Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacterial hosts, are found abundantly in nature and can be characterized by morphology and grouped into clusters based on genetic similarities. Bacteriphage genomes contain lysins which encode for peptidoglycan-hydrolyzing enzymes. Lysins are synthesized during the lytic stage of phage replication to break down the cell wall, cause lysis of the host cell, and ultimately release progeny virions into its immediate surroundings. Lysins show great promise in controlling pathogenic antibiotic resistance bacteria. Three lysin proteins from Arthrobacter phages were selected for lysin studies in an advanced biochemistry laboratory class. Students transformed the three expression vectors containing the lysin gene inserts into <i>E. coli</i>; performed an induction test and then conducted a lysin time kill experiment. All experiments discussed used standard biochemistry equipment and could be implemented at relatively minimal costs.

Design and implementation of a bacteriophage lysin protein project in an advanced biochemistry lab

2019 Spring National Meeting

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