Characterization and determination of holin protein of Streptococcus suis bacteriophage SMP in heterologous host.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Holins are a group of phage-encoded membrane proteins that control access of phage-encoded endolysins to the peptidoglycan, and thereby trigger the lysis process at a precise time point as the 'lysis clock'. SMP is an isolated and characterized Streptococcus suis lytic phage. The aims of this study were to determine the holin gene, HolSMP, in the genome of SMP, and characterized the function of holin, HolSMP, in phage infection.

Results

HolSMP was predicted to encode a small membrane protein with three hydrophobic transmembrane helices. During SMP infections, HolSMP was transcribed as a late gene and HolSMP accumulated harmlessly in the cell membrane before host cell lysis. Expression of HolSMP in Escherichia coli induced an increase in cytoplasmic membrane permea

SUBMITTER: Shi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3359269 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature