Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongsheng Chen, Wen-Juan Chen, Yaohua Huang, Jiayi Li, Jianfeng Zhong, Wenping Zhang, Yi Zou, Sandhya Mishra, Pankaj Bhatt, Shaohua Chen
Summary: Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide, is widely distributed and poses a serious threat to human safety and ecology. Microbial degradation has emerged as a promising method for treating glyphosate due to its efficiency and environmental friendliness. Microorganisms can utilize glyphosate as a nutrient source and degrade it into harmless products by cleaving specific bonds. However, the enzymes and functional genes involved in glyphosate degradation and the resistance mechanisms of microorganisms to glyphosate are not well understood.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arnar Sigurdsson, Berta M. Martins, Simon A. Duettmann, Martin Jasyk, Benjamin Dimos-Roehl, Felix Schoepf, Manuel Gemander, Caroline H. Knittel, Romina Schnegotzki, Bianca Schmid, Simone Kosol, Lea Pommerening, Maria Gonzales-Viegaz, Maria Seidel, Manuela Huegelland, Silke Leimkuehler, Holger Dobbek, Andi Mainz, Roderich D. Suessmuth
Summary: This study reports a new clade of tricyclic class-IV lanthipeptides with curvocidin as its first representative. The crystal structures of the corresponding lanthipeptide synthetase CuvL revealed a circular arrangement of its kinase, lyase, and cyclase domains, forming a central reaction chamber for substrate processing. The study identifies the N-terminal subdomain of the kinase domain as the primary site of substrate recruitment.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashish Kumar, Reafa A. Hossain, Samantha A. Yost, Wei Bu, Yuanyuan Wang, Altaira D. Dearborn, Arash Grakoui, Jeffrey Cohen, Joseph Marcotrigiano
Summary: The study shows that low pH enhances the binding of CD81-LEL to E2, leading to a conformational change in E2 in preparation for membrane fusion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Crystal M. Gigante, Bette Korber, Matthew H. Seabolt, Kimberly Wilkins, Whitni Davidson, Agam K. Rao, Hui Zhao, Todd G. Smith, Christine M. Hughes, Faisal Minhaj, Michelle A. Waltenburg, James Theiler, Sandra Smole, Glen R. Gallagher, David Blythe, Robert Myers, Joann Schulte, Joey Stringer, Philip Lee, Rafael M. Mendoza, Latoya A. Griffin-Thomas, Jenny Crain, Jade Murray, Annette Atkinson, Anthony H. Gonzalez, June Nash, Dhwani Batra, Inger Damon, Jennifer McQuiston, Christina L. Hutson, Andrea M. McCollum, Yu Li
Summary: Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa, has recently been reported in non-endemic countries. A study found two lineages of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in US cases, with one being the major variant of the 2022 outbreak and the other being a minor variant. Analysis suggests that APOBEC3 gene activity may be a dominant driver of MPXV evolution in the current outbreak.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaomin Ni, Andreas C. Joerger, Apirat Chaikuad, Stefan Knapp
Summary: FUBP-interacting repressor (FIR) is a suppressor of the proto-oncogene MYC's transcription, by binding to the far upstream element (FUSE) of the MYC promoter. Competition with FUSE-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) is a crucial mechanism for MYC transcriptional regulation.
Article
Cell Biology
Zihao Yuan, Shuai Jiang, Kunpeng Qin, Li Sun
Summary: This study investigates the origin, evolution, and function of GSDM in different organisms. GSDM was found to emerge in Placozoa and be absent in most invertebrates. Three types of GSDME were identified in fish, with distinct evolutionary separation. GSDMEc is closely related to GSDMA and possibly its prototype.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandeep Kumar, Eric Altermann, Sinead C. Leahy, Ruy Jauregui, Arjan Jonker, Gemma Henderson, Sandra Kittelmann, Graeme T. Attwood, Janine Kamke, Sinead M. Waters, Mark L. Patchett, Peter H. Janssen
Summary: This study reconstructs the genomic sequences of Quinella bacteria, revealing their metabolic capabilities, specifically lactate and propionate formation as major fermentation pathways, and their apparent lack of production of H-2, a major precursor of methane. This provides important insights into understanding Quinella bacteria and the low methane emissions in sheep.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bettina Trimmel, Andre Oszwald, Christoph Diemand, Iris E. Ertl, Ursula Lemberger, Andreas Bruchbacher, Robert Brettner, Stephan Korn, Irene Resch, Eva Comperat, Shahrokh F. Shariat, Melanie R. Hassler
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of APOBEC3 family members in HPV+ and HPV- PSC and their association with clinicopathological features and prognosis. The results showed lower expression of APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, and APOBEC3C in advanced PSC stages, while HPV+ samples had higher expression of APOBEC3s compared to HPV- samples. However, multivariable analyses failed to confirm these associations with outcome.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Liangkai Cheng, Huihui Wang, Shehan Li, Zhongqiu Liu, Caiyan Wang
Summary: This study revealed the significance of Nrf2(Thr80) and Nrf2(Pro85) in the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction, as well as the impact of Keap1 mutations on Nrf2 binding. These findings provide important insights for further understanding the role of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in cancer development.
Article
Cell Biology
Shuangli Sun, Lanlan Feng, Kin Pan Chung, Ka-Ming Lee, Hayley Hei-Yin Cheung, Mengqian Luo, Kaike Ren, Kai Ching Law, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong, Xiaohong Zhuang
Summary: The study uncovered an atypical interaction mode of Arabidopsis ATG8f with the plant unique adaptor protein SH3P2, showing unique conformational changes in ATG8f upon binding to the AIM sequence of the autophagic receptor NBR1. Additionally, the gel filtration assay revealed that the ubiquitin-associated domain of NBR1 outcompetes the SH3 domain of SH3P2 for ATG8f interaction. Biochemical and cellular analysis demonstrated distinct interfaces used by ATG8f to interact with NBR1 and SH3P2.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baofu Xu, Dean J. Tantillo, Jeffrey D. Rudolf
Summary: The study investigated the mechanism of the first diterpene synthase known to form the eunicellane skeleton, highlighting the importance of D94 and E169 in the process. Bnd4 was found to have unique sesquiterpene cyclase activity and the ability to prenylate small molecules, demonstrating its versatility in natural product biosynthesis.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lakshmi S. Pidugu, Hilary Bright, Wen-Jen Lin, Chandrima Majumdar, Robert P. Van Ostrand, Sheila S. David, Edwin Pozharski, Alexander C. Drohat
Summary: Research on MBD4, a key DNA glycosylase, shows its role in restoring correct nucleotides by removing damaged nucleobases, as well as its involvement in epigenetic regulation. Structural analysis of MBD4 reveals its catalytic mechanism and functions in DNA binding, providing insights into its important role in DNA repair processes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ben M. Lawrence, Liza O'Donnell, Lee B. Smith, Diane Rebourcet
Summary: Androgens are crucial for male sexual development, masculinisation, and fertility. HSD17B3 deficiency can lead to disorders of sexual development (DSD). Recent studies suggest differences in testosterone production between mice and humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Yang, Kimberly A. Harris, Danielle L. Widner, Ronald R. Breaker
Summary: The OLE RNA class is a complex and well-conserved bacterial noncoding RNA important for bacterial stress responses. The formation of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with OapA and OapB is crucial for assembling a functional OLE RNP complex, with OapB playing a key role in forming stable RNP complexes and facilitating biological functions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Qian, Di Luo, Bin Ye, Ying-hua Li, Yong-yong Wang, Yu-nan Gao, Jin-xiang Fu
Summary: Some industrial wastewaters contain toxic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds that can inhibit biological treatment efficiency. This study investigated the impact of exogenous pyridine on the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) system and discussed the microscopic response mechanisms based on genes and enzymes. The anammox efficiency was not significantly impacted by pyridine concentrations below 50 mg/L. Bacteria produced more extracellular polymeric substances to withstand pyridine stress. Prolonged exposure to pyridine reduced anammox bacteria by 7.26% and functional gene expression by 45%. Pyridine actively bound to hydrazine synthase and ammonium transporter. This research fills a research gap regarding the threat of pyridines to anammox and provides guidance for applying the anammox process in treating ammonia-rich wastewater containing pyridine.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam K. Wheatley, Jennifer A. Juno, Jing J. Wang, Kevin J. Selva, Arnold Reynaldi, Hyon-Xhi Tan, Wen Shi Lee, Kathleen M. Wragg, Hannah G. Kelly, Robyn Esterbauer, Samantha K. Davis, Helen E. Kent, Francesca L. Mordant, Timothy E. Schlub, David L. Gordon, David S. Khoury, Kanta Subbarao, Deborah Cromer, Tom P. Gordon, Amy W. Chung, Miles P. Davenport, Stephen J. Kent
Summary: The durability of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 immunity has major implications for reinfection and vaccine development. Antibody, B cell, and T cell responses decline over the first 4 months post-infection, while S-specific IgG(+) memory B cells consistently accumulate. The study suggests that natural infection may only provide transient protection at a population level, highlighting the need for more immunogenic and durable vaccines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Afam A. Okoye, Derick D. Duell, Yoshinori Fukazawa, Benjamin Varco-Merth, Alejandra Marenco, Hannah Behrens, Morgan Chaunzwa, Andrea N. Selseth, Roxanne M. Gilbride, Jason Shao, Paul T. Edlefsen, Romas Geleziunas, Mykola Pinkevych, Miles P. Davenport, Kathleen Busman-Sahay, Michael Nekorchuk, Haesun Park, Jeremy Smedley, Michael K. Axthelm, Jacob D. Estes, Scott G. Hansen, Brandon F. Keele, Jeffery D. Lifson, Louis J. Picker
Summary: The study found that CD8+ T cell depletion did not significantly affect the control of SIV reactivation during ART, but after ART cessation, rhesus macaques with CD8+ T cell depletion showed a significant increase in post-ART plasma viremia.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David S. Khoury, Deborah Cromer, Arnold Reynaldi, Timothy E. Schlub, Adam K. Wheatley, Jennifer A. Juno, Kanta Subbarao, Stephen J. Kent, James A. Triccas, Miles P. Davenport
Summary: The level of neutralizing antibodies is closely related to immune protection against COVID-19, playing a crucial role in protecting against detected infection and severe infection. Studies have shown that neutralizing titers will decline over time after vaccination, leading to decreased protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Immunology
Deborah Cromer, Arnold Reynaldi, Megan Steain, James A. Triccas, Miles P. Davenport, David S. Khoury
Summary: The vaccine candidate CVnCoV (CUREVAC) exhibited lower efficacy compared to other mRNA vaccines in a recent phase 3 trial, which can be attributed to the dosage used and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The neutralizing antibody response induced by the vaccine can predict the low efficacy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jillian S. Y. Lau, Deborah Cromer, Mykola Pinkevych, Sharon R. Lewin, Thomas A. Rasmussen, James H. McMahon, Miles P. Davenport
Summary: This study used mathematical models to explore ways to improve ATI study design to maximize statistical power and minimize risks to participants.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arya SheelaNair, Aleksandra S. Romanczuk, Rosemary A. Aogo, Rohit Nemai Haldar, Lianne I. M. Lansink, Deborah Cromer, Yandira G. Salinas, R. Kiplin Guy, James S. McCarthy, Miles P. Davenport, Ashraful Haque, David S. Khoury
Summary: This study compared the effects of different anti-malarial drugs on mice infected with malaria. The results showed that different drugs varied in their ability to reduce parasite count and had different mechanisms of action. This suggests that although the parasite clearance curves may be similar, the drugs have different capacities to inhibit, kill, and clear parasites.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandile Cele, Laurelle Jackson, David S. Khoury, Khadija Khan, Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Houriiyah Tegally, James Emmanuel San, Deborah Cromer, Cathrine Scheepers, Daniel G. Amoako, Farina Karim, Mallory Bernstein, Gila Lustig, Derseree Archary, Muneerah Smith, Yashica Ganga, Zesuliwe Jule, Kajal Reedoy, Shi-Hsia Hwa, Jennifer Giandhari, Jonathan M. Blackburn, Bernadett Gosnell, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Willem Hanekom, Anne von Gottberg, Jinal N. Bhiman, Richard J. Lessells, Mahomed-Yunus S. Moosa, Miles P. Davenport, Tulio de Oliveira, Penny L. Moore, Alex Sigal
Summary: The study found that the Omicron variant has reduced neutralizing effectiveness in individuals vaccinated with Pfizer BNT162b2, but those who had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed better neutralization against Omicron.
Article
Immunology
Kathleen M. Wragg, Wen Shi Lee, Marios Koutsakos, Hyon-Xhi Tan, Thakshila Amarasena, Arnold Reynaldi, Grace Gare, Penny Konstandopoulos, Kirsty R. Field, Robyn Esterbauer, Helen E. Kent, Miles P. Davenport, Adam K. Wheatley, Stephen J. Kent, Jennifer A. Juno
Summary: Wragg and colleagues tracked clonal populations of spike-specific CD4(+) cT(FH) cells using MHC class II tetramers and TCR beta sequencing in convalescent individuals with COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated individuals. They found that both infection and vaccination induced CD4(+) T cell responses to the spike protein and that these responses correlated with neutralizing antibodies. Secondary exposure led to the recall of CD4(+) T cells with a transitory CXCR3(+) phenotype and expansion of cT(FH) cells temporarily expressing ICOS, CD38, and PD-1. The study demonstrates that stable pools of cT(FH) and memory CD4(+) T cells established by infection and/or vaccination can be efficiently recalled and may contribute to long-term protection against SARS-CoV-2.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Hyon-Xhi Tan, Miles P. Davenport, Stephen J. Kent, Adam K. Wheatley
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cybelle Tabilas, David S. Iu, Ciaran W. P. Daly, Kristel J. Yee Mon, Arnold Reynaldi, Samantha P. Wesnak, Jennifer K. Grenier, Miles P. Davenport, Norah L. Smith, Andrew Grimson, Brian D. Rudd
Summary: Microbial exposure during development can have long-lasting effects on an individual's health, but how early microbial exposure leads to permanent changes in the immune system is still unclear. This study shows that early microbial exposure results in the preferential expansion of specific CD8+ T cell populations, which persist and provide enhanced immune protection against intracellular pathogens. Interestingly, this microbial education occurs during thymic development and involves changes in epigenetic programming.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David S. Khoury, Steffen S. Docken, Kanta Subbarao, Stephen J. Kent, Miles P. Davenport, Deborah Cromer
Summary: Booster vaccination is necessary to combat waning immunity and variants of SARS-CoV-2. Data on neutralization titers from multiple sources suggest that using ancestral vaccines can enhance protection against symptomatic and severe disease caused by variant viruses. Variant-modified vaccines may provide additional benefits. This study provides evidence-based guidance for future COVID-19 vaccine regimens.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deborah Cromer, Megan Steain, Arnold Reynaldi, Timothy E. Schlub, Shanchita R. Khan, Sarah C. Sasson, Stephen J. Kent, David S. Khoury, Miles P. Davenport
Summary: The study demonstrates a strong correlation between neutralising antibody titres and vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Predicted neutralising antibody titres are strongly correlated with observed vaccine effectiveness, and the loss of neutralising antibodies over time and to new variants is predictive of observed vaccine protection against severe COVID-19.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Stephen J. Kent, David S. Khoury, Arnold Reynold, Jennifer A. Juno, Adam K. Wheatley, Eva Stadler, E. John Wherry, James Triccas, Sarah C. Sasson, Deborah Cromer, Miles P. Davenport
Summary: Understanding the role of T cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for the design of next-generation vaccines. This perspective discusses the challenges in determining the causal relationship between vaccine-induced T cell immunity and protection from COVID-19, and proposes an approach to gather evidence and clarify the role of vaccine-induced T cell memory in protecting against severe COVID-19.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Maria Rebelo, Rebecca Pawliw, Jeremy Gower, Lachlan Webb, Hayley Mitchell, Zuleima Pava, Rebecca E. Watts, Miles P. Davenport, James S. McCarthy, David S. Khoury
Summary: This study found that viable parasites in artemisinin-sensitive infections decreased to <0.1% of baseline within 8 hours after artesunate administration, while the total number of circulating parasites measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction remained unchanged. In artemisinin-resistant infections over the same interval, viable parasites declined to 51.4% of baseline. These results suggest that the in vivo drug activity of artesunate is quicker than previously reported based on parasite clearance half-life.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Deborah Cromer, Jennifer A. Juno, David Khoury, Arnold Reynaldi, Adam K. Wheatley, Stephen J. Kent, Miles P. Davenport
Summary: The duration of immunity to COVID-19 and the risk of reinfection remain unclear. Immunity is crucial for long-term control of the pandemic, but studies suggest a decline in antibody responses and an increase in documented cases of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Understanding memory responses and immune control dynamics is essential for designing vaccines and predicting the future trajectory of the pandemic.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)