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Comment
. 2023 Jan 11;31(1):3-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.12.008.

PICI thieves: Molecular piracy and cooperation

Amelia K Schmidt  1 , Dominick R Faith  1 , Patrick R Secor  2
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PICI thieves: Molecular piracy and cooperation

Amelia K Schmidt et al. Cell Host Microbe. .
Free article

Abstract

Phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) steal structural proteins from helper phages. In two related studies, Penadés and coworkers reveal that PICIs are not parasites but mutualists. Some PICIs mobilize defense systems that restrict niche competitors, while other PICIs encode their own capsids and steal helper phage tails without affecting their fitness.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests.

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