Distribution and molecular evolution of the anti-CRISPR family AcrIF7

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002072
• Publication Date: 2023-04-21T17:55:24Z
• Authors: Wendy Figueroa; Adrian Cazares; Daniel Cazares; Yi Wu; Ana de la Cruz; Martin Welch; Luis Kameyama; Franklin L. Nobrega; Gabriel Guarneros
• Keywords: Molecular evolution

Anti-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) are proteins capable of blocking CRISPR-Cas systems and typically their genes located on mobile genetic elements. Since discovery, numerous anti-CRISPR families have been identified. However, little is known about the distribution sequence diversity members within a family, nor how these traits influence anti-CRISPR’s function evolution. Here, we use AcrIF7 to explore dissemination molecular evolution an family. We uncovered 5 subclusters prevalent variants group. Remarkably, homologs display high similarity despite broad geographical, ecological, temporal distribution. Although mainly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa , was identified in distinct backgrounds indicating horizontal dissemination, primarily by phages. Using mutagenesis, recreated variation observed databases but also extended Characterisation residues key for other contributing its mutational tolerance. Moreover, docking revealed that affected lose interactions target. Analysis publicly available data generated suggests dominant variant corresponds minimal optimal selected Our study provides blueprint investigate families.