Structure of T5-Like Phage dUTPase from Vibrio Phage Phi3

The first crystal structure of dUTPase from the bacteriophage Vibrio phage phi3 was determined at 1.95 Å resolution. This protein has a homotrimeric quaternary structure characteristic of this type of dUTPases and contains a short loop in the N-terminal region of the polypeptide chain, which is specific for Т5-like bacteriophage dUTPases. It was demonstrated that, despite a low amino acid sequence homology between phage (Т5 and phi3) dUTPases, phi3 dUTPase can effectively replace phage Т5 dUTPase during the lytic cycle.