Article
Microbiology
Hanyu Qin, Yun Liu, Zhengyuan Zhai, Bingbing Xiao
Summary: This study found that different subgroups of Gardnerella exhibit differences in biofilm formation ability and antibiotic resistance. Strains with strong biofilm ability contain more genes involved in carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism. These findings contribute to the development of novel treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
Review
Immunology
Omid Gholizadeh, Zahra Yekanipour, Setareh Kivi, Farnoosh Farahbod, Mohadeseh Aqayinejad, Yalda Tasoujizade, Saman Yasamineh, Parya Amini, Sama Akbarzadeh, Mehrnaz Hajiesmaeili, Vahdat Poortahmasebi
Summary: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, typically acquired after the first sexual activity. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and temporary. Recurrent infections with high-risk HPV strains can lead to various cancers later in life. HPV infections are also significantly associated with reproductive function abnormalities, including male infertility and increased risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), an anaerobic bacterium, can contribute to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and reduced fertility in women. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of how GV and HPV cause infertility.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
B. S. Bodmer, A. Breithaupt, M. Heung, J. E. Brunetti, C. Henkel, J. Mueller-Guhl, E. Rodriguez, L. Wendt, S. L. Winter, M. Vallbracht, A. Mueller, S. Roemer, P. Chlanda, C. Munoz-Fontela, T. Hoenen, B. Escudero-Perez
Summary: Ebolaviruses, including Ebola virus and Reston virus, cause haemorrhagic fever outbreaks in Africa. Bombali virus (BOMV), a novel ebolavirus found in bats, has a low pathogenic potential for humans based on in vitro and in vivo experiments.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
A. E. Shea, A. E. Frick-Cheng, S. N. Smith, H. L. T. Mobley
Summary: This study demonstrates that phenotypic characteristics can be used to predict the severity of urinary tract infection caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains. These characteristics can help differentiate UPEC from other E. coli strains and reduce the overuse of antibiotics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ziqi Zhou, Kenrie P. Y. Hui, Ray T. Y. So, Huibin Lv, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Daniel K. W. Chu, Esayas Gelaye, Harry Oyas, Obadiah Njagi, Takele Abayneh, Wilson Kuria, Elias Walelign, Rinah Wanglia, Ihab El Masry, Sophie Von Dobschuetz, Wantanee Kalpravidh, Veronique Chevalier, Eve Miguel, Ouafaa Fassi-Fihri, Amadou Trarore, Weiwen Liang, Yanqun Wang, John M. Nicholls, Jincun Zhao, Michael C. W. Chan, Leo L. M. Poon, Chris Ka Pun Mok, Malik Peiris
Summary: The study revealed that coronaviruses from Africa have lower replication competence, leading to reduced virus activity in human lung cell cultures and experimentally infected mouse lungs. Additionally, the spike protein of African subtype viruses was associated with decreased virus entry into respiratory cells, resulting in lower virus replication competence in vitro and in vivo.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Parul Shishpal, Vainav Patel, Dipty Singh, Vikrant M. Bhor
Summary: This study investigated the effect of acidic stress on the modulation of the production and function of membrane vesicles (MVs) of G. vaginalis. The research found that pH stress led to a distortion of bacterial cell morphology and altered biogenesis of MVs. Changes in protein content and composition of MVs produced under stress conditions were observed, along with a reduced cytotoxic potential toward vaginal epithelial cells.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yongxiang Yu, Yang Zhang, Yingeng Wang, Meijie Liao, Bin Li, Xiaojun Rong, Chunyuan Wang, Jianlong Ge, Jinjin Wang, Zheng Zhang
Summary: China has investigated the population, antimicrobial character, and virulence diversity of Bacillus spp. in the mariculture system. They identified 116 Bacillus isolates belonging to 24 species, with B. subtilis, B. velezensis, and B. amyloliquefaciens being the dominant species. Some of these isolates showed antimicrobial activity against Vibrio species, and antibiotic resistance was also detected. The study provides insights into the genetic diversity, potential risks, and probiotic characteristics of Bacillus in Chinese mariculture, supporting the green and healthy development of the aquatic industry.
