Progress in the fight against harmful bacteria has been made through a surprising discovery.
An international team of researchers, led by Professor Peter Fineran from the University of Otago, delved into the study of a specific protein utilized by bacteria-infecting viruses, also known as phages.
Understanding the ongoing battle between bacteria and phages at a microscopic level is crucial as it could pave the way for alternative approaches to antibiotics.
Recently published in the esteemed journal Nature, the research investigated a protein that phages employ to execute anti-CRISPR, their tactic for circumventing the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system.
Lead author Dr. Nils Birkholz, from Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, highlighted the importance of comprehending how phages interact with bacteria in utilizing phages against bacterial pathogens in human health or agriculture.
Dr. Birkholz pointed out the significance of understanding the defense mechanisms like CRISPR used by bacteria to shield themselves from phage attacks, similar to how our immune system combats viruses, and how phages can counteract these defenses.
The study unveiled the intricate deployment mechanism involved in phages utilizing their anti-CRISPRs.
Professor Fineran noted the far-reaching implications of this discovery for gene regulation and the potential shift it could bring in understanding how phages avoid CRISPR-Cas defenses to eliminate target bacteria in various applications.
