Schematic showing how Hankyphage has multiple mechanisms of generating randomness in its own and its bacterial host genomes. (1) RepCHP-dependent spontaneous induction of prophage, (2) incomplete packaging leading to defective virions and free tails in combination with low-level complete packaging and potential transduction events, (3) intrachromosomal transposition leading to genetic variation in the host genome, and (4) diversity generating retroelements within the phage genome impacting the host range of the phage. Created with BioRender.
The biology and ecological impact of #phages in the mammalian gut are poorly understood. This Primer explores a @plosbiology.org study that provides a glimpse into the disruptive biology of the #Hankyphages, parasites of the ubiquitous Bacteroidaceae. 🧪 Primer: plos.io/3RukgtJ Paper: plos.io/41Rr22S