A highly specific phage defense system is a conserved feature of the Vibrio cholerae mobilome.

ABSTRACT: Vibrio cholerae-specific bacteriophages are common features of the microbial community during cholera infection in humans. Phages impose strong selective pressure that favors the expansion of phage-resistant strains over their vulnerable counterparts. The mechanisms allowing virulent V. cholerae strains to defend against the ubiquitous threat of predatory phages have not been established. Here, we show that V. cholerae PLEs (phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements) are widespread genomic islands dedicated to phage defense. Analysis of V. cholerae isolates spanning a 60-year collection period identified five unique PLEs. Remarkably, we found that all PLEs (regardless of geographic or temporal origin) respond to infection by a myovirus called ICP1, the most prominent V. cholerae pha

SUBMITTER: O'Hara BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5481146 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature