315: PLE11-encoded Rta restricts ICP1 tail assembly in Vibrio cholerae outbreaks

Mathur Y et al., Nature - Clinical surveillance in Bangladesh shows Vibrio cholerae acquired PLE11 encoding Rta that restricts ICP1 tail assembly, driving a selective sweep of phage-resistant strains. Key terms: Vibrio cholerae, ICP1, PLE11, Rta, phage coevolution. Study Highlights:This study analysed clinical Vibrio cholerae and ICP1 isolates from stool in Bangladesh using genomic surveillance, plaque assays, qPCR, experimental phage evolution, TEM and mass spectrometry. The authors identify a newly acquired mobile element, PLE11, whose small protein Rta disrupts ICP1 tail assembly by targeting the phage tape measure protein (TMP), producing genome-filled tailless capsids. PLE11 also encodes a TMP and other tail factors enabling assembly of chimeric virions that incorporate PLE-encoded TMP and BhuB, preserving satellite transmission. Continued surveillance documented natural ICP1 counteradaptation via CRISPR–Cas acquisition and convergent TMP substitutions that restore infectivity. Conclusion:Acquisition of PLE11 encoding the tail-targeting protein Rta drove selection of phage-resistant Vibrio cholerae in Bangladesh and prompted convergent ICP1 counteradaptations that restore phage propagation. Music:Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode. Article title:Capturing dynamic phage–pathogen coevolution by clinical surveillance First author:Mathur Y Journal:Nature DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-10136-z Reference:Mathur Y., Boyd C. M., Farnham J. E., Monir M. M., Islam M. T., Sultana M., Ahmed T., Alam M. & Seed K. D. Capturing dynamic phage–pathogen coevolution by clinical surveillance. Nature (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10136-z License:This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support:Base by Base – Stripe donations: https://donate.stripe.com/7sY4gz71B2sN3RWac5gEg00 Official website https://basebybase.com On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics. Episode link: https://basebybase.com/episodes/ple11-rta-icp1-tail-assembly QC:This episode was checked against the original article PDF and publication metadata for the episode release published on 2026-03-12. QC Scope:- article metadata and core scientific claims from the narration- excludes analogies, intro/outro, and music- transcript coverage: Audited the transcript sections that discuss the phage–bacteria arms race, PLE11 and Rta, TMP/TAC/BhuB, chimeric tail assembly, phage counterdefenses (CRISPR–Cas, Odn, Adi), and clinical surveillance data from Bangladesh, including outbreak dynamics and convergent evolution.- transcript topics: Phage–bacteria arms race overview; Phage satellites (PLEs) and anti-PLE strategies; Rta-mediated tail assembly restriction via TMP targeting; Chimeric tail assembly with PLE11-encoded components; ICP1 counterdefenses (CRISPR–Cas, Odn, Adi) and phage evolution; Clinical surveillance in Bangladesh (BD-1.2 sweep, 2022 outbreak) QC Summary:- factual score: 10/10- metadata score: 10/10- supported core claims: 7- claims flagged for review: 0- metadata checks passed: 4- metadata issues found: 0 Metadata Audited:- article_doi- article_title- article_journal- license Factual Items Audited:- Rta (PLE11-encoded) restricts ICP1 tail assembly by targeting TMP- PLE11 encodes its own TMP and tail assembly factors (TAC) and BhuB to form chimeric tails enabling PLE transmission- BD-1.2 Vibrio cholerae populations acquired PLE11 and reached ~91% prevalence within 9 months- ICP1 populations shifted from Odn-me...