Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage DMS3 

We recently reported the isolation and characterization of a bacteriophage that mediates generalized transduction between P. aeruginosa strains PAO1 and PA14. We have named the phage DMS3. This dsDNA phage has a genome of ~50 kb and uses the type IV pilus as its receptor. The isolation and initial characterization of phage DMS3 was done largely by a former Dartmouth undergraduate, Jon Budzik.

Phage DMS3 

We have recently completed the sequencing and annotation of phage DMS3. This information can be found here.

DMS3 Lysogeny and its Impact on Group Behaviors. We recently made an interesting observation ­ P. aeruginosa strains lysogenized with phage DMS3 could no longer form biofilms or swarm. We ruled out trivial explanations like slowed growth or bacterial cell lysis, thus it appeared we had a very interesting biological phenomenon. Check out this link for our new work studying how DMS3 lysogeny impacts key group behaviors of P. aeruginosa.

Relevant References

Budzik JM, Rosche WA, Rietsch A, O'Toole GA. 2004. Isolation and characterization of a generalized transducing phage for Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains PAO1 and PA14. J Bacteriol. 186:3270-3.