Article
Biology
Catarina Raposo, Isa Serrano, Eva Cunha, Maria Patricia Couto, Filipa Lopes, Maria Casero, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: Due to poisoning and food decline, the number of Eurasian vultures needing veterinary care has increased. In captivity, vultures often develop oral and infectious diseases, affecting their survival and reintroduction. Characterizing microbial species, such as Mucor spp., in vulture's oral cavity is crucial.
Article
Microbiology
Sara Morselli, Melissa Salvo, Claudio Foschi, Tiziana Lazzarotto, Simone Ambretti, Antonella Marangoni
Summary: We characterized 61 strains of Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis. The most common GV clade was clade 1 (52.5%), followed by clade 4 (36.1%). All strains were susceptible to ampicillin and clindamycin, while 96.7% and 6.6% of strains showed resistance to metronidazole and tetracycline, respectively. Isolates within clade 4 had the highest ability to form biofilms. Strains resistant to metronidazole and tetracycline were all intermediate or high biofilm producers. All GV clades significantly upregulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by HeLa cells, especially IL-8 and IL-6. Clade 4 induced a significantly higher production of IL-1 beta compared to other clades.
NEW MICROBIOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yoana Kizheva, Zoltan Urshev, Melani Dimitrova, Nevena Bogatzevska, Penka Moncheva, Petya Hristova
Summary: This paper presents the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of 11 phage isolates as natural predators of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. The study found that these phages showed good stability and viability, even at low pH values. The genome of one isolate was also sequenced and represented in a circular manner.
Article
Microbiology
Marta Gomez, Arancha Valverde, Rosa del Campo, Juan Miguel Rodriguez, Antonio Maldonado-Barragan
Summary: The human microbiota may serve as a potential reservoir for infection, with commensal Klebsiella strains exhibiting virulence traits comparable to infective isolates. A commensal K. pneumoniae strain showed inhibitory activity against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Changrui Qian, Siqin Zhang, Mengxin Xu, Weiliang Zeng, Lijiang Chen, Yining Zhao, Cui Zhou, Ying Zhang, Jianming Cao, Tieli Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of multidrug resistant liver abscess-causing Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR LAKp) strains from 2016 to 2020. The majority of these strains exhibited resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones, and chloramphenicol, but only half displayed higher virulence than classical MDR strain. Three hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant strains carrying bla(KPC-2) and one colistin-resistant strain carrying mcr-1 were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most MDR LAKp strains belonged to clade 1. This study provides insights into MDR LAKp and highlights the need for prevention measures to control their spread.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Marta F. Silva, Ana L. Pereira, Maria J. Fraqueza, Goncalo Pereira, Luisa Mateus, Luis Lopes-da-Costa, Elisabete Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the virulence potential and biovar characteristics of Cfv isolates, revealing the absence of putative VF genes in 92% of isolates and the invalidation of parA gene for diagnostic purposes. Three novel MLST sequence types were identified. In addition, WGS identified antimicrobial resistance-related genes and segregated the Cfv and Cfvi strains into different clusters based on SNP and accessory protein families analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haiyue Zeng, Xingyu Chen, Hongbo Li, Jun Zhang, Zhaoyuan Wei, Yi Wang
Summary: The study analyzed retrocopies and retroduplication variations in rice genomes, identifying significant RDVs affecting rice phenotypes and highlighting the important role of RDV in rice migration, domestication, and evolution. RDV is proposed as a potential molecular breeding marker candidate, showcasing the first exploration of the relationship between retrogene function, expression, RDV, and species phenotype.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Paula Mussio, Ines Martinez, Santiago Luzardo, Armando Navarro, Gerardo Leotta, Gustavo Varela
Summary: This study aimed to characterize Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in the meat productive chain in Uruguay. Through microbiological procedures, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), and FAO/WHO risk criteria, 39 STEC strains from 20 establishments were analyzed. The results showed high genomic diversity and the presence of multiple virulence-associated genes. Most of the strains belonged to lower risk classifications according to FAO/WHO, but several strains associated with severe diseases were also identified. The importance of WGS for complete typing of STEC strains was emphasized.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ieva Plikusiene, Vincentas Maciulis, Almira Ramanaviciene, Zigmas Balevicius, Ernesta Buzavaite-Verteliene, Evaldas Ciplys, Rimantas Slibinskas, Martynas Simanavicius, Aurelija Zvirbliene, Arunas Ramanavicius
Summary: During the pandemic, various methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection and COVID-19 diagnostics were developed, which included antibody and antigen tests. Recent research has shown that the interaction between SCoV2-rN and anti-SCoV2-rN antibodies plays a crucial role in guiding the development of new medications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aiste Bulavaite, Thomas Maier, Milda Pleckaityte
Summary: The description of Gardnerella vaginalis has been updated recently with the definition of new species and genome species using whole genome sequences and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The study shows that partial chaperonin cpn60 sequences can be used to assign Gardnerella isolates to specific species, and the MALDI Biotyper can differentiate phylogenetically diverse groups within Gardnerella.
