Prokaryotic genomes are rife with highly similar toxin–antitoxin modules that need to be protected and diversified at the same time. Studies of paralogous modules now reveal how evolution secures insulation between related systems, without compromising toxin inhibition.
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Liuzzi, A., Brodersen, D.E. Evolving complex insulation. Nat Chem Biol 17, 1216–1217 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-021-00873-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-021-00873-9