To acquire or resist: the complex biological effects of CRISPR-Cas systems

Joseph Bondy-Denomy; Alan R Davidson

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2014.01.007

To acquire or resist: the complex biological effects of CRISPR-Cas systems

Trends Microbiol. 2014 Apr;22(4):218-25. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2014.01.007. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Authors

Joseph Bondy-Denomy¹, Alan R Davidson²

Affiliations

¹ Departments of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
² Departments of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: alan.davidson@utoronto.ca.

PMID: 24582529
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2014.01.007

Abstract

Prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR associated) systems provide a sophisticated adaptive immune system that offers protection against foreign DNA. These systems are widely distributed in prokaryotes and exert an important influence on bacterial behavior and evolution. However, interpreting the biological effects of a CRISPR-Cas system within a given species can be complicated because the outcome of rejecting foreign DNA does not always provide a fitness advantage, as foreign DNA uptake is sometimes beneficial. To address these issues, here we review data pertaining to the potential in vivo costs and benefits of CRISPR-Cas systems, novel functions for these systems, and how they may be inactivated.

Keywords: CRISPR–Cas; anti-CRISPR; horizontal gene transfer; mobile DNA; phage resistance; prophage.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Biological*
CRISPR-Cas Systems*
Evolution, Molecular
Prokaryotic Cells / physiology*
Recombination, Genetic

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding