Bacteriophage-encoded functions engaged in initiation of homologous recombination events

Abstract

Recombination plays significant role in bacteriophage biology. Functions promoting recombination are involved in key stages of phage multiplication and drive phage evolution. Their biological role is reflected in the great variety of phages existing in the environment. This work presents the intricacy of recombination of DNA phages and highlights the discrete character of phage-encoded recombination functions (anti-RecBCD activity, 5’  3’ DNA exonucleases, homologous pairing proteins, etc.). Specifically accented are phage-mediated events which initiate genetic exchange. Importance of recombination is reviewed based on the accepted coli-phage T4 and  models, the recombination system of phage P22, and the recently characterized recombination functions of phages SPP1 and Che9c. Key steps of the molecular mechanisms involving phage recombination functions and their application in molecular engineering are discussed.