A Broad-Host-Range Tailocin from Burkholderia cenocepacia

The complex (Bcc) consists of 20 closely related Gram-negative bacterial species that are significant pathogens for persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). Some Bcc strains are highly transmissible and resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infection difficult to treat. A tailocin (phage tail-like bacteriocin), designated BceTMilo, with a broad host range against members of the Bcc, was identified in strain BC0425. Sixty-eight percent of Bcc representing 10 species and 90% of non-Bcc strains tested were sensitive to BceTMilo. BceTMilo also showed killing activity against PAO1 and derivatives. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the major BceTMilo proteins was used to identify a 23-kb tailocin locus in a draft BC0425 genome. The BceTMilo locus was syntenic and highly similar to a 24.6-kb region on chromosome 1 of J2315 (BCAL0081 to BCAL0107). A close relationship and synteny were observed between BceTMilo and phage KL3 and, by extension, with paradigm temperate myophage P2. Deletion mutants in the gene cluster encoding enzymes for biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the indicator strain K56-2 conferred resistance to BceTMilo. Analysis of the defined mutants in LPS biosynthetic genes indicated that an α-d-glucose residue in the core oligosaccharide is the receptor for BceTMilo. BceTMilo, presented in this study, is a broad-host-range tailocin active against spp. As such, BceTMilo and related or modified tailocins have potential as bactericidal therapeutic agents against plant- and human-pathogenic .