emirates7 - Chinese scientists have identified a novel antiviral mechanism enabling bacteria to defend against phage infections, potentially paving the way for future drug development, according to China Pharmaceutical University (CPU).
Phages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, have long been a focus of research. In recent years, scientists worldwide have recognized that single-celled bacteria have evolved various antiviral strategies to combat phage attacks.
Earlier studies demonstrated that bacteria utilize their type III CRISPR-Cas system to counter phages by damaging their genetic material, thereby hindering reproduction and preventing infection, explained Chen Meirong, an associate professor at CPU.
As reported by Xinhua, a team led by CPU professor Xiao Yibei has advanced this understanding using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, often likened to genetic "scissors" for its ability to cut DNA at precise locations.
"After two years of research, we uncovered a new immunity mechanism called CRISPR-CAAD, which depletes ATP within bacteria," said Chen.
CRISPR-CAAD converts ATP, the primary energy source for cellular functions, into toxic ITP, according to Lu Meiling, another associate professor at CPU. This process deprives phages of the energy required to replicate, halting their spread and safeguarding the bacterial population.
"During this process, bacteria enter a dormancy-like state. Our biochemical analysis revealed that an enzyme called Nudix breaks down and neutralizes ITP, allowing the bacteria to gradually recover from dormancy once the phages are eliminated," Chen added.
This discovery highlights the connection between bacterial immunity and metabolism, expands knowledge of gene-editing technologies, and offers a promising avenue for developing anti-infective drugs, Xiao concluded.
Phages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, have long been a focus of research. In recent years, scientists worldwide have recognized that single-celled bacteria have evolved various antiviral strategies to combat phage attacks.
Earlier studies demonstrated that bacteria utilize their type III CRISPR-Cas system to counter phages by damaging their genetic material, thereby hindering reproduction and preventing infection, explained Chen Meirong, an associate professor at CPU.
As reported by Xinhua, a team led by CPU professor Xiao Yibei has advanced this understanding using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, often likened to genetic "scissors" for its ability to cut DNA at precise locations.
"After two years of research, we uncovered a new immunity mechanism called CRISPR-CAAD, which depletes ATP within bacteria," said Chen.
CRISPR-CAAD converts ATP, the primary energy source for cellular functions, into toxic ITP, according to Lu Meiling, another associate professor at CPU. This process deprives phages of the energy required to replicate, halting their spread and safeguarding the bacterial population.
"During this process, bacteria enter a dormancy-like state. Our biochemical analysis revealed that an enzyme called Nudix breaks down and neutralizes ITP, allowing the bacteria to gradually recover from dormancy once the phages are eliminated," Chen added.
This discovery highlights the connection between bacterial immunity and metabolism, expands knowledge of gene-editing technologies, and offers a promising avenue for developing anti-infective drugs, Xiao concluded.