To acquire or resist: the complex biological effects of CRISPR-Cas systems

Prokaryotic CRISPR Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat CRISPR associated) systems provide a sophisticated adaptive immune system that offers protection against foreign DNA. These systems are widely distributed in prokaryotes and exert an important influence on bacterial behavior and evolution. However, interpreting the biological effects of a CRISPR Cas system within a given species can be complicated because the outcome of rejecting foreign DNA does not always provide a fitness advantage, as foreign DNA uptake is sometimes beneficial. To address these issues, here we review data pertaining to the potential in vivo costs and benefits of CRISPR Cas systems, novel functions for these systems, and how they may be inactivated.