Studies of phage recognition elements in bacteria to predict and control phage host range

A collection of phage biorecognition genetic elements found among the Escherichia coli ECOR environmental strain reference panel and whole genome sequence data for all 72 ECOR strains. The data forms a knowledge base for a US NIH National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering multi-investigator project to accelerate phage evolution and tools via synthetic biology and machine learning. This project seeks to develop phage tools with customized host ranges and that can be used to 1) magnetically separate, concentrate, and detect bacteria from clinical samples, and 2) better treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria by evading the patients' innate immune response. Whole genome sequence data and assemblies for novel phages with select host binding characteristics will also be deposited.