Article
Microbiology
Sydney L. L. Miles, Vincenzo Torraca, Zoe A. A. Dyson, Ana Teresa Lopez-Jimenez, Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko, Damian Lobato-Marquez, Claire Jenkins, Kathryn E. E. Holt, Serge Mostowy
Summary: By analyzing the genetic sequences of ST99 E. coli, we found that there are two subsets of strains, one with a virulence plasmid pINV and one without. The results of zebrafish infection experiments show that the virulence of ST99 E. coli is temperature-dependent. Furthermore, it was discovered that ST99 strains may have been virulent before the acquisition of pINV, indicating the importance of pINV in the dissemination of ST99 E. coli.
Article
Microbiology
Nicholas J. Ragazzone, Garrett T. Dow, George A. Garcia
Summary: This study utilized homology models of the VirF DNA-binding domain to identify crucial residues for binding to promoters, contributing to the development of potential VirF inhibitors as an alternative treatment for shigellosis.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alessandra Fusco, Vittoria Savio, Brunella Perfetto, Roberto Mattina, Giovanna Donnarumma
Summary: Escherichia coli is a common species in the intestinal microbiota. Certain strains, such as enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), can acquire new virulence factors to adapt to different intestinal environments. Due to the increasing antibiotic resistance, scientific research focuses on alternative therapeutic approaches for bacterial infections, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The study created a line of intestinal epithelial cells expressing high levels of AMP human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) to investigate its ability to interfere with the pathogenicity mechanisms of EIEC. The results showed that HBD-2 could significantly reduce proinflammatory cytokine expression, EIEC invasiveness, and invasion-associated gene expression.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nabi Jomehzadeh, Khadijah Ahmadi, Hazhir Javaherizadeh, Maryam Afzali
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of virulence factor genes in Shigella strains isolated from children with diarrhea in southwest Iran. It found a high distribution of virulence genes among Shigella strains in the region, with different Shigella species showing different contributions of virulence factors to pathogenesis. The study provided baseline information on the distribution of virulence genes of Shigella isolates in Southwest Iran.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Abdulaziz Alqahtani, Jonathan Kopel, Abdul Hamood
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that can develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, making conventional antibiotic treatments difficult. There is an increasing interest in developing novel treatments against antibiotic-resistant strains, such as the use of pyocins, antimicrobial peptides secreted by P. aeruginosa.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ines Abatedaga, Barbara Perez Mora, Marisel Tuttobene, Gabriela Muller, Daiana Biancotti, Claudio D. Borsarelli, Lorena Valle, Maria A. Mussi
Summary: This study characterized the BLUF photoreceptors in A. nosocomialis and found that they have idiosyncratic characteristics compared to the previously characterized A. baumannii BlsA, including temperature-dependency and expression patterns. The results contribute to broadening our knowledge of the BLUF family.
Article
Immunology
Vincenzo Torraca, Dominik Brokatzky, Sydney L. Miles, Charlotte E. Chong, P. Malaka De Silva, Stephen Baker, Claire Jenkins, Kathryn E. Holt, Kate S. Baker, Serge Mostowy
Summary: Shigella, including specific serotypes, can establish persistent infection in the zebrafish model. The O-antigen plays a crucial role in this process, and the serotype-associated effects observed in humans are also observed in zebrafish.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Fusco, Vittoria Savio, Donatella Cimini, Sergio D'Ambrosio, Adriana Chiaromonte, Chiara Schiraldi, Giovanna Donnarumma
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of different strains of Lactobacillus spp. to improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, and prevent Salmonella Typhimurium and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) infections. The results showed that L. brevis, L. reuteri, and L. rhamnosus were the most effective in protecting the intestinal epithelium.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eytham Souibgui, Christophe Bruel, Mathias Choquer, Amelie de Vallee, Cindy Dieryckx, Jean William Dupuy, Marie-Pascale Latorse, Christine Rascle, Nathalie Poussereau
Summary: Fungi, the most prevalent plant pathogens, secrete effectors to infect hosts. The study demonstrates the essential role of clathrin heavy chain in the pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea and its impact on protein secretion.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Pedro H. F. Sucupira, Tauany R. Moura, Isabella L. S. Gurgel, Tassia T. P. Pereira, Ana C. B. Padovan, Mauro M. Teixeira, Diana Bahia, Frederico M. Soriani
Summary: Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that can cause nosocomial infections in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, the virulence variability of different clinical isolates of C. albicans was investigated. The results showed that different isolates exhibited different abilities to evade macrophage phagocytosis and resist oxidative stress, which correlated with their mortality rates in an animal model of candidiasis. This study highlights the importance of in vitro and in vivo functional characterizations for determining the virulence of different clinical isolates.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Monica F. Torrez Lamberti, Lucrecia C. Teran, Fabian E. Lopez, Maria de las Mercedes Pescaretti, Monica A. Delgado
Summary: The study analyzed the genome and proteomic component of two Shigella flexneri 2a clinical isolates collected from pediatric patients in Argentina. The results showed a conserved core genome in the Shigella species, but also identified strain-specific genes and observed differences at the proteomic level. The findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of colonization, survival, and infection of this pathogen in the population.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mingfang Wang, Jia Zeng, Huihui Tan, Quan Guo, Xia Li, Xiwen Ling, Jinyue Zhang, Shihao Song, Yinyue Deng
Summary: In this study, Stattic was found to be effective against S. sonnei, inhibiting its enzyme activity and reducing biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharide production. It also showed synergistic effects with antibiotics and anti-virulence activity against other bacteria.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Iara Bastos de Andrade, Dario Correa-Junior, Vinicius Alves, Maria Helena Galdino Figueiredo-Carvalho, Marcos Vinicius Santos, Marcos Abreu Almeida, Alessandro Fernandes Valdez, Leonardo Nimrichter, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes, Susana Frases
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cyclosporine on Cryptococcus neoformans, finding that it altered the morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion characteristics of the fungus. Cyclosporine at half the minimum inhibitory concentration resulted in irregular shapes and elongated projections of yeast cells, increased chitin and lipid bodies in the fungal cell wall, and reduced cell body size, capsule diameter, and urease secretion. Additionally, cyclosporine affected the viscosity, electronegativity, and conductance of secreted polysaccharides. These findings highlight the significance of cyclosporine in shaping C. neoformans and its potential implications for antifungal drug development.
Article
Microbiology
Eva Skovajsova, Bianca Colonna, Gianni Prosseda, Mikael E. Sellin, Maria Letizia Di Martino
Summary: The ratio of two virulence-regulatory proteins VirF(21):VirF(30) can dictate the invasive properties of Shigella flexneri under low temperature conditions. The different forms of VirF may play a role in fine-tuning the expression of virulence genes and influencing the invasive properties of Shigella flexneri.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babak Pakbin, Wolfram Manuel Brueck, Thomas B. Brueck
Summary: Shigella species are a major concern in public health as they cause bacillary diarrhea or shigellosis in humans. This study reviewed the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in Dysenteriae and non-Dysenteriae clinical groups, including attachment, invasion, intracellular motility, toxin secretion, and host cell interruption mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms can help in detecting and differentiating Shigella strains and developing strategies to prevent and treat infections caused by these enteric pathogens.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolini Kaid, Raquel Azevedo dos Santos Madi, Renato Astray, Ernesto Goulart, Luiz Carlos Caires-Junior, Thiago Giove Mitsugi, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Maria Fernanda Castro-Amarante, Lennon Ramos Pereira, Bruna Felicio Milazzotto Maldonado Porchia, Thais Oliveira de Andrade, Vivian Landini, Daniel Soares Sanches, Carolina Goncalves Pires, Rubens Koji Oliveira Tanioka, Marcia C. L. Pereira, Igor Neves Barbosa, Cristina O. Massoco, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Oswaldo Keith Okamoto, Mayana Zatz
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernanda Bernardi Bertonha, Silvia Yumi Bando, Leandro Rodrigues Ferreira, Paulo Chaccur, Christiana Vinhas, Maria Claudia Nogueira Zerbini, Magda Maria Carneiro-Sampaio, Carlos Alberto Moreira-Filho
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pamela Oliveira de Souza de Azevedo, Carlos Miguel Nobrega Mendonca, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Antonio Vinicius Iank Bueno, Sonia Regina Yokomizo de Almeida, Liane Seibert, Attilio Converti, Ii-Sei Watanabe, Martin Gierus, Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Review
Pediatrics
Magda Carneiro-Sampaio, Carlos Alberto Moreira-Filho, Silvia Yumi Bando, Jocelyne Demengeot, Antonio Coutinho
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna Felicio Milazzotto Maldonado Porchia, Luana Raposo de Melo Moraes Aps, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Jamile Ramos da Silva, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Natiely Silva Sales, Rubens Prince dos Santos Alves, Clarissa Ribeiro Reily Rocha, Matheus Molina Silva, Karine Bitencourt Rodrigues, Tacita Borges Barros, Roberta Liberato Pagni, Patricia da Cruz Souza, Mariana de Oliveira Diniz, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining active immunotherapy with cisplatin in treating advanced HPV-induced tumors. The combination treatment leads to complete tumor regression in mice and activates specific CD8+ T cells. The treatment also prevents tumor relapses and reduces the toxic effects of cisplatin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Roberta Liberato Pagni, Patricia da Cruz Souza, Rafael Pegoraro, Bruna Felicio Milazzotto Maldonado Porchia, Jamile Ramos da Silva, Luana Raposo de Melo Moraes Aps, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Karine Bitencourt Rodrigues, Natiely Silva Sales, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno
Summary: The study demonstrated that IL-6 and IDO negatively contribute to the activation of immune cells, particularly dendritic cells, reducing protective immune responses induced by the gDE7 vaccine. Therefore, combined strategies based on inhibition of IL-6 and IDO offer new perspectives for immunotherapy against HPV-related tumors.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia Y. Bando, Fernanda B. Bertonha, Sandra E. Vieira, Danielle B. L. de Oliveira, Vanessa N. Chalup, Edison L. Durigon, Patricia Palmeira, Ana Cristina P. Curi, Caroline S. Faria, Leila Antonangelo, Gerhard da P. Lauterbach, Fabiane A. Regalio, Roberto M. Cesar, Carlos A. Moreira-Filho
Summary: Comparative transcriptome analysis, along with clinico-demographic and laboratory data, revealed differences in the molecular mechanisms underlying COVID-19 severity between mild and severe cases and between age subgroups. Three transcriptional modules were identified that correlated with disease traits, along with 23 differentially expressed genes associated with disease severity. These biomarkers may aid in better risk stratification for COVID-19.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Roberta Liberato Pagni, Guilherme Formoso Pelegrin, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno
TRANSLATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jamile Ramos da Silva, Karine Bitencourt Rodrigues, Guilherme Formoso Pelegrin, Natiely Silva Sales, Hiromi Muramatsu, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Bruna F. M. M. Porchia, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Luana Raposo M. M. Aps, Alexia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho, Istvan Tombacz, Wesley Luzetti Fotoran, Katalin Kariko, Paulo J. C. Lin, Ying K. Tam, Mariana de Oliveira Diniz, Norbert Pardi, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Summary: This study compared the performance of three different mRNA vaccine modalities in targeting tumors associated with HPV-16 infection in mice. The results showed that all three vaccines effectively activated E7-specific CD8+ T cells, generated memory T cell responses, prevented tumor relapses, and eradicated subcutaneous tumors at different growth stages. In addition, the mRNA-LNP vaccines showed potent tumor protection in two different mouse tumor models. Compared to DNA and recombinant protein vaccines, the mRNA vaccines demonstrated superior immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy. These findings support further evaluation of these mRNA vaccines in clinical trials.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia Y. Bando, Fernanda B. Bertonha, Pedro H. N. Menezes, Andre K. Takahara, Nathalia A. Khaled, Paula Santos, Mara S. Junqueira, Roberto M. Cesar, Carlos A. Moreira-Filho
Summary: Febrile seizures in early childhood pose a risk for developing epilepsy of the mesial temporal lobe, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, rat models of hyperthermia-induced seizures have been used to investigate these mechanisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Bolsanelli Cioffi, Maria Fernanda de Castro-Amarante, Aleksei Lulla, Robert Andreata-Santos, Mario Costa Cruz, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Bianca de Miranda Peres, Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas Junior, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Edison Luiz Durigon, Nicola Coker Gordon, Marko Hyvoenen, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Andrea Balan
Summary: This study utilized the RAD display system to present peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, leading to the detection of specific antibodies and the generation of inhibitory antibodies against viral infection. The RAD display system shows promise as a platform for peptide-based vaccine antigen design, epitope-specific antibody mapping, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Natalia Pasternak Taschner, Marco Aurelio Floriano Piantola, Barbara Rodrigues Cintra Armellini, Camilo Lellis-Santos, Rita de Cassia Cafe Ferreira
Summary: Traditional lab classes in microbiology are common in educational institutions. In order to provide a more authentic learning experience, the Real-Lab-Day was developed as a multimodal learning experience for undergraduate students to develop competencies, critical analysis, and teamwork skills. Students were mentored by graduate students in research laboratories and conducted scientific assays to address questions in microbiology. The Real-Lab-Day improved students' learning and interest in microbiology research, and was highly approved as a teaching tool.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariangela O. Silva, Bianca S. Almeida, Natiely S. Sales, Mariana O. Diniz, Luana R. M. M. Aps, Karine B. Rodrigues, Jamile R. Silva, Ana C. R. Moreno, Bruna F. M. M. Porchia, Fernando B. Sulczewski, Silvia B. Boscardin, Luis C. S. Ferreira
Summary: The delivery of HPV tumor antigens to DCs, particularly via the DEC205 surface receptor, is a promising therapeutic approach, providing new opportunities for the development of alternative immunotherapies for patients with HPV-associated tumors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jamile Ramos da Silva, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Natiely Silva Sales, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Luana R. M. M. Aps, Bruna F. M. M. Porchia, Karine Bitencourt Rodrigues, Natalia Cestari Moreno, Alexia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho, Carlos Frederico M. Menck, Mariana de Oliveira Diniz, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Summary: The combination of Gem and active immunotherapy demonstrates synergistic antitumor effects, providing evidence for a new and feasible chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.