How to survive in an aggressive environment? Team up with a phage

This thesis explores the genetic potential of gut phages to influence their bacterial hosts. I investigated key molecular processes shaping gut phage-bacteria interactions. I showed the transcriptional landscape of six co-existing prophages, highlighting the distinct expression of prophage-genes across phage’s lifecycles. These expression patterns coupled with metagenomic analyses underscore the importance of phages undergoing lysogenic cycle within the gut. By examining the impact of hypertension and diet on mice, I identified that high-fibre diet alters both viral and bacterial populations and prevent hypertension. My research reveals directions for future studies, emphasizing shaman-phages’ functional characterization, improved experimental models, and the therapeutic potential of phages in shaping a healthy microbiome.