Weaponizable satellites: expanding the use of phage hyperparasites as multipurpose delivery platform to modify bacteria

Bacteriophages (phages) are key drivers of bacterial evolution due to their function as viral predators but also as vectors of gene transfer allowing the acquisition of new capabilities and permitting bacteria to adapt. As phages are parasites to bacteria, phage satellites are parasites of phages. This project aims to research and expand current insufficient approaches of gene transfer, by employing phage satellites that can hijack the viral particles of phages and infiltrate bacteria in a community at extremely high rates. In contrast to phages, satellites can infect bacteria without destroying them, offering a step-change over existing methods involving phages and to develop an arsenal of viral particles that are safe to use for applications such as detection and modification via gene delivery. I will address how these parasites overcome antiviral mechanisms and how they shape both their host genome and adapt to diverse phages. Results will expand our knowledge on gene transfer and create a more versatile yet highly specific strategy to modify bacteria. Given that these parasites are ubiquitous in nature, we anticipate that the platform will enable unorthodox applications for biotechnology as weaponizable satellites.