The Diversity of the CRISPR-Cas System and Prophages Present in the Genome Reveals the Co-evolution of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Phages.

ABSTRACT: Diverse CRISPR-Cas systems constitute an indispensable part of the bacterial adaptive immune system against viral infections. However, to escape from this immune system, bacteriophages have also evolved corresponding anti-defense measures. We investigated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems and the presence of prophages in the genomes of 66 Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum strains. Our findings revealed a high occurrence of complete CRISPR-Cas systems (62%, 41/66) in the B. pseudocatenulatum genomes. Subtypes I-C, I-U and II-A, were found to be widespread in this species. No significant association was found between the number of bacterial CRISPR spacers and its host's age. This study on prophages within B. pseudocatenulatum genomes revealed that prophage genes relate

SUBMITTER: Wang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7264901 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature