[an error occurred while processing this directive]

HEREDITAS ›› 2011, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (3): 213-218.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1005.2011.00213

• en • Previous Articles     Next Articles

CRISPR-Cas system and coevolution of bacteria and phages

LI Tie-Min, DU Bo   

  1. College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
  • Received:2010-05-18 Revised:2010-07-28 Online:2011-03-20 Published:2011-02-23
  • Contact: DU Bo E-mail:tieminli@lnu.edu.cn

Abstract: In response to the challenge from phages, bacteria evolve a number of defense systems against phage invasion. Meanwhile, the phages evolve multiple counter-defense mechanism as well under the selection pressure from bacteria. The evolution relationship between bacteria and phages, as well as the functional mechanism, still remains to be uncovered. A novel immune system, CRISPR-Cas system, has been found in bacteria and archaea recently. With deeply research of the function and mechanism of CRISPR-Cas system, the coevolution relationship between bacteria and phages is becoming clear. In this review, the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas system-mediated immunity in prokaryotes is introduced. In particular, the progress on the role of CRISPR in the coevolution of bacteria and phage is reviewed.

Key words: CRISPR, CRISPR-Cas system, phage, coevolution, immune defense