Discovery of CRISPR in Bacteria

Microbiology & Virology 2007

Discoverers: Philippe Horvath, Rodolphe Barrangou

Overview

Experimental proof that CRISPR-Cas systems function as adaptive immune systems in bacteria, incorporating viral DNA fragments as immunity records.

Significance

Revealed how bacteria defend themselves against viral infection and provided the biological foundation for CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Methodology

Phage challenge experiments in Streptococcus thermophilus showing incorporation of viral spacer sequences into CRISPR arrays confers resistance.

Impact