Article
Biophysics
Joana Smirnoviene, Lina Baranauskiene, Asta Zubriene, Daumantas Matulis
Summary: The Standard Operating Protocol outlines the key steps for conducting an inhibition assay of enzymatic activity, starting from experimental design to data analysis. It warns of potential pitfalls and provides solutions to avoid problems and ensure reliable results.
EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL WITH BIOPHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lynn W. DeLeeuw, Robert C. Monsen, Vytautas Petrauskas, Robert D. Gray, Lina Baranauskiene, Daumantas Matulis, John O. Trent, Jonathan B. Chaires
Summary: The protein POT1 is a crucial component of the shelterin complex that protects human chromosome ends from degradation. Two separate fluorescent thermal shift assays were conducted to characterize POT1 stability and interactions. These assays provide detailed insights into POT1 structure, DNA binding, and mechanisms of inhibition.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joana Smirnoviene, Alexey Smirnov, Audrius Zaksauskas, Asta Zubriene, Vytautas Petrauskas, Aurelija Mickeviciute, Vilma Michailoviene, Edita Capkauskaite, Elena Manakova, Saulius Grazulis, Lina Baranauskiene, Wen-Yih Chen, John E. Ladbury, Daumantas Matulis
Summary: Selective targeting of the anti-cancer carbonic anhydrase isoform XII (CA XII) is challenging due to structural similarities among the twelve CA isoforms. A reverse engineering approach was used to mutate six key amino acids in the active site of human CA XII into the CA II isoform, resulting in a chimeric protein amenable to compound optimization. The chimeric protein showed similarity to CA XII in compound recognition and binding affinity, validating the protein engineering approach in inhibitor development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zigmantas Toleikis, Mantas Ziaunys, Lina Baranauskiene, Vytautas Petrauskas, Kristaps Jaudzems, Vytautas Smirnovas
Summary: The presence of S100A9 alters the aggregation kinetics of alpha-synuclein and stabilizes a specific amyloid fibril structure. The ionic strength of the solution influences the interaction between S100A9 and alpha-synuclein, stabilizing a different structure of alpha-synuclein fibrils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lina Baranauskiene, Lina Skiudaite, Vilma Michailoviene, Vytautas Petrauskas, Daumantas Matulis
Summary: The study found that drugs may bind to human CA isoforms with varying affinities and inhibit their catalytic activity, even if the drug's intended target is a different protein. Minor structural changes in compounds can cause significant changes in affinity and selectivity for a specific CA isoform.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Egle Lastauskiene, Vaidotas Valskys, Jonita Stankeviciute, Virginija Kalciene, Vilmantas Gegzna, Justinas Kavoliunas, Modestas Ruzauskas, Julija Armalyte
Summary: Aquaculture is rapidly growing, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, with freshwater fish farming being common. Antibiotics used in aquaculture can lead to antibiotic resistance and pollution. This study evaluated the impact of intensive fish farming on water quality and environment, focusing on pollution transfer and presence of antibiotic resistance genes.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Indre Kucinskaite-Kodze, Martynas Simanavicius, Aistis Simaitis, Aurelija Zvirbliene
Summary: The study found that detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies persist up to 13 months after infection for the majority of the cases. After 6 months, 95% of previously infected individuals had virus-specific antibodies, with a third still showing IgM indicating persistence. 83% of recovered individuals were seropositive 13 months after the outbreak, with one case of confirmed asymptomatic reinfection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maryia Drobysh, Viktorija Liustrovaite, Ausra Baradoke, Alma Rucinskiene, Almira Ramanaviciene, Vilma Ratautaite, Roman Viter, Chien-Fu Chen, Ieva Plikusiene, Urte Samukaite-Bubniene, Rimantas Slibinskas, Evaldas Ciplys, Martynas Simanavicius, Aurelija Zvirbliene, Indre Kucinskaite-Kodze, Arunas Ramanavicius
