Bacteriophage-driven DNA inversions shape bacterial functionality and long-term co-existence in <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i>.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial genomic DNA inversions, which govern molecular phase-variations, provide the bacteria with functional plasticity and phenotypic diversity. These targeted rearrangements enable bacteria to respond to environmental challenges, such as bacteriophage predation, evading immune detection or gut colonization. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of the lytic phage Barc2635 on the functional plasticity of Bacteroides fragilis, a gut commensal. Germ-free mice were colonized with B. fragilis and exposed to Barc2635 to identify genomic alterations driving phenotypic changes. Phage exposure triggered dynamic and prolonged bacterial responses, including significant shifts in phase-variable regions (PVRs), particularly in promoter orientations of polysaccharid

SUBMITTER: Carasso S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12068327 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature