R. Pinilla-Redondo

Type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas systems drive inter-plasmid conflicts by acquiring spacers in trans

This study shows type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas systems use host adaptation machinery to update their CRISPR arrays and interfere with plasmid and phage transfer, supporting their role in plasmid competition.

CRISPR-Cas12a targeting of ssDNA plays no detectable role in immunity

This study shows that CRISPR-Cas12a's ssDNA cleavage activities do not contribute to bacterial immunity, as they do not affect cell viability or provide protection against ssDNA invaders.

A short prokaryotic argonaute cooperates with membrane effector to confer antiviral defense

The paper identifies a short prokaryotic argonaute (pAgo) in Sulfolobus islandicus that, along with Aga1 and Aga2, provides antiviral defense through abortive infection.

CRISPR-Cas systems are widespread accessory elements across bacterial and archaeal plasmids

The paper investigates CRISPR-Cas systems on bacterial and archaeal plasmids, finding they are widespread, diverse, and involved in plasmid-plasmid conflicts.

Discovery of multiple anti-CRISPRs uncovers anti-defense gene clustering in mobile genetic elements

The paper identifies 11 new anti-CRISPR genes in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas, revealing their clustering with other anti-defense genes in genomic regions called 'anti-defense islands'.

Conjugative dissemination of plasmids in rapid sand filters: a trojan horse strategy to enhance pesticide degradation in groundwater treatment

Type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are highly diverse and involved in competition between plasmids

This study identifies a diverse range of type IV CRISPR-Cas systems primarily found on plasmids, revealing their role in plasmid competition and cross-talk with type I systems.