Summary: This paper presents an electrochemical-based biosensing technique for the detection of specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, which can be used for the serologic diagnosis of COVID-19 and confirmation of successful vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The technique utilizes a modified gold electrode and impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry for analysis of surface modifications, showing promising results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ieva Plikusiene, Vincentas Maciulis, Silvija Juciute, Arunas Ramanavicius, Zigmas Balevicius, Rimantas Slibinskas, Indre Kucinskaite-Kodze, Martynas Simanavicius, Saulius Balevicius, Almira Ramanaviciene
Summary: Detailed evaluations of the antigen and antibody interaction rate and strength are crucial for medical and bioanalytical applications. This study used SE/QCM-D technique to evaluate the interaction and immune complex formation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and specific polyclonal antibodies. The results provide precise quantitative information about the flexibility and conformational changes of the antibody during the formation of the immune complex.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jurgita Matuliene, Gediminas Zvinys, Vytautas Petrauskas, Agne Kvietkauskaite, Audrius Zaksauskas, Kirill Shubin, Asta Zubriene, Lina Baranauskiene, Lina Kacenauskaite, Sergei Kopanchuk, Santa Veiksina, Vaida Paketuryte-Latve, Joana Smirnoviene, Vaida Juozapaitiene, Aurelija Mickeviciute, Vilma Michailoviene, Jelena Jachno, Dovile Stravinskiene, Aiste Sliziene, Agne Petrosiute, Holger M. Becker, Justina Kazokaite-Adomaitiene, Ala Yaromina, Edita Capkauskaite, Ago Rinken, Virginija Dudutiene, Ludwig J. Dubois, Daumantas Matulis
Summary: This study designed a series of high affinity and high selectivity fluorescein-labeled compounds targeting CAIX for visualization and quantification of CAIX expression in cancer cells. The competitive binding model was used to determine the dissociation constants of common CA inhibitors for CAIX in cancer cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Darius Linge, Marius Gedgaudas, Andrius Merkys, Vytautas Petrauskas, Antanas Vaitkus, Algirdas Grybauskas, Vaida Paketuryte, Asta Zubriene, Audrius Zaksauskas, Aurelija Mickeviciute, Joana Smirnoviene, Lina Baranauskiene, Edita Capkauskaite, Virginija Dudutiene, Ernestas Urniezius, Aleksandras Konovalovas, Egidijus Kazlauskas, Kirill Shubin, Helgi B. Schioeth, Wen-Yih Chen, John E. Ladbury, Saulius Grazulis, Daumantas Matulis
Summary: We introduce a protein-ligand binding database (PLBD) that provides thermodynamic and kinetic data of reversible protein interactions with small molecule compounds. The database contains over 5500 binding datasets of 556 sulfonamide compound interactions with human carbonic anhydrase isozymes. In addition to binding affinities, the database also provides calorimetrically measured binding enthalpies, enhancing mechanistic understanding.
DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Joana Smirnoviene, Alexey Smirnov, Visvaldas Kairys, Justina Kazokaite-Adomaitiene, Aurelija Mickeviciute, Vilma Michailoviene, Elena Manakova, Lina Baranauskiene, Daumantas Matulis
EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL WITH BIOPHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rasa Rakauskaite, Giedre Urbanaviciute, Martynas Simanavicius, Aurelija Zvirbliene, Saulius Klimasauskas
Summary: A DMNB-selective monoclonal antibody is used for the non-covalent capture and light-controlled release of proteins, containing surface-exposed DMNB caging groups, for spatial and temporal control of chemical and biological processes. This method is applicable for various downstream applications.