CRISPR's Surprising Role in Bacteria's Defense Against Viruses

Scientists have discovered that the CRISPR/Cas system, which is known for editing DNA, also coordinates with other proteins to protect bacteria from invading viruses. The Csx28 protein, when activated with CRISPR, scrambles the permeability of the bacteria's membrane, making it difficult for viral DNA to hijack the cell's machinery and replicate. The protein forms a membrane pore and disrupts the metabolism of the cell to make it an inhospitable environment for the virus. This finding is unexpected and raises new questions about the CRISPR system's role in immunity.