Shreya Jariwala L&S Biological Sciences
Identification and Characterization of Phage-Encoded Counter-Defenses
Phage-bacteria interactions drive the co-evolution of bacterial pathogens and their viral predators. Additionally, these interactions reveal novel molecular mechanisms that impact microbial ecology and therapeutic strategies. My research asks: What counter-defense mechanisms do ICP1 phages use to overcome stably encoded phage defense systems in epidemic Vibrio cholerae? ICP1 is a lytic phage that exclusively infects V. cholerae, which has developed diverse defense systems to block phage infection. In response, ICP1 encodes specialized counter-defense strategies to neutralize bacterial immunity and ensure successful infection. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for phage therapy applications, as bacterial defenses can restrict therapeutic phage efficacy. While bioinformatic advances have identified numerous bacterial defense systems, many lack known counter-defense mechanisms. My project will use CRISPR-based genome engineering to delete ICP1 genes and test their ability to overcome V. cholerae defenses. This work will define the molecular interactions driving phage-host co-evolution and inform the development of phage-based cholera interventions.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you sincerely for the Leadership Fund's generous sponsorship of my summer research. The funding enabled me to achieve significant progress in screening for phages and understanding their defense systems, while also developing crucial hands-on laboratory skills. This experience has been transformative, solidifying my passion for a scientific career and building my confidence as a researcher. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.