Mapping CRISPR spaceromes reveals vast host-specific viromes of prokaryotes

CRISPR arrays contain spacers, some of which are homologous to genome segments of viruses and other parasitic genetic elements and are employed as portion of guide RNAs to recognize and specifically inactivate the target genomes. However, the fraction of the spacers in sequenced CRISPR arrays that reliably match protospacer sequences in genomic databases is small, leaving the question of the origin(s) open for the great majority of the spacers. Here, we extend the spacer analysis by examining the distribution of partial matches (matching k -mers) between spacers and genomes of viruses infecting the given host as well as the host genomes themselves. The results indicate that most of the spacers originate from the host-specific viromes, whereas self-targeting is strongly selected against. However, we present evidence that the vast majority of the viruses comprising the viromes currently remain unknown although they are likely to be related to identified viruses. Sergey A. Shmakov et al. investigate the origin of the CRISPR spacers. They examine the distribution of partial matches between the spacers, viral genomes, and the host genomes and report that most of the spacers originate from host specific viromes. They demonstrate that most of the viruses are unknown although are likely related to known viruses.