Structural insights into the inactivation of CRISPR-Cas systems by diverse anti-CRISPR proteins.

ABSTRACT: A molecular arms race is progressively being unveiled between prokaryotes and viruses. Prokaryotes utilize CRISPR-mediated adaptive immune systems to kill the invading phages and mobile genetic elements, and in turn, the viruses evolve diverse anti-CRISPR proteins to fight back. The structures of several anti-CRISPR proteins have now been reported, and here we discuss their structural features, with a particular emphasis on topology, to discover their similarities and differences. We summarize the CRISPR-Cas inhibition mechanisms of these anti-CRISPR proteins in their structural context. Considering anti-CRISPRs in this way will provide important clues for studying their origin and evolution.

SUBMITTER: Zhu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5859409 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature