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Related Concept Videos

CRISPR and crRNAs02:53

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Bacteria and archaea are susceptible to viral infections just like eukaryotes; therefore, they have developed a unique adaptive immune system to protect themselves. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) are present in more than 45% of known bacteria and 90% of known archaea.
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CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats is a adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea that protects against viral infections. This system enables prokaryotic cells to identify, remember, and neutralize foreign genetic elements, primarily bacteriophages, by storing fragments of the invader’s DNA as a genetic memory.The CRISPR immune response begins during an initial infection. Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins play a central role in this...
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Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced...
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Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Precise Phage Mutagenesis with NgTET-Assisted CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Coevolution between bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems and their bacteriophages.

Bridget N J Watson1, Jurre A Steens2, Raymond H J Staals2

  • 1ESI, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK.

Cell Host & Microbe
|May 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary

CRISPR-Cas systems offer bacteria adaptive immunity against phages. This review explores the evolution of CRISPR-Cas immunity, phage evasion, and their coevolutionary dynamics.

Keywords:
CRISPR-Casbacteriophagescoevolutionecologyevolution

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive, heritable immunity in prokaryotes against foreign genetic elements like viruses (phages).
  • The diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems and their specific roles in phage defense are not fully understood.
  • Understanding these systems is crucial for comprehending microbial evolution and host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolutionary drivers and mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas immunity against phages.
  • To examine the reciprocal selection pressures leading to phage immune evasion strategies.
  • To discuss the evidence and conditions for coevolution between CRISPR-Cas systems and phages.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CRISPR-Cas systems and phage-host interactions.
  • Analysis of evolutionary principles governing adaptive immunity and pathogen counter-adaptation.
  • Examination of mechanistic aspects of CRISPR-Cas function and phage resistance.

Main Results:

  • CRISPR-Cas immunity evolves under specific ecological and genetic conditions, providing a significant defense advantage.
  • Phages rapidly evolve counter-defense mechanisms (immune evasion) to overcome CRISPR-Cas systems.
  • Coevolutionary dynamics are observed, with reciprocal adaptations shaping the interplay between CRISPR-Cas and phages, influenced by specific immunity mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • CRISPR-Cas systems are key players in microbial adaptive immunity, driving significant evolutionary arms races with phages.
  • The interplay between CRISPR-Cas and phages highlights the dynamic nature of host-parasite evolution.
  • Further research into the mechanistic basis of CRISPR-Cas immunity will illuminate coevolutionary patterns and microbial defense strategies.