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- Edwards, Robert A., et al.
(author)
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Global phylogeography and ancient evolution of the widespread human gut virus crAssphage
- 2019
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In: Nature Microbiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2058-5276. ; 4:10, s. 1727-1736
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Microbiomes are vast communities of microorganisms and viruses that populate all natural ecosystems. Viruses have been considered to be the most variable component of microbiomes, as supported by virome surveys and examples of high genomic mosaicism. However, recent evidence suggests that the human gut virome is remarkably stable compared with that of other environments. Here, we investigate the origin, evolution and epidemiology of crAssphage, a widespread human gut virus. Through a global collaboration, we obtained DNA sequences of crAssphage from more than one-third of the world's countries and showed that the phylogeography of crAssphage is locally clustered within countries, cities and individuals. We also found fully colinear crAssphage-like genomes in both Old-World and New-World primates, suggesting that the association of crAssphage with primates may be millions of years old. Finally, by exploiting a large cohort of more than 1,000 individuals, we tested whether crAssphage is associated with bacterial taxonomic groups of the gut microbiome, diverse human health parameters and a wide range of dietary factors. We identified strong correlations with different clades of bacteria that are related to Bacteroidetes and weak associations with several diet categories, but no significant association with health or disease. We conclude that crAssphage is a benign cosmopolitan virus that may have coevolved with the human lineage and is an integral part of the normal human gut virome.
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2. |
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CRISPR : methods and protocols
- 2015
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Editorial collection (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This volume presents a list of cutting-edge protocols for the study of CRISPR-Cas defense systems and their applications at the genomic, genetic, biochemical and structural levels. CRISPR: Methods and Protocols guides readers through techniques that have been developed specifically for the analysis of CRISPR-Cas and techniques adapted from standard protocols of DNA, RNA and protein biology. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, CRISPR: Methods and Protocols provides a broad list of tools and techniques to study the interdisciplinary aspects of the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas defense systems.
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3. |
- Fineran, Peter C., et al.
(author)
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Memory of viral infections by CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems : acquisition of new information
- 2012
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In: Virology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0042-6822 .- 1096-0341. ; 434:2, s. 202-209
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multiple organisms face the threat of viral infections. To combat phage invasion, bacteria and archaea have evolved an adaptive mechanism of protection against exogenic mobile genetic elements, called CRISPR-Cas. In this defense strategy, phage infection is memorized via acquisition of a short invader sequence, called a spacer, into the CRISPR locus of the host genome. Upon repeated infection, the 'vaccinated' host expresses the spacer as a precursor RNA, which is processed into a mature CRISPR RNA (crRNA) that guides an endonuclease to the matching invader for its ultimate destruction. Recent efforts have uncovered molecular details underlying the crRNA biogenesis and interference steps. However, until recently the step of adaptation had remained largely uninvestigated. In this minireview, we focus on recent publications that have begun to reveal molecular insights into the adaptive step of CRISPR-Cas immunity, which is required for the development of the heritable memory of the host against viruses.
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