Origin, Evolution and Diversity of φ29-like Phages
Phage φ29 and related bacteriophages are currently the smallest known tailed viruses infecting various representatives of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Searches conducted using public genomic databases revealed in excess of 2000 sequences that share the characteristic features of phage φ29. An analysis of major capsid proteins (MCPs) of φ29-related phages indicated the dissimilarity of MCP sequences to those of almost all other known Caudoviricetes groups and a possible distant relationship to MCPs of T7-like phages. Sequence searches conducted using HMM revealed the relatedness between φ29-like phages and an unusual lactococcal phage, KSY1 (Chopinvirus KSY1), whose genome contains two genes of RNA polymerase. The combination of the unique features and distinctive origin of φ29-related phages suggests the categorisation of this vast group in a new order or as a new taxon of a higher rank. The results are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Learn more
News
- Alexander Vassilevski is elected as the Chair of the European Section of the International Society on Toxinology
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XII.4 The International Society on Toxinology (IST) unites scientists and clinicians studying venoms, poisons, and toxins from all over the world. The society was founded in 1962. It organizes world and regional congresses, publishes the journal Toxicon, and sponsors the prestigious Redi Award.
- Upregulation of cholinergic modulators Lypd6 and Lypd6b associated with autism drives anxiety and cognitive decline
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XI.18 A duplication of the chromosomal region 2q23.q23.2, carrying LYPD6 and LYPD6B genes, leads to intellectual disability and autistic features. Researchers from the Neurotransmitter and Neuroreceptor Bioengineering Laboratory, Shemyakin-Ovchnnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of RAS together with colleagues from Lomonosov State University and Institute for Biomedical Problems of RAS, used a mouse model to study the consequences of overexpression of the Lypd6 and Lypd6b proteins in the brain, which is typical for patients with autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Origin, Evolution and Diversity of φ29-like Phages
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X.11 The application of the definition of taxonomic species to the description of evolutionary history of biological objects with chimeric genomes is a difficult task. The limited period of the existence of species and the lability of viral genomes can also make attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary history almost pointless. The processes of genetic exchange seem to be especially pronounced in temperate phages, but genetic rearrangements between evolutionarily close groups of phages can also affect φ29-like phages. However, we can try to plot the evolutionary traits of genes encoding separate essential proteins and their stable complexes.
Events
- "Molecular Brain" seminar
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IX.8.23 (This event is over) The seminar will take place on 08 September at 15:00 in the Minor hall. Professor Naira Ayvazyan, Director of the Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA (Yerevan, Armenia), will talk about the research conducted at this center. In particular, she will touch on the mechanisms of poisoning with snake venom. Everyone is cordially invited.