Engineered CRISPR System Delivered by Phage Targets Shiga Toxin Gene in E. coli
Researchers packaged a CRISPR-Cas12 treatment inside a phage delivery vehicle. The system cut the Stx gene in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and reduced infection in animal tests.
thehindu.comA research team combined an engineered CRISPR-Cas12 therapeutic with a phage delivery system to create a targeted treatment against Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The approach uses the phage to carry the CRISPR components into bacterial cells, where the system cleaves the Stx gene that encodes the toxin.
In laboratory animal models, the treatment reduced bacterial infection levels, according to the report. The study focused on precision antimicrobial action that leaves other bacteria unaffected.
Phage therapy delivers genetic material directly to the target pathogen without broad antibiotic effects. The CRISPR component is designed to disable toxin production rather than kill the bacteria outright.
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