Phage-host interplay: examples from tailed phages and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

ABSTRACT: Complex interactions between bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts play significant roles in shaping the structure of environmental microbial communities, not only by genetic transduction but also by modification of bacterial gene expression patterns. Survival of phages solely depends on their ability to infect their bacterial hosts, most importantly during phage entry. Successful dynamic adaptation of bacteriophages when facing selective pressures, such as host adaptation and resistance, dictates their abundance and diversification. Co-evolution of the phage tail fibers and bacterial receptors determine bacterial host ranges, mechanisms of phage entry, and other infection parameters. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the physical interactions between tailed bacteriopha

SUBMITTER: Chaturongakul S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4138488 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature