| abstract |
The present invention encompasses compositions, kits, and methods for transforming bacteria, preferably naturally occurring bacteria, in situ. They can be used to treat, prevent, or cure microbiome-associated diseases or disorders by regulating molecules expressed and/or secreted by bacterial populations of the microbiome in specific ways. Genomic modifications can alter the interactions between some or all of these populations and the host in a way that reduces their potential to be detrimental to host health. The compositions, kits, and methods of the present invention do not directly kill these populations or directly significantly inhibit their growth. The present invention further includes methods for screening genetic alterations in bacteria, determining the efficiency of vectors in inducing these genetic mutations, and determining the effect of these mutations on bacterial growth. |