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Tiny toxic proteins help gut bacteria defeat rivals

Microcins attack pathogens involved in gut inflammation

E.coli

GERM WARFARE  When iron gets scarce, a bacterium called E. coli Nissle deploys molecules called microsins that kill some other types of bacteria, including other strains of E. coli.

NIAID

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Microcins
MĪ-kro-sins n.

Bacterial proteins that kill rival bacteria

Competition is cutthroat in the crowded world of the intestines, so bacteria have evolved ways to kill rivals for a survival advantage.