High-Throughput Analysis of Gene Function in the Bacterial Predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a predatory bacterium that can kill a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria, including many human pathogens. Given the global rise of antibiotic resistance and dearth of new antibiotics discovered in the past 30 years, this predator has potential as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. For many years, B. bacteriovorus research was hampered by a lack of genetic tools, and the genetic mechanisms of predation have only recently begun to be established. Here, we comprehensively identify and characterize predator genes required for killing bacterial prey, as well as genes that interfere in this process, which may allow us to design better therapeutic predators. Based on our study, we and other researchers may ultimately be able to genetically engineer strains that have improved killing rates, target specific species of prey, or preferentially target prey in the planktonic or biofilm state.
Source: mBio
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Awards: G1261212168, The genetic basis of bacterial predation by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, Study of transmissible forms of Vibrio Cholerae, Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences, G6884972741, G9000178755, Core Grant for Vision Research, Phage Resistance in Emergent Vibrio cholerae and Phage Prophylaxis of Cholera
OpenAlex ID: W2949414438