Researchers have engineered a bacteriophage T7 replisome, known as T7-ORACLE, capable of introducing mutations into specific plasmids in Escherichia coli while maintaining the integrity of the bacterial genome. This method allows for a mutation rate approximately 100,000 times higher than normal, boosting laboratory evolution of proteins and aiding studies on antimicrobial resistance. Its applications extend to diagnostics, where it can help anticipate antibiotic resistance gene mutations, enhancing the accuracy of molecular tests and enzyme efficiency in diagnostic kits.
Newsletters
Receive the latest pathologist news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.