Characterization of Bacteriophage UNO-SLW-1 Structure and Genome
Advisor Information
William Tapprich
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
Earth is home to an estimated 1x1031 viruses. Only 10,462 of these viruses have a completely characterized genome according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This gap between the viruses on earth and those we know of is enormous. Through the discovery and characterization of unknown bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, more can be learned about infectious processes. My work is focused on characterizing the virus UNO-SLW-1. This virus was isolated from water collected from Cole Creek in Omaha, NE. Using electron microscopy, we discovered that UNO-SLW-1 is a member of the Podovirus family from the order Caudovirales. We have sequenced and annotated the viral DNA genome, confirming the identification of the family and order. Restriction digests have been utilized to validate the genomic sequencing results. SDS-Page gels are being used to characterize the viral proteins composing UNO-SLW-1’s protein shell. Of the 48 protein coding genes in UNO-SLW-1’s genome, 21 have defined functions and all but a few have been accurately mapped to the genome model through bioinformatics and comparison with other known viruses. However, genes on the left and right ends of the genome have proven difficult to characterize through bioinformatics. To clarify the gene order throughout the genome, the left and right ends are being characterized by molecular cloning and sequencing. We will present our progress in mapping the genome. The study of bacteriophage genome, structure, and function may lead to insights that influence the development of therapeutics of existing and emerging human pathogens, such Sars-CoV-2.
Characterization of Bacteriophage UNO-SLW-1 Structure and Genome
Earth is home to an estimated 1x1031 viruses. Only 10,462 of these viruses have a completely characterized genome according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This gap between the viruses on earth and those we know of is enormous. Through the discovery and characterization of unknown bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, more can be learned about infectious processes. My work is focused on characterizing the virus UNO-SLW-1. This virus was isolated from water collected from Cole Creek in Omaha, NE. Using electron microscopy, we discovered that UNO-SLW-1 is a member of the Podovirus family from the order Caudovirales. We have sequenced and annotated the viral DNA genome, confirming the identification of the family and order. Restriction digests have been utilized to validate the genomic sequencing results. SDS-Page gels are being used to characterize the viral proteins composing UNO-SLW-1’s protein shell. Of the 48 protein coding genes in UNO-SLW-1’s genome, 21 have defined functions and all but a few have been accurately mapped to the genome model through bioinformatics and comparison with other known viruses. However, genes on the left and right ends of the genome have proven difficult to characterize through bioinformatics. To clarify the gene order throughout the genome, the left and right ends are being characterized by molecular cloning and sequencing. We will present our progress in mapping the genome. The study of bacteriophage genome, structure, and function may lead to insights that influence the development of therapeutics of existing and emerging human pathogens, such Sars-CoV-2.
Additional Information (Optional)
I have classes on Friday March, 26th from 9:00am to 10:00am and from 3:00pm to 3:50pm