We invite you to the lecture by Professor Vasili Hauryliuk from Lund University, titled "Systematic annotation of hyper-variability hotspots in phage genomes and plasmids: from in silico mining to new antiphage defenses"
Location: R101
ABSTRACT:
Bacterial and bacteriophage genomes contain genomic regions of hyper-variability (diversity hotspots) caused by insertions of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), non-homologous recombination events and non-horizontal hypermutation. Accessory genes encoded in the diversity hotspots are involved in anti-MGE defense and counter-defense, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus playing key roles in interactions amongst phages, MGEs, bacteria and eukaryotic hosts. To date most of research has focused on either individual hotspots or on relatively limited sets of hotspots in a small set of genomes, typically from a single species. A global understanding of hotspot diversity and dynamics still lacking. In close collaboration with the bioinfomatics lab led by Gemma Atkinson, we developed iLund4u, an algorithm for the systematic annotation of hotspots (art-egorov.github.io/ilund4u), analyzed the hotspots in 873K phage genomes and 696K plasmid sequences, prioritized, validated and charachterized numerous candidate defense systems.
Bacterial and bacteriophage genomes contain genomic regions of hyper-variability (diversity hotspots) caused by insertions of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), non-homologous recombination events and non-horizontal hypermutation. Accessory genes encoded in the diversity hotspots are involved in anti-MGE defense and counter-defense, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus playing key roles in interactions amongst phages, MGEs, bacteria and eukaryotic hosts. To date most of research has focused on either individual hotspots or on relatively limited sets of hotspots in a small set of genomes, typically from a single species. A global understanding of hotspot diversity and dynamics still lacking. In close collaboration with the bioinfomatics lab led by Gemma Atkinson, we developed iLund4u, an algorithm for the systematic annotation of hotspots (art-egorov.github.io/ilund4u), analyzed the hotspots in 873K phage genomes and 696K plasmid sequences, prioritized, validated and charachterized numerous candidate defense systems.
ABOUT THE LECTURER:
Dr. Vasili Hauryliuk has a long-standing interest in molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. Over the years, the lab has contributed to our understanding of ribosome rescue, antibiotic resistance and the stringent response. After serendipitously discovering several antiphage defense systems that work by inhibiting translation, in recent years the lab has progressively shifted the focus to antiphase defense. As of 2025 he is a Professor at the Medical Faculty of Lund University, Sweden. Vasili’s research has received financial support from the Swedish Research Council, Cancerfonden, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and other funders. Vasili’s research excellence was recognized by the Göran Gustafssonpriset (2024), the Swedish Fernström Prize (2019), the Science Award of the Estonian Republic (2018), and the Ragnar Söderberg Fellowship in Medicine (2014).
Dr. Vasili Hauryliuk has a long-standing interest in molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. Over the years, the lab has contributed to our understanding of ribosome rescue, antibiotic resistance and the stringent response. After serendipitously discovering several antiphage defense systems that work by inhibiting translation, in recent years the lab has progressively shifted the focus to antiphase defense. As of 2025 he is a Professor at the Medical Faculty of Lund University, Sweden. Vasili’s research has received financial support from the Swedish Research Council, Cancerfonden, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and other funders. Vasili’s research excellence was recognized by the Göran Gustafssonpriset (2024), the Swedish Fernström Prize (2019), the Science Award of the Estonian Republic (2018), and the Ragnar Söderberg Fellowship in Medicine (2014).