Article
Cell Biology
Stefan Bresson, Vadim Shchepachev, David Tollervey
Summary: The fungal cell wall is a crucial target for antifungal compounds, and the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway regulates transcriptional responses to cell wall damage. In addition, RNA-binding proteins Mrn1 and Nab6 play a complementary role by stabilizing cell wall-related mRNAs. Lack of Nab6 leads to downregulation of these mRNAs, while CWI signaling and Nab6 work together to maintain appropriate cell wall gene expression during stress. Deletion of MRN1 partially alleviates the growth defects associated with Delta nab6, indicating an opposing function in mRNA destabilization. Our findings highlight the importance of a posttranscriptional pathway in cellular resistance to antifungal compounds.
Article
Microbiology
Amy L. Forehand, Dulguun Myagmarsuren, Ziyan Chen, Helen A. Murphy
Summary: Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces a multicellular phenotype called "mat" with variation in phenotypic complexity. The formation of the mat is associated with the expression of the cell adhesion molecule FLO11, creating a floral pattern and pH/glucose gradients. Mat properties vary among different strains, independent of complexity. The environment may favor different trait sets, affecting the yeast's adaptation to ecological niches.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shiladitya Chattopadhyay, Jose Garcia-Martinez, Gal Haimovich, Jonathan Fischer, Aya Khwaja, Oren Barkai, Silvia Gabriela Chuartzman, Maya Schuldiner, Ron Elran, Miriam Rosenberg, Shira Urim, Shubham Deshmukh, Katherine E. Bohnsack, Markus T. Bohnsack, Jose E. Perez-Ortin, Mordechai Choder
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of yeast mRNA decay factors in regulating both transcription and mRNA decay. The shuttling process is controlled by decaying RNA and is essential for coping with environmental changes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alon Chappleboim, Daphna Joseph-Strauss, Omer Gershon, Nir Friedman
Summary: Multiple studies in the last decade have shown that cells maintain a balance of mRNA production and degradation, but the mechanisms behind this balance are still unknown. This study monitored the mRNA profiles in cells after the depletion of Xrn1, the main mRNA exonuclease, and observed an accumulation of mRNA followed by a reduction in transcription and subsequent return to normal levels. The study also found that this transcriptional response is not specific to Xrn1 depletion and occurs earlier when upstream factors in the degradation pathway are disturbed.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Peter N. Lipke, Marion Mathelie-Guinlet, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrene
Summary: Amyloid structures assemble through cross-beta bonding, with specific structural characteristics observed in yeast expressing Als5 adhesin. These properties are also found in other fungal adhesins, indicating a potential new mechanism of cell-cell adhesion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masaru Shimasawa, Jun-ichi Sakamaki, Tatsuya Maeda, Noboru Mizushima
Summary: Cell size regulation is important for cellular functions, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, Rim21 was identified as a positive regulator of cell size through a genome-wide screen. Mutants defective in the Rim101 pathway showed consistent smaller size, while overexpression of active Rim101 increased cell size. Microscopic observation revealed changes in vacuolar and cytoplasmic volume, which were dependent on Rim21 and Rim101.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Clara Bouyx, Marion Schiavone, Jean Marie Francois
Summary: The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrates remarkable adaptability to fluctuating or hostile environments through specialized surface proteins called flocculins, with FLO11 encoding a unique flocculin variant characterized by distinct domain sequence and genetic regulation. This plasticity allows yeast cells to swiftly adapt to new ecological niches and hostile environments, making FLO11 a valuable model for studying cell adhesion and biofilm formation mechanisms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yeon Jin Kim, Hwan Hee Yu, Ye Ji Song, Yeong Jin Park, Na-Kyoung Lee, Hyun-Dong Paik
Summary: The study showed that the cell-free supernatant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can inhibit and eradicate the biofilm of Listeria monocytogenes by reducing auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, EPS production, as well as downregulating virulence factors and biofilm-related genes. These anti-biofilm effects were confirmed through microscopy techniques, demonstrating the potential of S. cerevisiae to be used as a biocontrol agent in the food industry.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qi Yu, Xuanyunjing Gong, Yue Tong, Min Wang, Kai Duan, Xinyu Zhang, Feng Ge, Xilan Yu, Shanshan Li
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that glycolysis regulates histone modifications and gene expression by activating protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. The catalytic subunit of PKA, Tpk2, phosphorylates Jhd2 to affect its localization and function on chromatin, thereby regulating gene expression, lifespan, and autophagy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yixuan Zhu, Jingtao Zhang, Lang Zhu, Zefang Jia, Qi Li, Wei Xiao, Limin Cao
Summary: Efficient xylose fermentation in budding yeast was achieved through rational promoter elements engineering, with HXT7 showing the best performance among surveyed promoters. The redox balance of the xylose utilization pathway was optimized to achieve a balanced xylose metabolism toward ethanol formation.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Manish Pandey, Sakshi Bansal, Sudipta Bar, Amit Kumar Yadav, Nicholas S. Sokol, Jason M. Tennessen, Pankaj Kapahi, Geetanjali Chawla
Summary: In fruit flies, two neuronally enriched and highly conserved microRNAs, miR-125 and let-7, have been shown to mediate the response to dietary restriction (DR) that extends lifespan. MiR-125 functions in neurons, while its target gene chinmo modulates fat metabolism and longevity in both neurons and the fat body. Chinmo exerts its DR effects by regulating the expression of several proteins, indicating a potential avenue for miR-125 and its downstream effectors as drug candidates for late-onset diseases and biomarkers for healthy aging in humans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Timothee Baudu, Chloe Parratte, Valerie Perez, Marie Ancion, Stefania Millevoi, Eric Hervouet, Anne Peigney, Paul Peixoto, Alexis Overs, Michael Herfs, Annick Fraichard, Michael Guittaut, Aurelie Baguet
Summary: This study identified a potential link between ATG8 family members regulation by NMD and their involvement in tumor development and metastasis formation. The findings suggest that 3' UTR-dependent NMD may play a role in autophagy induction and could be a promising target for new anti-cancer therapies.
