J. Russel

Type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas systems drive inter-plasmid conflicts by acquiring spacers in trans

This study shows type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas systems use host adaptation machinery to update their CRISPR arrays and interfere with plasmid and phage transfer, supporting their role in plasmid competition.

The role of plasmids in the gut microbiome during the first year of life

This study characterizes the acquisition and development of plasmids in the infant gut microbiome using longitudinal metagenomic data from 98 Swedish children.

Co-localization of antibiotic resistance genes is widespread in the infant gut microbiome and associates with an immature gut microbial composition

This study finds that antibiotic resistance gene co-localization is common in infants' gut microbiomes and linked to immature microbial composition.

Multi-environment genome-wide association mapping of culm morphology traits in barley

Genetic analysis of a diverse collection of European barleys reveals genomic regions underpinning stem morphological features associated with lodging resistance.

Prophages in the infant gut are largely induced, and may be functionally relevant to their hosts.

This study identifies prophages in infant gut metagenomes, showing they are largely induced and may influence microbiome dynamics through functional elements.

CRISPR-Cas systems are widespread accessory elements across bacterial and archaeal plasmids

The paper investigates CRISPR-Cas systems on bacterial and archaeal plasmids, finding they are widespread, diverse, and involved in plasmid-plasmid conflicts.

Conjugative dissemination of plasmids in rapid sand filters: a trojan horse strategy to enhance pesticide degradation in groundwater treatment

Type IV CRISPR-Cas systems are highly diverse and involved in competition between plasmids

This study identifies a diverse range of type IV CRISPR-Cas systems primarily found on plasmids, revealing their role in plasmid competition and cross-talk with type I systems.