Hunting the Tail: Discovering the World of Phages
Major
Biology
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Biology
Faculty Advisor
Richard Alvey
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:45 AM
Abstract
Although billions of bacteriophages populate the earth, little is known about their diversity and interrelated functions. The goal of the SEA Phage lab is to further delve into the diversity and function of these viruses that attack the bacterium Microbacterium foliorum (Mf) in soil, as well as those that attack the bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rc) in aqueous environments. Using plaque assays, individual bacteriophages were isolated and then concentrated to generate lysates. In total, 19 unique phages were isolated. Further characterization was then conducted, including DNA isolation, host-range testing, and lysogen testing. The data gathered for these isolates was then compared to previously compiled data, and inferences were made about which clusters each virus belonged to. DNA was then sequenced to confirm cluster guesses, which allowed for the identification of genes to further examine how these phages differed from previously discovered phages. Using the program PECAAN, we were able to identify genes within the bacteriophage genome, and if in the database, their function within the virus. For this, we focused our analysis on the genomes of RcSopase, RcManzer, MfSoror1, and RcKaneki. While each of these were found to be unique isolates, they all shared substantial similarity with known isolates that allowed them to be grouped into known clusters. Through the combination of a range of experimental methods, we were able to further the collective understanding of phage diversity and behavior.
Hunting the Tail: Discovering the World of Phages
CNS Atrium
Although billions of bacteriophages populate the earth, little is known about their diversity and interrelated functions. The goal of the SEA Phage lab is to further delve into the diversity and function of these viruses that attack the bacterium Microbacterium foliorum (Mf) in soil, as well as those that attack the bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rc) in aqueous environments. Using plaque assays, individual bacteriophages were isolated and then concentrated to generate lysates. In total, 19 unique phages were isolated. Further characterization was then conducted, including DNA isolation, host-range testing, and lysogen testing. The data gathered for these isolates was then compared to previously compiled data, and inferences were made about which clusters each virus belonged to. DNA was then sequenced to confirm cluster guesses, which allowed for the identification of genes to further examine how these phages differed from previously discovered phages. Using the program PECAAN, we were able to identify genes within the bacteriophage genome, and if in the database, their function within the virus. For this, we focused our analysis on the genomes of RcSopase, RcManzer, MfSoror1, and RcKaneki. While each of these were found to be unique isolates, they all shared substantial similarity with known isolates that allowed them to be grouped into known clusters. Through the combination of a range of experimental methods, we were able to further the collective understanding of phage diversity and behavior.