How do phages/MGEs overcome bacterial defenses? Delve into our Nature Reviews Genetics review on 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!🛡️ We discuss discovery methods, classify mechanisms, & examine their biotech potential!🧬 nature.com/articles/s4157… 1/11

A novel modification-dependent type IV restriction system in Vibrio cholerae aides in recognition of non-self DNA, playing a role in defense against phages. Learn more in #JBacteriology: asm.social/21U

New paper alert by LOlijslager ! academic.oup.com/nargab/article… "Distribution of specific prokaryotic immune systems correlates with host optimal growth temperature" A 🧵

1/2 Excited to finally share the next chapter on our #CRISPR associated Lon protease #CalpL. The #SAVED domain shows ring nuclease activity to effectively degrade its activator cA4. doi.org/10.1093/nar/gk…

Our analysis of the PglX methyltransferase from BREX phage defence is now out! We were able to rationally engineer DNA sequence recognition to target new phages, meaning PglX is the specificity factor for BREX methylation and defence. tinyurl.com/yc2jnrjk

Our Department of Microbiology and Immunology ⁦Microbiology and Immunology Otago⁩ University of Otago is recruiting a new Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor - Microbiology (2401357). Please share with your networks. otago.taleo.net/careersection/…

If you're after some light reading to start your week, here's a short piece I wrote for The Conversation (The Conversation - Australia + New Zealand) on our recent anti-#CRISPR regulation work and its relevance for understanding #phage–host interactions: theconversation.com/viruses-can-wo…

I'm a week late, but delighted to share that my (first!) first author paper is online in EIC Jack Gilbert! Thanks to everyone who made this possible, including all my coauthors, ASM reviewers, and so many others from the lab. journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/ms…

My favourite discovery ever has just come online. Can I please tell you about some seriously wacky molecular biology? The story starts with a reverse transcriptase that SOMEHOW defends bacteria from viruses. (👇 I recommend sound ON for the video 🎹) 1/

🤯 Absolutely fascinating and thought-provoking work ... Max throws his hat in the ring not just for Paper but also Movie of the Year! 🎥

We are happy to share our recent preprint on (first ever CRISPR paper in my life😅): "CRISPR/dCas-mediated counter-silencing – Reprogramming dCas proteins into antagonists of xenogeneic silencers" #CRISPRcosi 🧵(1/8) biorxiv.org/content/10.110… Forschungszentrum Jülich | @[email protected], Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, MibiNet

Thrilled to share my first first-author paper is out today Nature Communications !nature.com/articles/s4146… We discovered a new anti-phage system family, Tail assembly inhibition (Tai), found in 17 species.

On September 1st, the Fineran Lab celebrated International Serratia Day! Shout out to Kate Harding for your lovely cake decorating skills 😋

New MenT toxin-antitoxin paper for perusal! There are multiple routes to inhibit MenT toxins. Whilst phosphorylation was previously identified, the mechanism was unknown. We present a model wherein the antitoxin causes auto-phosphorylation of the toxin nature.com/articles/s4146…

Having a blast learning from the talks at #ISPB2024! Loved sharing our work and adding a fun twist singing “Type IV: Genie in the CRISPR Bottle” 🎤🎶

BREAKING: At Day 5 of voting, the black robin takes and early lead in #BirdoftheYear 2024. But as per NZ rules, who's really in the front per capita?

Exciting news 🤩: Our article on the impact of DNA methylation in Agrobacteriumis now out in the NAR journal. academic.oup.com/nar/article/do…

Anti-CRISPRs deconstruct bacterial defense dlvr.it/TD17Kg