Bacteriophage SU10 was isolated from sewage water from waste water treatment plant in Stockholm. It belongs to the family Podoviridae and infects wide range of E. coli strains. The phage has 77 kbp dsDNA genome, prolate capsid and short tail with base plate.
We determined the molecular structure of capsid, portal and tail-base plate complex of SU10. Capsid is formed by 11 pentons and 110 hexons of major capsid protein, which has HK97 fold. The dodecameric portal complex features a prolonged crown-barrel on the top, similar to that of phage P22. Phage particle is decorated by two types of fibers, both present in six copies. Collar fibers are connected to the neck protein complex. Long tail fibers, possible host recognition device, are connected to the tail protein. Hydrolytic tail needle is pointing out from the center of the base plate.
Our high-resolution reconstruction of the phage SU10 is the first reported detailed insight into the structure and build up of Gram-negative bacteria attacking Podoviridae phages.