Genome Annotation of Bacteriophages Allegro and Moostard

Abstract

During the spring semester of the one-year-long HHMI SEA-PHAGES experience, we annotated the sequenced genomes of two novel Mycobacterium smegmatis bacteriophages, Allegro and Moostard. Allegro is a member of the Mycobacterium Cluster B and a member of the sub-cluster B2. Allegro’s genome is 67,439 bp in length and has approximately 92 predicted genes. Moostard is a member of Mycobacterium Cluster L and a member of the sub-cluster L3. Its genome is 69,480 bp in length and has approximately 108 predicted genes. Using DNA Master, Phamerator, and Starterator, along with homology comparisons to databases at HHPred and NCBI, the putative open reading frames were assessed for designated location and function. Multiple students called each gene allowing for an independent assessment of the reading frames. The data from all students were merged and assessed. Moostard encoded for integrase proteins which suggest a temperate lifestyle. Allegro did not contain an integrase protein but did encode for a putative immunity suppressor protein. The comparative analysis of phage genomes helps expand our understanding of the genomic diversity of bacteriophages found in this region of South Carolina and successfully introduces a genuine research experience to students in their first year of undergraduate studies at Winthrop University