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A molecular arms race: new insights into anti-CRISPR mechanisms

Bacteria and phages are engaged in a molecular arms race, constantly coevolving to best each other. The crystal structure of the anti-CRISPR protein AcrF3 bound to Cas3, an essential component of CRISPR-based immunity, sheds light on how phages have found ways to suppress bacterial immunity.

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Figure 1: A dimer of AcrF3 suppresses PaCas3 activity by blocking access to the DNA-binding groove, blocking the Cascade-binding site and locking PaCas3 in an ADP-bound form.

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Correspondence to Scott Bailey.

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Mallon, J., Bailey, S. A molecular arms race: new insights into anti-CRISPR mechanisms. Nat Struct Mol Biol 23, 765–766 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb.3287

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