Article
Immunology
McKenna C. Eastment, Jennifer E. Balkus, Barbra A. Richardson, Sujatha Srinivasan, Joshua Kimani, Omu Anzala, Jane Schwebke, Tina L. Fiedler, David N. Fredricks, R. Scott McClelland
Summary: This study examined the relationship between various vaginal bacteria and the presence of yeast, and found that only a small number of bacteria were strongly associated with the presence or absence of yeast.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Ryan K. Fritts, Alexandra L. McCully, James B. McKinlay
Summary: The transfer of nutrients between cells, known as cross-feeding, is a crucial aspect of microbial communities that impacts health and global biogeochemical cycles. Externalized molecules play a diverse role in promoting cross-feeding relationships, which can be characterized by a mix of cooperation and competition. The interplay between microbial physiology, environmental factors, and extracellular molecules shape the dynamics of cross-feeding interactions.
MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Chanyuan Li, Yanling Feng, Cai Yang, Dachi Wang, Dailiang Zhang, Xiaolin Luo, Han Zhang, He Huang, Hongyu Zhang, Yanhui Jiang, Weihong Tan, Jihong Liu
Summary: Ovarian cancer, particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), is a highly lethal gynecologic malignancy. The potential roles of pathogenic microorganisms in ovarian cancer development are still unclear. Through analyzing the microbiome and serum metabolome, we discovered dysbiosis in the vaginal microbiota of ovarian cancer mouse models, along with altered metabolite configurations. Broad-spectrum antibiotics effectively reversed microbiota dysbiosis and suppressed carcinogenic progression. The findings suggest the potential use of vaginal bacteria as noninvasive biomarkers for monitoring ovarian cancer progression and for developing advanced microbe-based diagnosis and adjuvant therapies.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yoshimitsu Shimomura, Ling Zha, Sho Komukai, Nobuhiro Narii, Tomotaka Sobue, Tetsuhisa Kitamura, Satoshi Shiba, Sayaka Mizutani, Takuji Yamada, Norie Sawada, Shinichi Yachida
Summary: Higher fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The study found that certain intestinal bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum and Gemella morbillorum, mediate the relationship between fiber intake and CRC risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Remi Yoshikata, Michiko Yamaguchi, Yuri Mase, Ayano Tatsuzuki, Khin Zay Yar Myint, Hiroaki Ohta
Summary: Postmenopausal women have significantly lower levels of Lactobacillus and higher levels of nonoptimal species in their vaginal flora, while such age-related differences were not identified in gut microbiota. Urinary equol concentration was significantly correlated with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women only.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Victor Mataigne, Nathan Vannier, Philippe Vandenkoornhuyse, Stephane Hacquard
Summary: Understanding how microorganism-microorganism interactions shape microbial assemblages is crucial in deciphering the evolution of dependencies and co-existence in complex microbiomes. The microbial systems ecology (MSE) framework, relying on integrated-omics data, merges cellular and community scales to untangle microbial coexistence primarily by metabolic modeling. MSE offers new avenues for progress in microbial research, particularly in synthetic biology and microbiome engineering.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Orazio Palmieri, Stefano Castellana, Anna Latiano, Tiziana Latiano, Annamaria Gentile, Anna Panza, Marianna Nardella, Davide Ciardiello, Tiziana Pia Latiano, Giuseppe Corritore, Tommaso Mazza, Francesco Perri, Giuseppe Biscaglia
Summary: An increasing amount of evidence suggests the important role of gut microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer. This study analyzed the microbial communities in normal and neoplastic colonic mucosa using NGS and metagenomics analysis tools. The findings revealed weak differences in microbial diversity between CRC and control groups, with an increasing trend of Rikenellaceae, Pseudomonas, and Fusobacterium in CRC. Fusobacterium nucleatum was found to be significantly enriched in all tissues of subjects with synchronous colorectal neoplasia.
Article
Microbiology
Olivia Raglan, David A. MacIntyre, Anita Mitra, Yun S. Lee, Ann Smith, Nada Assi, Jaya Nautiyal, Sanjay Purkayastha, Marc J. Gunter, Hani Gabra, Julian R. Marchesi, Phillip R. Bennett, Maria Kyrgiou
Summary: Obese women have a significantly different vaginal microbiota composition and higher levels of local inflammation compared to non-obese women. Bariatric surgery does not alter the vaginal microbiota, but those who experience the greatest weight loss post-surgery are more likely to have a Lactobacillus-dominant VMB.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Gardella, Marianna Francesca Pasquali, Marco La Verde, Stefano Cianci, Marco Torella, Mattia Dominoni
Summary: This study reviewed the interaction between vaginal microbiota, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and the immune response. While some studies struggle to demonstrate the correlation between vaginal microbiota and HPV-related lesions, there is significant evidence suggesting changes in vaginal microbiota in HPV-positive women. The presence of new bacteria, pathway deregulation, and cytokine overexpression are strongly associated with the progression of cervical dysplasia and chronic inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Virology
Kimia Sharifian, Zabihollah Shoja, Somayeh Jalilvand
Summary: In recent decades, it has become well-established that human papillomavirus can cause tumors, and research is actively investigating the genetic and environmental factors that determine whether viral infection is eliminated or develops into cancer. The microbiota has emerged as an important factor that can influence this balance by either enhancing or reducing the ability of viral infection to promote cancer. In the female reproductive system, the vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing pathogenic infections. A diverse vaginal microbiota with reduced abundance of Lactobacillus spp. has been found to contribute to HPV acquisition, persistence, and the development of cervical cancer. This review explores the role of normal female reproductive tract microbiota in health, the mechanisms by which dysbiosis can lead to disease through interactions with microbes, and various therapeutic approaches.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Luis Gomez-Melara, Rufino Acosta-Naranjo, Patricia Izar, Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah, Jordi Pladevall, Risma Illa Maulany, Putu Oka Ngakan, Bonaventura Majolo, Teresa Romero, Federica Amici
Summary: This study reveals that the positive link between anthropomorphism, positive attitudes and behavioral intentions towards wildlife is universal, but the relationship between modernization and anthropomorphism varies across cultures. Modernization may increase anthropomorphism in some countries, while in others it can lead to a decrease in anthropomorphism, ultimately affecting individuals' attitudes and behavioral intentions towards wildlife.
Article
Microbiology
Camilla Andersen, Bo Bergholt, Winnie Ridderberg, Niels Norskov-Lauritsen
Summary: This study investigated the natural history, causative agents, and laboratory diagnostics of spontaneous brain abscesses by analyzing stored samples. The findings highlighted the importance of polymicrobial infections, especially the role of F. nucleatum group bacteria, which can escape detection by conventional culture methods. Further research and characterization of these pathogens are necessary for understanding this rare but serious disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yiran Liu, Shuzhen Wang, Jun Liu, Mingrui Su, Xiaoli Diao, Xiaolong Liang, Jianxin Zhang, Qiuxi Wang, Yuxin Zhan
Summary: Patients with CIN exhibit a distinct vaginal microbial profile characterized by a decrease in Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas, and an increase in Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Dialister. The proliferation and diminution of these two types of microbial communities are interrelated, suggesting a mutual restraint and balance among them. Disruption of this regulatory balance could potentially lead to the onset of cervical lesions and carcinogenesis.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xiaohui Zhong, Yuanyuan Wang, Jianmin Xu, Hong Cao, Feng Zhang, Xuesong Wang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the gut microbiota signatures in tissues of colorectal polyps, normal colorectal mucosa, and feces in patients with colorectal polyps and healthy adults. The results showed significant differences in the composition of microbiota between feces and tissues, with higher abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella-2, and Agathobacter in feces. Fusobacterium may be a normal colonizer in colonic mucosa, and an abnormal increase in fecal Fusobacterium may be related to colorectal mucosa injury.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Fuju Zhao, Xianyang Hu, Chunmei Ying
Summary: The human microbiota in various parts of the body has a significant impact on human health, with the gut microbiota being the most extensively studied in relation to disease. However, the vaginal microbiota also plays a crucial role in female health and has complex dynamic properties. Recent research on the association between the vaginal microbiota and pregnancy outcomes and gynecological diseases has highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiota. This review aims to summarize the recent developments in the study of the vaginal microbial ecosystem and its role in female health and reproductive outcomes.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Brett A. Tortelli, Warren G. Lewis, Jenifer E. Allsworth, Nadum Member-Meneh, Lynne R. Foster, Hilary E. Reno, Jeffrey F. Peipert, Justin C. Fay, Amanda L. Lewis
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2020)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Amanda L. Lewis, Louise C. Laurent
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Evann E. Hilt, Catherine Putonti, Krystal Thomas-White, Amanda L. Lewis, Karen L. Visick, Nicole M. Gilbert, Alan J. Wolfe
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Immunology
Sydney Morrill, Nicole M. Gilbert, Amanda L. Lewis
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Brett A. Tortelli, Amanda L. Lewis, Justin C. Fay
Summary: The diversity and structure of vaginal strains vary across species, with Lactobacillus species showing lower strain diversity. The frequency of multi-strain samples is related to species-level diversity, indicating similar ecological factors influencing diversity within the vaginal niche. The structure of strain-level variation provides a means of testing whether strain-level differences contribute to the function and health consequences of the vaginal microbiome.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nicole M. Gilbert, Lynne R. Foster, Bin Cao, Yin Yin, Indira U. Mysorekar, Amanda L. Lewis
Summary: In a mouse model of pregnancy, vaginal exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis was found to increase the colonization of Group B Streptococcus in the vagina, leading to an increased risk of invasive perinatal Group B Streptococcus infections. This suggests that future clinical studies should investigate Gardnerella vaginalis as a risk factor for Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in women.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Chyi-Song Hsieh, Sunaina Rengarajan, Andrew Kau, Carla Tarazona-Meza, Andrew Nicholson, William Checkley, Karina Romero, Nadia N. Hansel
Summary: In this study, alterations in gut microbiota and IgA response to gut bacteria in school-aged children with asthma were examined. The results showed that while there was little difference in the microbiota, children with asthma had decreased diversity of fecal IgA(+) bacteria compared to control, with a loss of IgA binding to specific taxa associated with worse asthma control and increased severity.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Guy Hazan, Anna Eubanks, Carrie Gierasch, Jeffrey Atkinson, Carolyn Fox, Ariel Hernandez-Leyva, Anne L. Rosen, Andrew L. Kau, Eugene Agapov, Jennifer Alexander-Brett, Deborah Steinberg, Diane Kelley, Michael White, Derek Byers, Kangyun Wu, Shamus P. Keeler, Yong Zhang, Jeffrey R. Koenitzer, Elise Eiden, Neil Anderson, Michael J. Holtzman, Jeffrey Haspel
Summary: This study suggests that the age dependency of childhood asthma is related to the evolving host response to respiratory viral infection. The research shows that the traditional age gradient in pediatric asthma exacerbations was disrupted during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown, indicating a connection between asthma remission and virus exposure. The study also highlights the role of age-specific responses, particularly in the type 2 inflammatory reactions to viruses.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Valerie P. O'Brien, Amanda L. Lewis, Nicole M. Gilbert
Summary: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a costly clinical problem affecting millions of women. Women with vaginal dysbiosis are at higher risk of UTI and may experience routine urinary tract exposures. Studies have shown that bladder gene expression can be impacted by short-lived exposures to urogenital bacteria, with potential implications for future research and understanding of rUTI mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nicole M. Gilbert, Valerie P. O'Brien, Chevaughn Waller, Ekatherina Batourina, Cathy Lee Mendelsohn, Amanda L. Lewis
Summary: Gardnerella, a common member of the female urinary microbiome, is associated with urological disorders in women. In a mouse model, Gardnerella inoculation leads to urothelial exfoliation and activation of pathways involved in inflammation and immunity. Bladder exposure to Gardnerella also increases susceptibility to subsequent urinary tract infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
V. P. O'Brien, L. K. Jackson, J. P. Frick, A. E. Rodriguez Martinez, D. S. Jones, C. D. Johnston, N. R. Salama
Summary: Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori is the primary risk factor for developing stomach cancer. In a transgenic mouse gastric metaplasia model, H. pylori strains from unrelated individuals differed in their ability to infect the stomach and colonize metaplastic glands. Genetic variation in a cell surface adhesin gene called sabB was associated with the ability to colonize the diseased stomach environment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naomi G. Wilson, Ariel Hernandez-Leyva, Anne L. Rosen, Natalia Jaeger, Ryan T. McDonough, Jesus Santiago-Borges, Michael A. Lint, Thomas R. Rosen, Christopher P. Tomera, Leonard B. Bacharier, S. Joshua Swamidass, Andrew L. Kau
Summary: The composition of the gut microbiota is different in individuals with asthma compared to healthy controls in both adults and children, with entero-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) being more prevalent in patients with asthma. In mice, ETBF can increase oxidative stress in the lungs during allergic airway inflammation (AAI), suggesting that targeting the gut microbiota may be a helpful strategy for controlling asthma.
Article
Microbiology
Seongmi K. K. Russell, Jessica K. K. Harrison, Benjamin S. S. Olson, Hyung Joo Lee, Valerie P. P. O'Brien, Xiaoyun Xing, Jonathan Livny, Lu Yu, Elisha D. O. Roberson, Rajdeep Bomjan, Changxu Fan, Marina Sha, Shady Estfanous, Amal O. O. Amer, Marco Colonna, Thaddeus S. S. Stappenbeck, Ting Wang, Thomas J. J. Hannan, Scott J. J. Hultgren
Summary: Previous urinary tract infections can increase susceptibility to future infections, but the reasons for recurrence are not well understood. A study in mice showed that urinary tract infections cause different changes in bladder epithelial cells depending on the outcome, influencing susceptibility to recurrent infections. The study found evidence of molecular changes in stem cells isolated from mice with resolved or chronic Escherichia coli infections, including differences in gene accessibility, DNA methylation, and histone modification. These changes enhance the immune response and promote bacterial clearance, but also contribute to bladder inflammation and mucosal damage associated with severe recurrent cystitis.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda L. Lewis, Philip Toukach, Evan Bolton, Xi Chen, Martin Frank, Thomas Luetteke, Yuriy Knirel, Ian Schoenhofen, Ajit Varki, Evgeny Vinogradov, Robert J. Woods, Natasha Zachara, Jian Zhang, Johannis P. Kamerling, Sriram Neelamegham
Summary: Nonulosonic acids, also known as NulOs, are a group of 2-ketoaldonic acids with a 9-carbon backbone. They occur in two forms in nature, namely the 3-deoxy sialic acids in deuterostomes like vertebrates and their pathogens, and the 3,9-dideoxy sialic-acid-like molecules found in bacteria and archaea. NulOs play significant roles in evolution, biology, and disease, and their diversity is reflected in over 90 sialic acid forms and 50 sialic-acid-like variants.