Obelisks : New Virus-Like Life-Forms
A new genetic entity dubbed ‘obelisks’ has recently been discovered in abundant numbers inside bacteria inhabiting the human gut and mouth.
- This never-before-seen biological construct displays unique characteristics unlike other known viruses or cell types, prompting researchers to classify obelisks as a third fundamental domain that could help better understand microbial ecology in the human body.
- In a first-of-its-kind study published in the journal Cell, researchers from San Diego-based biotech company Locanabio analysed RNA sequence datasets from thousands of bacterial samples which are part of the human microbiome – the collection of microbes residing in our gut, skin, organs etc. that regulate various bodily functions.
- Obelisks comprise of RNA and proteins that allow them to self-replicate inside bacterial cells.
- While the obelisks function remains unclear, researchers hypothesize they may interact with host immunity to potentially protect bacteria against antibiotics and viruses. Further studies in this area can reveal exciting insights into manipulating microbe-host dynamics.
