Fact Sheet: Rapunzel Bacteriophage

March 16, 2023

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are found everywhere that bacteria exist. They are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of organisms on the planet, and they play a significant role in controlling bacterial populations in various environments. Among them, the P74-26 bacteriophage stands out due to its unique structure and features. A new study has found that this bacteriophage has an extremely long tail.

The ‘Rapunzel Bacteriophage’

The P74-26 bacteriophage is also known as the ‘Rapunzel bacteriophage’ because of its long tail, which is about 10 times longer than that of most bacteriophages. The tail is nearly one micrometer long, which is similar in width to some spider’s silk. This tail structure is essential for host recognition and attachment, which are crucial for successful infections.

Stable Phage

Not only does the P74-26 bacteriophage have an extremely long tail, but it is also the most stable phage, allowing it to exist in and infect bacteria that live in hot springs. This makes it unique among phages, as most cannot withstand the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions found in these environments.

Building Blocks

The researchers used high-power imaging techniques and computer simulations to study the structure of the P74-26 bacteriophage. They found that the phage’s tail is formed from vertically stacked rings of molecules that make a hollow canal. P74-26 uses a ‘ball and socket’ mechanism to stabilize itself, where the building blocks of the tail lean on each other to maintain stability.

Lego-like Building Blocks

The building blocks of the P74-26 bacteriophage’s tail are comparable to Lego bricks. These building blocks can change shape, or conformation, as they come together, and the shape-changing behavior is critical in allowing the building blocks to fit together correctly. The researchers think that some ancient virus fused its building blocks into one protein, which is why P74-26 uses half the number of building blocks to form stacking rings that make up the tail. This unique feature makes the P74-26 bacteriophage even more fascinating to researchers.

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