Article
Immunology
Melanie Gonzales, Laure Plener, Jean Armengaud, Nicholas Armstrong, Eric Chabriere, David Daude
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of Quorum sensing in Burkholderia thailandensis using an enzyme-based quorum quenching strategy. The disruption of quorum sensing greatly affects bacterial behavior, including motility, proteolytic activity, and antimicrobial molecule production. Furthermore, the study shows that quorum sensing disruption significantly enhances the bactericidal activity against fungi and yeast. These findings are of prime interest for understanding the virulence of Burkholderia species and developing alternative treatments.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jed F. F. Fisher, Shahriar Mobashery
Summary: This essay discusses the discovery of beta-lactam antibiotics and their transformation of modern medicine, while also pointing out the scarcity of beta-lactam compounds in marine organisms and their potential similarity to quorum sensing molecules. The author proposes the exploration of this similarity to discover new structures and enzyme targets for interesting biological activities.
Article
Microbiology
Jose Carlos Reina, Pedro Perez, Inmaculada Llamas
Summary: Some strains isolated from marine invertebrates have been found to possess the ability to degrade bacterial communication molecules (AHLs), thereby reducing pathogenic virulence and potentially being applied in biotechnological processes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Masarra M. Sakr, Walid F. Elkhatib, Khaled M. Aboshanab, Eman M. Mantawy, Mahmoud A. Yassien, Nadia A. Hassouna
Summary: The research found that using recombinant Ahl-1 lactonase hydrogel can effectively control multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa infections, leading to enhanced healing and reduced mortality rate.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Andrea Muras, Ana Parga, Celia Mayer, Ana Otero
Summary: Interfering with quorum sensing systems of bacteria is a promising strategy to control biofilm formation, and the xCELLigence(R) system is proposed as an efficient method for quantifying biofilm formation.
Article
Microbiology
Yixin Zhang, Wei Wei, Huamei Wen, Zhongle Cheng, Zhongwen Mi, Jing Zhang, Xiaolong Liu, Xinjiong Fan
Summary: This study introduces a novel biofilm-targeted strategy using combined enzymes to prevent biofilm formation and break down preformed biofilms. By modifying the quorum-sensing inhibitor AidH and combining it with the glycosyl hydrolase PslG, the combined-enzyme intervention effectively disrupts biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strategy also helps reverse antibiotic resistance in multidrug-resistant clinical strains. This research highlights the potential clinical application of the combined-enzyme approach for P. aeruginosa infection.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shamas Tabraiz, Burhan Shamurad, Evangelos Petropoulos, Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Alex Charlton, Jan Dolfing, Paul J. Sallis
Summary: The novel QQ strain Acinetobacter guillouiae ST01 showed high activity in reducing quorum sensing in a membrane bioreactor by decreasing AHL concentrations in the sludge and biofilm. It also significantly reduced polysaccharide and protein levels, leading to a decrease in fouling rates in the MBR. These results suggest that A. guillouiae ST01 is a promising candidate for biofouling control in wastewater treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nicole E. Smalley, Amy L. Schaefer, Kyle L. Asfahl, Crystal Perez, E. Peter Greenberg, Ajai A. Dandekar
Summary: In the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, quorum sensing (QS) can activate the expression of dozens to hundreds of genes. In this study, the researchers investigated how the size and content of the QS regulon can evolve during long-term growth of P. aeruginosa. They found that the QS regulon can undergo a reductive adaptation in response to continuous QS-dependent growth. These findings provide insights into the strain-to-strain variability in the size and content of the P. aeruginosa QS regulon.
Article
Microbiology
Nicole E. Smalley, Amy L. Schaefer, Kyle L. Asfahl, Crystal Perez, E. Peter Greenberg, Ajai A. Dandekar
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of the QS regulon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during long-term growth when cells require some but not all the functions activated by QS. The research reveals that the QS-regulon in P. aeruginosa can undergo a reductive adaptation in response to continuous QS-dependent growth, providing insights into the variability in the size and content of the QS regulon in different strains.
Article
Plant Sciences
Manoj Pun, Netaly Khazanov, Ortal Galsurker, Michal Weitman, Zohar Kerem, Hanoch Senderowitz, Iris Yedidia
Summary: Phloretin from apple inhibits the growth and virulence of Pectobacterium brasiliense (Pb1692), an emerging soft-rot pathogen of potato, by reducing motility, biofilm formation, enzyme secretion, AHL signaling molecule production, and infection. The compound inhibits ExpI activity and downregulates virulence-related genes associated with quorum sensing. Docking simulations suggest a likely mode of action for phloretin's inhibition of virulence.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tomohiro Morohoshi, Akinori Oshima, Xiaonan Xie, Nobutaka Someya
Summary: Our study demonstrates that the PsyI/PsyR quorum-sensing systems in Pseudomonas syringae strains are genetically and functionally diverse, with diversity being linked to phylogenetic and pathovar classifications.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sania Sahreen, Hamid Mukhtar, Kalman Imre, Adriana Morar, Viorel Herman, Sundas Sharif
Summary: This review discusses the role of quorum sensing (QS) in biofilm formation and its importance in biological wastewater treatment. The different types of autoinducers and their mechanisms are explained, along with the methods of QS regulation and inhibition. The potential applications of QS-regulated biofilms in wastewater treatment are also summarized. The article concludes with an analysis of knowledge gaps in current research and proposed future study requirements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xueping Wang, Deshuang Yu, Guanghui Chen, Chengju Liu, Ao Xu, Zhihao Tang
Summary: This paper discusses the bacterial communication mechanism based on QS and the environmental factors affecting QS, compares QS inhibition strategies, and explores the role and prospects of QQ in long-term operation systems.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Zhu, Dingkang Qian, Mengjiao Yuan, Zhen Li, Ziming Xu, Sha Liang, Wenbo Yu, Shushan Yuan, Jiakuan Yang, Huijie Hou, Jingping Hu
Summary: Electrogenic biofilms in microbial electrochemical systems play important roles in simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. This research investigated the coordination between intracellular c-di-GMP signaling and reinforced quorum sensing on the formation of mixed-cultured electrogenic biofilm under disruption of electrical signaling. The study revealed that intracellular c-di-GMP was reinforced in response to the disruption, and the dominant DGC induced biofilm formation by mediating exopolysaccharide synthesis. Additionally, reinforced quorum sensing could benefit the biofilm restoration. The study proposed a potential strategy for electrogenic biofilm regulation from the perspectives of cell-to-cell communication.
Article
Microbiology
Shlomit Dor, Dov Prusky, Livnat Afriat-Jurnou
Summary: Penicillium expansum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that produces virulence factors to kill host cells. Bacteria-fungal communication plays a crucial role in pathogenicity, with quorum-sensing being a key regulatory mechanism in pathogen control.
Article
Virology
Kim Tien Ng, Liang Jie Ng, Xiang Yong Oong, Jack Bee Chook, Kok Gan Chan, Yutaka Takebe, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Kok Keng Tee
Summary: This study investigates the transmission dynamics of rhinovirus (RV) and the impact of interventions on viral transmission. Through genetic sequencing and analysis, it is found that the burden of RV disease is largely due to multiple sub-epidemics. Social distancing is shown to be effective in decelerating RV transmission, while the use of facemasks has a moderate advantage in limiting transmission.
Article
Microbiology
Kai Song, Bo Chen, Ying Cui, Lian Zhou, Kok-Gan Chan, Hong-Yan Zhang, Ya-Wen He
Summary: This study demonstrated the regulatory role of salicylic acid on Xanthomonas campestris, mainly through affecting its quorum-sensing system to modulate its virulence. The action of salicylic acid is influenced by the pH value of the medium.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Angel Yun-Kuan Thye, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Sivakumar Thurairajasingam, Kok-Gan Chan, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Learn-Han Lee
Summary: The disruption of gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). MG patients have altered gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals, and these changes are related to the severity of MG and gut inflammation. Alterations in gut microbiota can be used as a diagnostic tool for MG, and probiotics can modulate gut microbiota and help prevent and treat MG.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Kian Mau Goh, Edgardo Ruben Donati, Rajesh Kumar Sani, Kok-Gan Chan
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angel Yun-Kuan Thye, Yi-Rou Bah, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Ya-Wen He, Sunny-Hei Wong, Sivakumar Thurairajasingam, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Vengadesh Letchumanan
Summary: Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a role in modulating the development of diseases beyond the gastrointestinal tract, including skin disorders. The gut-skin axis refers to the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and skin health, regulated through mechanisms such as inflammatory mediators and the immune system. Microbiota dysregulation has been observed in various inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. Understanding the involvement of the gut microbiome in regulating skin health could lead to the development of novel therapies for these skin disorders, particularly psoriasis.
Article
Biology
Kah-Ooi Chua, Iqra Fatima, Yin Yin Lau, Kar Wai Hong, Wai-Fong Yin, Andrei Mardaryev, Kok-Gan Chan, Chien-Yi Chang
Summary: This study characterized the bacterial microbiome of fecal samples collected from the toilet chamber of a laboratory naked mole rat colony using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed that the dominant taxa in the bacterial microbiome of the toilet chamber were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and their relative abundance varied significantly between time points.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, Wah-Seng See-Too, Jia-Yi Tan, Hoi-Sen Yong, Wai-Fong Yin, Kok-Gan Chan
Summary: In this study, a novel bacterium named Formicincola oecophyllae gen. nov. sp. nov. was isolated from the gut of weaver ant. It belongs to the family Acetobacteraceae and has distinct characteristics in morphology, physiology, and gene sequence compared to its closest relatives.
ANTONIE VAN LEEUWENHOEK INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Xuan Hui Goh, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Kooi-Yeong Khaw, Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib, Ya-Wen He, Bey-Hing Goh, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Vengadesh Letchumanan
Summary: The increasing prevalence of carbapenem resistance is a growing concern, and it has been discovered that environmental microbial populations could be indirectly contributing to this resistance. This study aims to explore the carbapenem resistance profile of Vibrio species in various settings and identify the transmission pathways for carbapenem resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kok Keng Tee, Po Qhuan Chan, Alson Mun-Khin Loh, Sarbhan Singh, Chee How Teo, Thevambiga Iyadorai, Jack Bee Chook, Kim Tien Ng, Yutaka Takebe, Kok Gan Chan, I-Ching Sam, Kenny Voon
Summary: Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV), a bat-borne virus, is associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in humans. Among 632 urban outpatients, 2.2% tested positive for PRV. Symptoms included cough, sore throat, and muscle ache, with minimal fever. Genetic analysis revealed the continuous evolution of PRV through reassortment among human, bat, and non-human primate hosts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its prevalence and diversity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurora Garcia-Berro, Venkat Talla, Roger Vila, Hong Kar Wai, Daria Shipilina, Kok Gan Chan, Naomi E. Pierce, Niclas Backstrom, Gerard Talavera
Summary: This study investigates the heterozygosity and population size dynamics of migratory insects using genomic data. The findings show that migratory species have higher levels of genome-wide heterozygosity than nonmigratory species. The study also reveals that migratory Lepidoptera maintain overall genetic diversity and demographic stability despite the risks associated with migration and local environmental fluctuations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ajaree Rayanakorn, Wasan Katip, Zanfina Ademi, Kok-Gan Chan
Summary: This study aims to estimate the direct medical costs associated with S.suis treatment in Thailand and identify key drivers affecting high treatment costs. The study found that infective endocarditis, Glasgow Coma Scale, length of stay, and bicarbonate level were significant predictors associated with high total treatment costs. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in alleviating long-term complications and high healthcare expenditures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bingpeng Lin, Hooi Leng Ser, Lijing Wang, Jiang Li, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Loh Teng-Hern Tan
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of MMP12 in various oral diseases, including periodontitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, orthodontic tooth movement, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have shown the association of MMP12 expression with the pathogenesis of these oral diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kooi Yeong Khaw, Michael R. R. Whittaker, Sanjaya Kuruppu, Kok Gan Chan, Siew Hua Gan, Bey Hing Goh
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Hoi-Sen Yong, Sze-Looi Song, Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, I. Wayan Suana, Phaik-Eem Lim, Kok-Gan Chan, Praphathip Eamsobhana
Summary: The mitochondrial genomes of three fruit fly species from the Zeugodacus genus show similarities in gene order and structure, but differences in certain gene features and taxonomic status. More sampling of different taxonomic units is needed to clarify their classification.
ARTHROPOD SYSTEMATICS & PHYLOGENY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Wei-Shan Ang, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Kar Wai Hong, Sunny Hei Wong, Nurul Syakima Ab Mutalib, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Loh Teng-Hern Tan
Summary: A new probiotic, Christensenella minuta, was discovered in 2012 from healthy human stool. It is a subdominant commensal bacterium with highly heritable properties and has mutual interactions with other heritable microbiomes. Its relative abundance is positively correlated with the lean host phenotype. Various studies have shown its potential in managing metabolic diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes.