Diversity and dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas systems associated with Bacteroides fragilis in human population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) systems are adaptive immune systems commonly found in prokaryotes that provide sequence-specific defense against invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The memory of these immunological encounters are stored in CRISPR arrays, where spacer sequences record the identity and history of past invaders. Analyzing such CRISPR arrays provide insights into the dynamics of CRISPR-Cas systems and the adaptation of their host bacteria to rapidly changing environments such as the human gut.

Results

In this study, we utilized 601 publicly available Bacteroides fragilis genome isolates from 12 healthy individuals, 6 of which include longitudinal observations, and 222 available B.

SUBMITTER: Lam TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9367070 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature