The value of information gathering for phages
Phages invest in sensing bacteria and phage abundance to choose between lytic and lysogenic life cycles. A 50% growth rate penalty allows lysogenic phages to outcompete those without sensory abilities.
Search results for “Phage”
429 results for "Phage"
Scientists reveal the molecular structure of a complex bacteriophage
Researchers have solved the molecular structure of a complete tailed virus with a flexible tail at unprecedented detail. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapies and the development of alternative treatments to antibiotics.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2023
New software makes rapid inroads to find viral weapons for germ warfare
A new bioinformatics software program, Phables, has been released to find bacteriophages through more accurate genome sequencing. This tool can identify and characterize phages with up to 49% more complete genomes compared to existing viral identification tools.
SourceFlinders University·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2023
HKUST researchers report the high-res structure of a cyanobacterial virus
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have mapped the high-resolution structure of a little-known cyanophage virus, shedding light on its role in controlling marine biogeochemical cycles. The study provides new insights into how viral proteins interact to make the virus stable and infect cells.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2023
Peptide power is ON
Scientists at IPC PAS create peptide-based sensors to detect inflammation and chronic diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. The study uses phage-display method to identify CRP-binding peptides, achieving higher affinity and detection efficiency than antibodies.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2023
Unlocking the past to combat the future: Ice core revolution in antibiotic discovery
Researchers have discovered a new source of antimicrobial compounds in ice cores, which could help combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The study employs bioprospecting and synthetic biology techniques to unearth unique compounds from these biological time capsules.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2023
RNA trickery disarms the antiviral CRISPR defenses of bacteria
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that phages use small RNAs to disarm bacterial CRISPR-Cas immune systems, making them vulnerable to infection. This finding has significant implications for phage therapy and could lead to more specific and controlled CRISPR-Cas treatments.
Laser-powered ‘tweezers’ reveal universal mechanism viruses use to package up DNA
A study using optical tweezers reveals new insights into the roles of specific DNA motor proteins in packaging viral genomes. Researchers found that a conserved TerS subunit plays a key role in controlling viral genome packaging, and suggests a universal mechanism for terminase motor function.
How bacteria recognize viral invasion and activate immune defenses
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that bacteria sense phages via the CBASS system, which detects viral RNA to initiate an immune response. This finding may help counter antibiotic resistance. The discovery sheds light on how core immune functions are shared across distantly related domains of life.
Virus discovery is new ammunition for tackling ‘germ warfare’ in humans
A new study has identified three novel viruses that target specific bacterial hosts in the human gut, paving the way for more effective phage therapy to combat antimicrobial resistance. The discovery could lead to new methods of improving gut health and metabolism.
Bacteria-virus arms race provides rare window into rapid and complex evolution
Scientists observe rapid evolutionary changes in bacteria and viruses, leading to the emergence of complex ecological patterns. The study reveals nestedness and modularity as two prominent repeating patterns in bacterial-phage interactions.
Research team at World Institute of Kimchi discovers lactic acid bacteria strains with high virus resistance from kimchi
Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi identified Pediococcus inopinatus, a lab strain with a well-developed CRISPR-Cas system, which provides strong defense against viruses. The discovery could lead to the development of phage-resistant LAB strains for food production and potentially even pharmaceutical applications.
Mammalian cells may consume bacteria-killing viruses to promote cellular health
Mammalian cells consume bacteriophages, killing bacteria and promoting cellular growth and survival. The study suggests that phage particles serve as a nutritionally enriched resource, triggering signaling pathway events that enhance cellular health.
Scientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria
Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which phages evade CRISPR-Cas immune systems in bacteria, revealing a potential approach to make gene editing safer and more efficient. This discovery could lead to the development of bespoke anti-CRISPRs to neutralize CRISPR-Cas systems and provide an alternative to antibiotics.
Funding will help further development of bacteriophages to combat disease on a commercial scale
Pioneering work on bacteriophages to combat disease has received an £800,000 boost from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The grant will advance production of phages to combat disease in the veterinary field and bring them to market.
A newly identified virus emerges from the deep
A newly discovered virus has been isolated from deep-sea sediment, providing insights into the diversity and evolution of viruses in extreme environments. The bacteriophage, which infects bacteria in the phylum Halomonas, is believed to be one of the most abundant life forms on the planet.
A team from the University of Barcelona identifies 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters
A University of Barcelona team has identified 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters, including the crAssBcn phage, which is specific to human intestinal tract bacteria. The discovery expands the global map of Crassvirales viruses and suggests they may play a regulatory role in human intestinal microbiota.
Singling out a bacterium from the crowd
A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.
New species of marine bacteria isolated from a deep-sea cold seep
Researchers have isolated a new strain of marine bacteria, Poriferisphaera hetertotrophicis, that grows faster in nutrient-rich media and multiplies via a budding mechanism. The bacterium releases a chronic virus, phage-ZRK32, which facilitates nitrogen metabolism and increases growth.
Anti-bacterial virus (Phage PASA16) treated antibiotic resistant infections: 86.6% success rate
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Treating bladder infections with viruses
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a rapid test that detects bladder infections using bacteriophages, which can identify the pathogenic bacteria in under four hours. The test also allows for tailored phage therapy, predicting patient response and increasing treatment effectiveness.
Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep
Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.
Public aware of and accept use of bacteria-killing viruses as alternative to antibiotics, study shows
A new study shows public acceptance of phage therapy is moderately high and can be increased through education. The study found that describing phage therapy in a more positive light increases its acceptance, while exposure to information about antibiotic resistance also plays a role.
Phage structure captured for the first time, to benefit biotech applications
Researchers at the University of Exeter have captured the structure of a commonly used phage, filamentous phages, which will enable the development of new biotechnology applications. The new insights gained from this research will help improve phage display and other uses in drug discovery.
Scientists create the first CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting the microbiome
Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.
Pulling the plug on viral infections: CRISPR isn’t just about cutting
A new study reveals that a Cas protein and a membrane protein work together to enhance anti-viral defense in bacteria. The team found that the membrane protein forms a pore-like structure that disrupts energy production and hinders virus replication, effectively 'pulling the plug' on viral infections.
New discovery stops bacterial virus contamination
A new discovery by researchers at the University of Warwick has found a simple material that can prevent bacterial viruses from contaminating laboratories and microbial factories. This breakthrough aims to develop next-generation industrial biotechnologies and remove a bottleneck in fundamental research.
The ‘Rapunzel’ virus: an evolutionary oddity
A study reveals an extremely long tail on a bacteriophage that allows it to infect tough bacteria in hot springs. The 'Rapunzel' virus has a nearly 1-micrometer-long tail and uses a unique 'ball and socket' mechanism for stability.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023
A quick new way to screen virus proteins for antibiotic properties
Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.
A Pitt lab shows phage attacks in new light
A Pitt lab discovery sheds light on how a specific mutation in the lsr2 gene helps bacteria resist phage infection. The team developed new tools to visualize phages attacking bacteria, revealing critical insights into the mechanisms of phage resistance.
Disturbed gut virome with potent interferonogenic property in systemic lupus erythematosus
Researchers identified distinct viral signatures in the gut viromes of SLE patients, including Drulisvirus and Thermoanaerobacterium phage THSA-485A, which promote interferon-α production. These findings suggest a link between the gut virome and SLE disease activity.
Battling drug resistant bacteria with bacteriophages
Researchers explore alternative methods to overcome obstacles in phage therapy, including species specificity, bioavailability, and infectivity loss. Nanotechnology is being used to detect bacteria and facilitate phage delivery, offering a promising diagnostic tool.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·DateMar 5, 2023
'We're not all that different': Study IDs bacterial weapons that could be harnessed to treat human disease
Researchers discovered a cluster of enzymes in bacteria that can be reprogrammed to edit proteins and potentially treat human diseases such as Parkinson's and Crohn's. The study also identified key components of the bacterial immune system, including two on-off switches, that could be targeted therapeutically.
Therapeutic potential of bizarre ‘jumbo’ viruses tapped for $10M HHMI emerging pathogens project
Researchers from UC San Diego and Yale University are exploring the therapeutic potential of
Atomic structure of a staphylococcal bacteriophage using cryo-electron microscopy
Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structures and functions of Andhra gene products, paving the way for custom phages for therapeutic applications. The high-resolution knowledge of the virus structure is crucial for developing targeted treatments against Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022
How to edit the genes of nature’s master manipulators
Researchers have created a method to edit the genomes of bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, using CRISPR technology. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the control of microbiomes and treat dangerous drug-resistant infections.
Food decontamination spray deploys "billions of tiny soldiers"
Researchers at McMaster University have created a food-safe and highly effective disinfectant spray using microscopic beads loaded with phages. The spray can eliminate E. coli 0157 in lettuce and meat, promising applications in food processing and treatment of irrigation water.
New function of the CRISPR gene scissors discovered
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.
