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The functions of the phage T4 immunity and spackle genes in genetic exclusion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2009

John W. Obringer
John W. Obringer
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of ArizonaTucson AZ 85724
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Genetic exclusion is the ability of a primary infecting phage to prevent a secondary infecting phage from contributing its genetic information to the progeny. The molecular mechanism of the phenomenon is not well understood. The two genes in phage T4 mainly responsible for genetic exclusion are the immunity (imm) gene and the spackle (sp) gene. Evidence is presented that the imm gp enables the host exonuclease V to degrade superinfecting phage DNA. This appears to be accomplished by the imm gp altering gp 2/64, the presumed pilot protein, which protects the 5′ end(s) of the phage DNA. Exonuclease III is also involved in genetic exclusion but its action does not appear to depend upon the imm or sp gene products. Gp sp appears to interfere with the lysozyme activity of gp 5, a component of the central base plug, postulated to aid in tail tube penetration during the injection process. A molecular model of genetic exclusion is proposed. Genes imm and sp are part of a cluster of genes which also includes 42, beta-glucosyltransferase, and uvsX. The genes of this cluster encode proteins apparently adapted for competition and defence at the DNA level. These genes may encode fundamental adaptive strategies found throughout nature.

Type
Research Article
Information
Genetics Research , Volume 52 , Issue 2 , October 1988 , pp. 81 - 90
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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