RRC ID 21689
Author Yoshida M, Yoshida T, Yoshida-Takashima Y, Kashima A, Hiroishi S.
Title Real-time PCR detection of host-mediated cyanophage gene transcripts during infection of a natural Microcystis aeruginosa population.
Journal Microbes Environ
Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (real-time RT-PCR) assay to detect and quantify mRNA of cyanophages within infected Microcystis aeruginosa cells in a freshwater pond. Laboratory-based data showed that the relative abundance of the cyanophage g91 mRNA within host cells increased before cyanophage numbers increased in culture. This transcriptional pattern indicated the kinetics of the viral infection suggesting the real-time RT-PCR method to be a potential tool for environmental monitoring of cyanophage infections. In this field survey, the numbers of infected M. aeruginosa cell populations estimated from cyanophage numbers were low at 0.01-2.9 cells mL(-1). The highest relative abundance of phage g91 RNA (10(-2) per rnpB transcript) was at about the same levels of expression as laboratory-based growth data for Ma-LMM01 (estimated density of infected host cells: 10(5) cells mL(-1)); and was observed when cyanophage numbers rapidly increased (as well as a decrease in host cell numbers). Quantification of cyanophage numbers is important to understand ecological relationships between the phage and its hosts. Our data suggest the quantification of phage gene transcripts within a natural host cell population to be a strong tool for investigating the quantitative effects of phage lysis during infection of the host population.
Volume 25(3)
Pages 211-5
Published 2010-1-1
DOI 10.1264/jsme2.me10117
PII JST.JSTAGE/jsme2/ME10117
PMID 21576874
MeSH Bacteriophages / genetics Bacteriophages / growth & development* Fresh Water / microbiology* Microcystis / virology* RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis* RNA, Messenger / genetics RNA, Viral / biosynthesis* RNA, Viral / genetics Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods Transcription, Genetic Viral Proteins / genetics
IF 2.575
Times Cited 22
WOS Category BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY
Resource
Algae NIES-298