CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient genome engineering of the strictly lytic, broad-host-range staphylococcal bacteriophage K.

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus is a major opportunistic pathogen, increasingly difficult to treat due to rising resistance to methicillin, vancomycin, and other antimicrobials. Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative, particularly when conventional therapies fail and their efficacy can be enhanced through genetic engineering. Among S. aureus phages, the strictly lytic, broad-host-range members of the Twortvirinae subfamily are among the most promising therapeutic candidates. However, their large genome sizes make them notoriously difficult to engineer. In this study, we utilized Twortvirus K as a model to develop an efficient phage engineering platform, leveraging homologous recombination and CRISPR-Cas9-assisted counterselection. As proof of principle, this platfor

SUBMITTER: Fernbach J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12442396 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature