Finally, we extended this structural search to include previously described antiphage glycosylase Brig1, and identified what we are calling Brig2: a non-canonical thymidine-targeting DNA glycosylase!

To holistically identify Dag proteins (and avoid common pitfalls of sequence-based approaches) we used ESM3 (@evolutionaryscale.bsky.social) and FoldSeek (@martinsteinegger.bsky.social) on >1000 integrons using Dag1/2 as queries. We identified a total of 17 Dag families that confer phage defence.

We show that these enzymes, which we now call defence-associated glycosylases (Dag1/Dag2) target modified G-bases in phage DNA, and degrade phage genomes. In an interesting evolutionary trade-off, escaper phages drop the modification to survive and become restriction-senstitive in the process!

Last week, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Susan. She was the embodiment of kindness, trust, resilience, and forgiveness. Through her love we were changed. She is sorely missed ❤️

I'm home after the 74th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists at Université de Montréal. This year I had the pleasure of sharing our work on anti-phage defence and Vibrio integrons in the Postdocotral Research Symposium—and I won the Knowles Postdoctoral Research Prize!

At least someone can enjoy themselves in this heatwave...

On my way to the 74th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists at Université de Montréal! Looking forward to sharing our recent work on integrons and anti-phage defence at the upcoming postdoctoral symposium!

Thanks for the ride @viarailcanada.bsky.social

I attended the 6th annual 2SLGBTQ+ in STEM conference at Toronto Metropolitan University last week.

We've built this conference over the last 6 years. It was incredible to see what we've built come together!

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 So proud of these leaders and excited for the future of Queer STEM in Canada 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Closing out the weekend with a Lemon Creme Tart (with Italian Meringue of course!)

Haven't been posting enough of my baking lately, but rest assured the baking continues even without internet evidence!

Cracked out the sourdough starter a few weeks ago:

Olive and confit garlic sourdough foccacia 🤤 now the task is to not eat the whole thing while it's still hot!!

We were also able to show that a number of these systems are expressed during mid-log cell growth, and that at least one of them (VP1840) provides defense against a phage (NL2) in it's native context. Fascinatingly, this defence system is only functional during active cell growth!

Looking a bit closer at other Vibrio species, it is clear that this is a broad feature of SCIs where some Vibrio encode upwards of 50% of their detectable anti-phage defence repertoire within the SCI. This was the focus of recent preprints (see following posts)

While we explored some of our bioinformatic hits, our biggest contribution was screening the SCI genes from a laboratory strain of V. parahaemolyticus for novel antiphage function. Together, we identified 9 genes involved in anti-phage defence in either E. coli or in V. parahaemolyticus.

What was clear: Anti-phage defence in Vp seemed to be associated with DUF3265 domain containing proteins! Most importantly, DUF3265 domain-containing proteins are commonly associated with chromosomal integron recombination sites.

Playing with a fruity (🏳️‍🌈 oh hi) light roast espresso this morning. My latte art is getting much better!

Have a restful Sunday all!

For those wanting cat picture: