The Annotation of the Complete Genome of the Mycobacterium phage Inverness

The gene annotation of the Mycobacterium phage Inverness was performed to establish certain genetic characteristics and qualities of the phage. Our research was designed to investigate the potential usefulness of this phage for medical purposes as part of the SEA-PHAGES project. Due to the decline in effectiveness of antibiotics when treating bacterial diseases, demand for alternative therapies and treatment has grown substantially. Phages have the potential to meet this demand. The genome of Inverness was found to be 68,264 base pairs in length, to possess a GC content of 66.5%, and to contain 99 protein-coding genes. Based on nucleotide similarities, the Mycobacterium phage Inverness was placed into cluster B and subcluster B1. The 33 genes with identifiable functions had an almost even split between rightward (49.49%) and leftward (50.51%) oriented genes. No putative function could be identified for 66 genes.  No tRNAs were found to be present within the genome for this specific phage. It should also be noted that, among those genes with identified functions, two codes for lysins, which are proteins that kill bacteria cells. This suggests potential future opportunities to use this phage as a treatment for certain cases of antibiotic resistant infections.