Article
Microbiology
Mei-Chen Zhu, Na Zhao, Yan-Kun Liu, Xue-Mei Li, Zheng-Yi Zhen, Ya-Qing Zheng, Ke-Qin Zhang, Jin-Kui Yang
Summary: The cAMP-PKA signalling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes in Arthrobotrys oligospora, including hyphal growth, trap morphogenesis, sporulation, stress resistance, autophagy, and mitochondrial morphology.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zarmik Moqtaderi, Joseph V. Geisberg, Kevin Struhl
Summary: There is a compensatory link between cleavage/polyadenylation in the nucleus and mRNA turnover in the cytoplasm. Same-gene 30 mRNA isoforms with different half-lives have similar steady-state mRNA levels, indicating an inverse relationship between cleavage/polyadenylation and mRNA isoform stability.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Meng, Alan Reed, Sandie Lai, Juraj Szavits-Nossan, John E. G. McCarthy
Summary: Gene expression stochasticity is an inherent feature of biological systems, creating non-genetic cellular variation and influencing various processes. In this study, the researchers discovered a distinct form of non-transcriptional noise associated with the translation machinery and mRNA 5'UTR of the GCN4 gene in yeast. They characterized the heterogeneity of translation initiation mediated by GCN4-5'UTR using different techniques and found a subpopulation of cells that consistently exhibited enhanced GCN4 translation under non-starvation conditions.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yue Qu, David McGiffin, Christopher Hayward, Janelle McLean, Courtney Duncan, Desiree Robson, Christina Kure, Rong Shen, Helen Williams, Sherry Mayo, Helmut Thissen, Silvana Marasco, Adam Zimmet, Justin Negri, Paul Jansz, Kumud Dhital, David M. Kaye, Anton Y. Peleg
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Xueqing Wu, Sisi Zhang, Haiying Li, Laien Shen, Chenle Dong, Yao Sun, Huale Chen, Boyun Xu, Wenyi Zhuang, Margaret Deighton, Yue Qu
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yue Qu, Anton Y. Peleg, David McGiffin
Summary: Ventricular assist device (VAD)-specific infections, particularly driveline infections, are a concerning complication of VAD implantation due to biofilm formation and migration. Despite multiple preventative strategies, driveline infections still have a high prevalence and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cameron N. Johnstone, Yan Tu, Shenna Langenbach, David Baloyan, Andrew D. Pattison, Peter Lock, Kara L. Britt, Brian D. Lehmann, Traude H. Beilharz, Matthias Ernst, Robin L. Anderson, Alastair G. Stewart
Summary: Annexin A1 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of TNBC by promoting tumor-forming capacity and inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Its loss may result in the depletion of a population of potential tumor-initiating cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nitika Kandhari, Calvin A. Kraupner-Taylor, Paul F. Harrison, David R. Powell, Traude H. Beilharz
Summary: Alternative transcript cleavage and polyadenylation are associated with cancer cell transformation, proliferation, and outcome. Researchers have developed methods to detect and analyze alternative polyadenylation as potential cancer biomarkers, which, if integrated into standard prognostic measures, may advance cancer prognostic testing and guide therapy. This review focuses on existing methodologies, both experimental and computational, to support the use of alternative polyadenylation as cancer biomarkers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Rachael Emily Turner, Paul F. Harrison, Angavai Swaminathan, Calvin A. Kraupner-Taylor, Belinda J. Goldie, Michael See, Amanda L. Peterson, Ralf B. Schittenhelm, David R. Powell, Darren J. Creek, Bernhard Dichtl, Traude H. Beilharz
Summary: This study investigates the regulation of mRNA function by 3' end formation factors, revealing that different drugs can impact the selection of poly(A) addition sites by influencing nucleotide levels and chromatin landscape to regulate alternative polyadenylation.
Article
Microbiology
Hua-le Chen, Yan Jiang, Mei-Mei Li, Yao Sun, Jian-Ming Cao, Cui Zhou, Xiao-Xiao Zhang, Yue Qu, Tie-Li Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the acquisition of collateral hypersensitivity by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae under tigecycline induction. The results showed that while developing tigecycline resistance, stable hypersensitivities to aminoglycosides and other antibiotics were noticed, which might be caused by the loss of an antimicrobial resistance plasmid. This study suggested the rationalized combination of tigecycline with aminoglycosides for the treatment of CRKP infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Rachael E. Turner, Traude H. Beilharz
Summary: Alternative polyadenylation (APA) plays a crucial role in regulating isoform-specific translation efficiency, stability, and localization. Despite advances in understanding APA in metazoans, its impact in Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains unclear. Experimental techniques are provided to uncover the functional importance of 3' UTR isoforms on translation, bridging the gap between observed APA and functional consequences.
Article
Microbiology
Claudia Simm, Harshini Weerasinghe, David R. Thomas, Paul F. Harrison, Hayley J. Newton, Traude H. Beilharz, Ana Traven
Summary: Fungal infections, particularly drug-resistant ones like Candida auris, pose a global threat. However, the limited number of antifungal drug targets hinders effective treatment. This study investigates the metabolic requirements and adaptations of C. auris. The researchers find that triggering metabolic dysfunction using pyrvinium pamoate (PP) shows promise as a strategy against C. auris. PP induces metabolic reprogramming, disrupts mitochondrial function, and impairs iron homeostasis, leading to a reduction in C. auris growth. This study highlights the potential of targeting metabolism as a therapeutic approach for drug-resistant C. auris.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Francios A. B. Olivier, Volker Hilsenstein, Harshini Weerasinghe, Ashley Weir, Sebastian Hughes, Simon Crawford, James E. Vince, Michael J. Hickey, Ana Traven
Summary: This study develops an imaging assay to investigate the mechanisms of Candida hyphae escape. The findings demonstrate that Candida uses pore-forming proteins, including candidalysin and Gasdermin D, to permeabilize macrophage membranes. Additionally, the study identifies macrophage extracellular trap formation as an additional pathway facilitating hyphal escape.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dylan J. Kiltschewskij, Paul F. Harrison, Chantel Fitzsimmons, Traude H. Beilharz, Murray J. Cairns
Summary: Differentiation of neural progenitor cells into mature neuronal phenotypes relies on extensive temporospatial coordination of mRNA expression. Cleavage and polyadenylation of mRNA has regulatory capacity through the alteration of mRNA stability and modulation of miRNA function. Our findings suggest poly(A) tail length and APA function as part of a rich post-transcriptional regulatory matrix during neuronal differentiation.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jipan Yi, Yao Sun, Chenghong Zeng, Xenia Kostoulias, Yue Qu
Summary: Biofilm formation is crucial for fungal pathogens to cause keratitis in patients wearing contact lenses. However, current contact lens care systems and solutions do not specifically target fungal biofilms. This review aims to explore the link between fungal biofilms and contact lens-associated fungal keratitis, and enhance our understanding of its importance in infection pathogenesis and persistence.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
India Pearse, Amanda Corley, Yue Qu, John Fraser
Summary: This study assessed the antimicrobial properties of two n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive formulations for bacterial inhibition at peripheral ECMO cannulae insertion sites. Both formulations were effective barriers to bacterial migration and demonstrated distinct zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus epidermidis. This suggests a potential bedside strategy for infection prevention in ECMO cannulae, pending further clinical testing.
INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE EXPERIMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yingpeng Huang, Jiali Zhang, Renjie Dong, Xiawei Ji, Yusha Jiang, Jianke Cen, Zhihuai Bai, Kairui Hong, Huihui Li, Jiajing Chen, Jinhui Zhou, Fanyu Qian, Fangyan Wang, Yue Qu, Yan Zhou
Summary: Lactate pretreatment can significantly reduce the severity of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury by decreasing local inflammatory response and regulating the expression of key genes involved in apoptosis and maintaining gastric mucosal integrity.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lewis D. Blackman, Yue Qu, Peter Cass, Katherine E. S. Locock
Summary: Biofilms, formed by the vast majority of bacteria and fungi at interfaces, have detrimental impacts on various industries and daily life aspects, and their high tolerance towards conventional antimicrobial agents poses challenges in their removal. Innovative antibiofilm materials utilizing aqueous-soluble macromolecules have shown promising abilities to inhibit biofilm formation or eradicate organisms within established biofilms.ButtonTitles: Biofilms are complex structures formed by bacteria and fungi, posing challenges in their removal due to their high tolerance towards antimicrobial agents. New innovative antibiofilm materials utilizing aqueous-soluble macromolecules show promise in inhibiting and removing biofilms.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
