Grant: Project Grant

Like people, bacteria can be infected and killed by viruses, and they have developed an immune system to help protect them. This bacterial immune system, known as CRISPR-Cas, not only protects against virus infection, but it also plays important roles in bacterial evolution and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. In this work we are studying the bacterial immune system of an important human pathogen known as Enterococcus faecalis, which is frequently found in hospital-acquired antibiotic-resistant infections. To improve our understanding of the role that the CRISPR-Cas immune system plays in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, we are identifying and charactering inhibitors that can block the activity of this bacterial immune system. We will use a combination of computer analyses, basic microbiological assays and detailed biological studies to gain new insight into this evolutionary arms race. This work will reveal important new insight into the relationship between the CRISPR-Cas system and its inhibitors, and by extension provide important information about how they contribute to the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria.