviruses and their Vibrio crassostreae hosts, collected from an oyster farm. Schizotequatroviruses exhibit broad host ranges, large genomes (~252 kbp) encoding 26 transfer ribonucleic acids, and conserved genomic organization interspersed with recombination hotspots. These recombination events, particularly in regions encoding receptor-binding proteins and antidefense systems, highlight thei

SUBMITTER: Bernard C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12028318 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature