In contrast to the well-known DNA methylation of nucleobases, DNA phosphorothioate (PT) modification occurs in the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone. The non-bridging oxygen is replaced by a sulfur atom, which increases the nuclease tolerance of the DNA. In recent years, we have witnessed advances in understanding of PT modification enzymes, the features of PT modification across prokaryotic genomes, and PT-related physiological functions. Although only a small fraction of modifiable recognition sites across bacterial genomes undergo PT modification, enzymes such as DndFGH and SspE can use this modification as a recognition marker to differentiate between self- and non-self-DNA, thus destroying PT-lacking invasive DNA and preventing autoimmunity. We highlight the molecular mechanisms of PT modification–associated defense systems. We also describe notable applications of PT systems in the engineering of phage-resistant bacterial strains, RNA editing, and nucleic acid detection.

Lianrong Wang

Yaqian Tang

Zixin Deng

Shi Chen

Annual Review of Microbiology

自 1947 年出版的《微生物学年度评论》涵盖了微生物学领域的重大发展，包括细菌、古生菌、病毒和单细胞真核生物。

Since its inception in 1947, the Annual Review of Microbiology has covered significant developments in the field of microbiology, including research advancements in bacteria, archaea, viruses, and unicellular eukaryotes.

《Annual Review of Microbiology》自1947年出版以来，涵盖了微生物学领域的重要发展，包括细菌、古生菌、病毒和单细胞真核生物的研究进展。

Category	Quartile
生物学	1
生物学, 微生物学	2

DNA Phosphorothioate Modification Systems and Associated Phage Defense Systems

ivySCI AI Smartly Parses PDF, Answers Researchers' Questions, and Helps You Understand Papers in Seconds

Journal Info