Refactoring M13

M13K07 is a helper phage vector carrying all the essential genes of for M13 phage production in addition to KanR and a p15 ori. We have created 8 mutations within the coding regions from geneII through geneIII. These mutations create new cut sites that allow for the easy insertion of synthesized DNA fragments, allowing one to quickly re-engineer the phage or insert novel elements into the genome. The mutations are shown in the figure below. The final mutant bearing all 8 mutations shows a "weakened" phenotype of about 10x below wild type cfu/ml phage titer and smaller plaques.

We are currently using this phage for instructional purposes in genome redesign in the class 20.109 [1].