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Beyond CRISPR: Systematic characterization of novel anti-phage defense systems in the microbial pan-genome

Project description

In search of new anti-phage defence mechanisms

Bacteria have evolved defence mechanisms against phages, such as restriction enzymes and CRISPR-Cas, significantly influencing the evolution of both species. However, there is significant speculation for the existence of a large battery of yet-uncharacterised anti-phage defence systems in bacterial genomes. Funded by the European Research Council, the PhageResist project aims to systematically investigate the presence of additional mechanisms employed by microbes in their fight against phages. In this quest, researchers will use computational genomics, synthetic biology, as well as genetic and biochemical experiments. Apart from improving our understanding of bacteria-phage interactions, project results have the potential to contribute to novel genetic engineering applications.

Objective

The perpetual arms race between bacteria and phage has resulted in the evolution of efficient resistance systems that protect bacteria from phage infection. Such systems, which include restriction enzymes and CRISPR-Cas, have major influence on the evolution of both bacteria and phage, and have also proven to be invaluable for molecular and biotechnological applications. Although much have been learned on the biology of bacterial defense against phage, more than half of all sequenced bacteria do not contain CRISPR-Cas, and it is estimated that many additional, yet-uncharacterized anti-phage defense systems are encoded in bacterial genomes.

The goal of this project is to systematically understand the arsenal of defense mechanisms that are at the disposal of microbes in their struggle against phages. The project combines computational genomics, synthetic biology, high-throughput robotic assays, and deep genetic and biochemical experiments to discover, verify, and study the properties of anti-phage defense systems.

Host institution

WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Net EU contribution
€ 2 000 000,00
Address
HERZL STREET 234
7610001 Rehovot
Israel

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
€ 2 000 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)