Bacteria turn ancient viruses into DNA-shuffling machines

Bacteria have transformed ancient viral invaders into gene transfer agents (GTAs) that shuffle DNA among themselves, enabling the spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. This horizontal gene transfer process, detailed in a recent Nature Microbiology study, may unlock new treatments for infectious diseases. GTAs originate from tailed phages, with genes first isolated from Rhodobacter capsulatus in 2000. They package random bacterial DNA into protein structures that bind to target cells and insert genetic material, potentially providing new advantageous traits. However, producing GTAs requires the original cell to burst and die. Only a small subset of cells altruistically sacrifice themselves, typically when nutrients are scarce or many related cells are nearby. Researchers are now studying how to block GTA-mediated antibiotic-resistance sharing and exploring ways to trigger bacterial death for therapeutic applications.