The researchers employed cryo-electron microscopy to examine the structure of Bas63, a bacteriophage from the Ounabilinae subfamily. Felixona virus targets the genus Escherichia coli to explore their evolutionary relationships and functional adaptations.
Composite representation of the complete Bas63 virion. Image credit: Hodgkinson Bean et al., doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx0790.
Bacteriophages classified as Caudobilites constitute the most prevalent group of viruses on the planet.
The Caudovirites encompass 7 orders, 74 families, and 121 subfamilies.
“Bacteriophages are of significant interest to researchers seeking alternatives to antibiotics in response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance,” stated Dr. James Hodgkinson-Bean from the University of Otago.
“These bacteriophage viruses pose no harm to multicellular organisms and can selectively target and eliminate specific bacteria.”
“This is why there is a surge in research and application of ‘phage therapy’ for treating highly drug-resistant bacterial infections.”
“Bacteriophages are intricate viruses that infect bacteria using a large mechanical structure known as a ‘tail.’
In this study, Dr. Hodgkinson-Bean and his team examined the structure of Bas63 at the molecular level to gain insights into the tail’s role during infection.
“This research is crucial for identifying optimal bacteriophages for treatment and understanding the variations in infection behavior observed in laboratory settings,” said Dr. Hodgkinson-Bean.
“As antibiotic resistance escalates and plant pathogens threaten global food security, bacteriophages represent a promising alternative,” remarked Dr. Mifnea Bostina, also from the University of Otago.
“Our comprehensive bacteriophage blueprint advances the strategic design of medical, agricultural, and industrial uses, from treating infectious diseases to combating biofilms in food processing and water systems.”
“Beyond the realm of science, the 3D data illustrating the virus’s unique whisker and collar combinations, hexameric decorative proteins, and varied tail fibers might inspire artists, animators, and educators.”
Understanding viral structure also enhances our comprehension of their evolution.
“While DNA generally serves as the primary marker of human evolution, the three-dimensional structure of a virus offers more nuanced information about its distant evolutionary ties to other viruses,” said Dr. Hodgkinson-Bean.
The authors identified features previously observed only in distantly related viruses, uncovering previously unrecognized evolutionary connections.
“Through structural research, we have established that bacteriophages are related to herpesviruses, and this connection is believed to date back billions of years, prior to the rise of multicellular life,” remarked Dr. Hodgkinson-Bean.
“Looking at the structure of bacteriophages is akin to viewing a living fossil, an ancient primordial entity.”
“There’s something profoundly beautiful about it.”
These findings were published in the Journal on November 12, 2025, in Scientific Progress.
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James Hodgkinson-Bean et al. 2025. Cryo-EM structure of bacteriophage Bas63 reveals structural conservation and diversity of bacteriophage Bas63. Felixona virus Genus. Scientific Progress 11(46); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx0790
Source: www.sci.news
