Exploring the ecological function of CRISPR-Cas virus defense.
Virus-host interaction is a key process in understanding the ecology and evolution of life. The study of the CRISPR-Cas RNA-guided adaptive immune systems of bacteria and archaea has added to our understanding of the virus defense mechanisms of microorganisms. The molecular details of the CRISPR-Cas systems are well explored and have allowed development a new generation of gene editing tools. However, the actual role and importance of CRISPR-Cas virus defense in nature is complex to study and have attracted less attention. Metagenomic analysis of microbial populations and the study of viruses-host systems in the laboratory have begun to unravel this question. Key findings in the field are described, with focus on recent developments.
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden.
Magnus
M
Lundgren
CRISPR-Cas; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Streptococcus thermophilusvirus; archaea; bacteria; ecology; evolution; phage