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Archaeal biology

CRISPR-influenced symbiosis

Nature Microbiology volume 8, pages 1611–1612 (2023)Cite this article

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CRISPR systems canonically confer microorganisms with protection against invading viral DNA, plasmids and mobile genetic elements, however a multi-omics investigation of deep subsurface archaeal communities suggests that archaeal CRISPR systems might target other archaeal parasites or force a transition from parasitism to mutualism.

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Fig. 1: Potential mechanisms of CRISPR-influenced symbioses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA

    Anna-Louise Reysenbach

  2. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Michael P. Terns

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  1. Anna-Louise Reysenbach
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  2. Michael P. Terns
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Correspondence to Anna-Louise Reysenbach or Michael P. Terns.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Reysenbach, AL., Terns, M.P. CRISPR-influenced symbiosis. Nat Microbiol 8, 1611–1612 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01445-4

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