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PETBioNewsElsewhereAncient viruses act as gene delivery systems in bacteria

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Ancient viruses act as gene delivery systems in bacteria

Published 27 April 2026 posted in Elsewhere
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the sequencing output from an automated DNA sequencing machine.


Researchers have identified that bacteria can use domesticated remnants of ancient viruses as gene delivery systems to transfer DNA between cells, including genes linked to antimicrobial resistance.

The study, published in Nature Microbiology, contributes to understanding mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria and how genetic traits, including antimicrobial resistance, can spread within microbial populations.

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