Researchers have long dismissed curious DNA elements, known as selfish genetic elements, as having no role in survival. However, a study from the University of California San Diego reveals that these elements, specifically mobile introns in bacteriophages, actually provide a competitive advantage to the host organism. By weaponizing mobile introns to disrupt competing viruses, phages are able to sabotage their ability to reproduce efficiently. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary arms race between viruses and has implications for phage therapy in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study was funded by various grants and published in the journal Science.
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Phages use selfish DNA to outmaneuver competitors
