A Comprehensive, CRISPR-based Functional Analysis of Essential Genes in Bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Essential gene functions underpin the core reactions required for cell viability, but their contributions and relationships are poorly studied in vivo. Using CRISPR interference, we created knockdowns of every essential gene in Bacillus subtilis and probed their phenotypes. Our high-confidence essential gene network, established using chemical genomics, showed extensive interconnections among distantly related processes and identified modes of action for uncharacterized antibiotics. Importantly, mild knockdown of essential gene functions significantly reduced stationary-phase survival without affecting maximal growth rate, suggesting that essential protein levels are set to maximize outgrowth from stationary phase. Finally, high-throughput microscopy indicated that cell morphology is relat

SUBMITTER: Peters JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4894308 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature