Unveiling the Secrets of Microbial Dark Matter with Genetic Tools

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the lifestyle of Patescibacteria, a group of tiny microbes that rely on other bacteria to survive. By genetically manipulating these bacteria, scientists have gained insight into their molecular mechanisms and identified genes essential for their growth. This research sheds light on the "microbial dark matter" found in genetic analyses of microbial communities and has potential applications in biotechnology. The study focused on Saccharibacteria, which inhabit the human mouth and require Actinobacteria as hosts. The findings reveal the complex lifecycle of Saccharibacteria and open the door to further exploration of their unique biology.