Understanding Phage Gene Editing
Learn about established methods and applications for genetically engineering bacteriophages to advance phage therapy and biotechnology.
Introduction to Phage Gene Editing
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They have emerged as promising alternatives to antibiotics in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance. Phage therapy involves using phages to treat bacterial infections, and genetic engineering of phages can enhance their therapeutic potential.
Why Edit Phage Genomes?
Genetic modification of phages offers several advantages:
- Expanding host range to target specific bacterial pathogens
- Enhancing lytic activity to improve bacterial killing
- Reducing immunogenicity to improve therapeutic efficacy
- Adding reporter genes for tracking phage activity
- Creating phage-based delivery systems for therapeutics
Historical Context
Phage therapy predates the widespread use of antibiotics, with early work dating back to the early 20th century. However, genetic engineering of phages is a more recent development, enabled by advances in molecular biology techniques and genome editing tools.