Diverse genetic contexts of HicA toxin domains propose a role in anti-phage defense.

ABSTRACT: Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are prevalent in prokaryotic genomes, often in substantial numbers. For instance, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome alone harbors close to 100 TA modules, half of which belong to a singular type. Traditionally ascribed multiple biological roles, recent insights challenge these notions and instead indicate a predominant function in phage defense. TAs are often located within Defense Islands, genomic regions that encode various defense systems. The analysis of genes within Defense Islands has unveiled a wide array of systems, including TAs that serve in anti-phage defense. Prokaryotic cells are equipped with anti-phage Viperins that, analogous to their mammalian counterparts, inhibit viral RNA transcription. Additionally, bacterial Structural Maintenan

SUBMITTER: Gerdes K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10865869 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature