Cryo-Electron Microscopy Three-Dimensional Structure of the Jumbo Phage ΦRSL1 Infecting the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum

SummaryϕRSL1 jumbo phage belongs to a new class of viruses within the Myoviridae family. Here, we report its three-dimensional structure determined by electron cryo microscopy. The icosahedral capsid, the tail helical portion, and the complete tail appendage were reconstructed separately to resolutions of 9 Å, 9 Å, and 28 Å, respectively. The head is rather complex and formed by at least five different proteins, whereas the major capsid proteins resemble those from HK97, despite low sequence conservation. The helical tail structure demonstrates its close relationship to T4 sheath proteins and provides evidence for an evolutionary link of the inner tail tube to the bacterial type VI secretion apparatus. Long fibers extend from the collar region, and their length is consistent with reaching the host cell surface upon tail contraction. Our structural analyses indicate that ϕRSL1 is an unusual member of the Myoviridae that employs conserved protein machines related to different phages and bacteria.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (528 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► ϕRSL1, a jumbo phage, is almost completely covered by decorating proteins
► The tail structure is reported to be 9 Å, revealing unprecedented structural details
► The tail inner tube shows structural similarities to the bacterial type VI secretion system
► The long fibers can stabilize phiRSL1 once it is bound to the host cell surface