NIH-supported clinical trial of phage therapy for cystic fibrosis begins
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The trial aims to reduce bacterial load in the lungs using a phage cocktail that targets specific bacteria, providing a potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
New UMBC research finds that viruses may have “eyes and ears” on us
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have discovered that some viruses can sense their environment and
Phage resistant Escherichia coli strains developed to reduce fermentation failure
Researchers have developed a systematic strategy for creating phage-resistant E. coli strains, solving a major problem in industrial fermentation. The approach integrates a defense system and mutations to restrict phage life cycle, maintaining bacterial functionality and productivity.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022
Phage combination therapy can precisely target IBD-related gut bacteria without harming helpful microbes
Researchers have designed a phage combination therapy that precisely targets and suppresses gut bacteria associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The team identified effective phages against IBD-contributing Kp strains, which attenuated inflammation and tissue damage in mice models.
Giant viruses build a cell nucleus surprisingly like our own
Researchers discovered that giant viruses, known as bacteriophages, construct a shielded compartment that acts like a nucleus in human cells, protecting their genetic material. The nuclear-like structure allows certain components inside while serving as a defense mechanism against bacterial threats.
New needle-free nasal vaccine shows promise for COVID-19
The new phage T4-COVID-19 vaccine elicits superior mucosal immunity in mice, inducing robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The vaccine provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants with minimal lung lesions and no impact on gut microbiota.
Managing phage therapy to help save lives
Researchers at Texas A&M University's Center for Phage Technology have completed a study on phage therapy, identifying potential applications to fight multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The study showed promise in treating Acinetobacter baumannii, a deadly pathogen found in hospital settings and the Middle East.
The retron switch
Scientists identified that retrons encode toxin proteins kept inactive by a small DNA fragment, unleashing them upon viral attacks. The EMBL team discovered how retrons form antitoxins and found natural switches to trigger growth inhibition complexes.
Tribute to Giorgi Eliava and the Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage
Giorgi Eliava's contributions to bacteriophage research are commemorated in a peer-reviewed journal. His life and work laid the foundation for phage therapy, which has potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and more. The Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage continues his legacy.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPHAGE·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022
Unprecedented case series advances promise of phage therapy
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
The largest ever series of phage therapy case studies shows a success rate of more than half
A new study reports on 20 case studies of phage therapy, showing the therapy's success in over half of patients and no adverse effects. The treatment has been shown to be effective against treatment-resistant Mycobacterium infections, with some patients experiencing spectacular outcomes.
New antibiotic combination developed at Aston University helps save life of cystic fibrosis patient
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new antibiotic combination that successfully treated a cystic fibrosis patient's deadly lung infection. The combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin eradicated the infection, enabling the patient to receive a lifesaving lung transplant.
Phage therapy: A model to predict its efficacy against pathogenic bacteria
A new mathematical model predicts the efficacy of phage therapy against pathogenic bacteria, highlighting key parameters for effective treatment. The model incorporates data on bacteriophage interactions with the immune system and suggests optimizing administration routes to improve outcomes.
SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 17, 2022
How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo
Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.
Researchers aim to discover how viruses communicate
A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.
Not all viruses are bad: A new photoactive viral vector for anti-cancer therapy has been developed
Researchers at the University of Bologna have developed a new targeted cancer therapy based on a genetically modified phage that selectively eliminates tumour cells. The virus is engineered to transport a drug activated by light to target tumour cells, reducing side effects.
SMART researchers discover unique lysin capable of killing deadly multidrug-resistant bacteria
SMART researchers identified a novel phage lysin, Abp013, with promising antimicrobial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study demonstrated Abp013's ability to effectively target complex bacterial environments and could advance treatment methods for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalAntibiotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
A new multipurpose on-off switch for inhibiting bacterial growth
A new antitoxin mechanism called Panacea has been discovered, neutralizing hundreds of toxins and potentially protecting bacteria against viruses. The study's findings suggest that toxin-antitoxin systems are crucial for phage therapy to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Viruses and game theory
Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.
New research moves closer to harnessing viruses to fight bacteria and reduce antibiotic use
New research combines antibiotics and phage therapy to cure infections more effectively and reduce antibiotic use. The study found that bacteriostatic antibiotics trigger CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity in bacteria, increasing the chances of treatment efficacy.
HKU Civil Engineering team uncovers the important role of prokaryotic viruses in sewage treatment
The HKU team discovers a vast prokaryotic viral diversity in activated sludge, influencing pollutant removal and environmental protection. Phages can curb undesired bacteria, improving wastewater treatment efficiency.
Phages kill dystentery-causing bacteria and reduce virulence in surviving bacteria
Researchers discovered a phage that kills Shigella flexneri bacteria and selects for mutant strains with reduced virulence. The phage targets the OmpA receptor on the bacterium, eliminating or reducing its ability to spread in the human intestine.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 19, 2021