Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Flora Vincent, Matti Gralka, Guy Schleyer, Daniella Schatz, Miguel Cabrera-Brufau, Constanze Kuhlisch, Andreas Sichert, Silvia Vidal-Melgosa, Kyle Mayers, Noa Barak-Gavish, J. Michel Flores, Marta Masdeu-Navarro, Jorun Karin Egge, Aud Larsen, Jan-Hendrik Hehemann, Celia Marrase, Rafel Simo, Otto X. Cordero, Assaf Vardi
Summary: Algal blooms are important for marine primary production and play a central role in microbial ecology and global elemental cycling. This study investigates the effect of viral infection on the composition of a bloom-associated microbiome and the fate of carbon, and reveals that high levels of viral infection can result in significant shifts in bacterial and eukaryotic assemblages as well as increased carbon sinking into the deep ocean.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gareth S. A. Wright
Summary: The internalization of a bacteria by an archaeal cell accelerated eukaryotic evolution by utilizing a specific copper chaperone to activate CuZnSOD for combating oxidative stress. The adoption of a single protein interface with structural characteristics necessary for homodimerization and heterodimerization played a crucial role in evolution.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamar Gutnick, Michael J. Kuba, Anna Di Cosmo
Summary: A new study on tropical species suggests that folding in the brain and visual system of octopuses might be linked to habitat and lifestyle.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernando Rodriguez, Irina A. Yushenova, Daniel DiCorpo, Irina R. Arkhipova
Summary: This study discovered a DNA methyltransferase, N4CMT, derived from bacteria in bdelloid rotifers that can deposit 4mC on active transposons and certain tandem repeats, thereby silencing these genes. This suggests that horizontal gene transfer has the potential to drive regulatory innovation in eukaryotes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Ian W. Keesey, Bill S. Hansson
Summary: This article explores the sources of alcohols in nature and their effects on the behavioral and ecological roles of Drosophila melanogaster. Focusing on neuroethology, it discusses the olfactory detection and neural signaling of alcohol in the fly's brain. The article also explains the various behaviors influenced by alcohol, such as attraction, feeding, oviposition, aggression, and courtship, which are shaped by physiological state and social contexts. Additionally, it compares inter- and intraspecies differences related to alcohol tolerance and metabolism, and provides corollaries with other insect species. The article concludes with directions for further studies on the natural history of alcohol and the fly.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kostyantyn V. Dmytruk, Justyna Ruchala, Liubov R. Fayura, Grzegorz Chrzanowski, Olena V. Dmytruk, Andriy O. Tsyrulnyk, Yuliia A. Andreieva, Daria V. Fedorovych, Olena I. Motyka, Diethard Mattanovich, Hans Marx, Andriy A. Sibirny
Summary: Recombinant strains of yeast capable of producing bacterial antibiotics aminoriboflavin and roseoflavin were constructed and evaluated.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Hannah E. Hanford, Juanita Von Dwingelo, Yousef Abu Kwaik
Summary: Bacterial pathogens have evolved unique effector proteins, termed nucleomodulins, that interact with host cells and target the host cell nucleus to regulate gene expression through various mechanisms. These nucleomodulins induce short- or long-term epigenetic modifications in host cells, influencing chromatin dynamics, transcriptional regulation, and cellular signaling pathways. Continued research on nucleomodulins will enhance our understanding of how they manipulate host cell gene regulation and alter the host cell epigenome.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fengyun Ji, Yeqing Sun, Qing Yang
Summary: Anthropogenic discharge activities have caused an increase in nutrient pollution in coastal areas, resulting in algal blooms and changes in microbial communities. Microbial communities are easily affected by changes in nutrient pollution, providing a promising strategy for predicting early red tide warnings through microbial community-level variation and the response of keystone taxa to nutrient pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Ian W. Keesey
Summary: This article reviews and discusses the neurobiological and genetic research on Drosophila species, exploring the functional variations in sensory system evolution, the roles of neuroecology and neuroevolution in speciation events, and the pressures, mechanisms, and constraints in the natural environments.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Johan De Gruyter, James T. Weedon, Evelyne M. Elst, Stefan Geisen, Marcel G. A. Van der Heijden, Erik Verbruggen
Summary: The interaction between AM fungi and plants shapes the surrounding soil microbial communities, possibly due to enhanced growth of host plants changing the amount, timing, and form of carbon inputs into soil. This study found changes in the community composition of soil microbial groups in mesocosms inoculated with AM fungi on grass and clover plants, leading to increased plant productivity and other performance measures.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Holly L. Lutz, Jack A. Gilbert, Carl W. Dick
Summary: This study identified significant correlations between bacterial community composition of the skin and dipteran ectoparasite prevalence across major bat lineages, as well as differences in skin microbial network characteristics between ectoparasitized and nonectoparasitized bats. There were also links between the oral microbiome and presence of malarial parasites among miniopterid bats. These results support the hypothesis that microbial symbionts may serve as indirect mediators of parasitism among eukaryotic hosts and parasites.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xucheng Cai, Yuxing Hu, Shuang Zhou, Die Meng, Siqing Xia, Hong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the composition and dynamics of eukaryotes and bacteria in secondary water supply systems (SWSSs). The results showed that eukaryotes mainly consisted of protists and metazoans, with amoebae accounting for a small proportion. Significant shifts in both bacterial and eukaryotic communities were observed during water transportation, with larger changes in the eukaryotic community. Bacterial community assembly was primarily governed by stochastic processes, while eukaryotic community assembly was shaped by deterministic processes. The study also found variations in bacterial communities among different habitats within SWSS tanks, while eukaryotic communities showed minor differences. Additionally, tank materials and SWSS configuration were found to significantly affect amoeba community and the abundances of Legionella and Mycobacterium. Overall, this study provides insights into SWSS microbial ecology and has implications for SWSS management and health risk control.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilka Erven, Elena Abraham, Thomas Hermanns, Ulrich Baumann, Kay Hofmann
Summary: Distinct families of eukaryotic deubiquitinases (DUBs) are regulators of ubiquitin signaling. In addition to the known large tegument proteins of herpesviruses, a new class of DUBs has been identified in eukaryotes and bacteria. This class, named VTD (Viral tegument-like DUB), shows distant homology with the herpesvirus tegument proteins and has diverse specificity for different types of ubiquitin chains.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
L. Lepori, D. Giuliano, A. Nava, C. A. Perroni
Summary: In this theoretical study, we investigate the superconducting properties of multiband two-dimensional transition metal oxide superconductors, focusing on the interplay between conventional singlet pairings and the triplet order parameters favored by spin-orbit couplings. Our analysis reveals that the presence of triplet pairings can significantly reduce singlet order parameters, leading to anisotropy in superconducting behavior under different magnetic field conditions. Additionally, different types of topological superconducting states emerge as a function of charge density and the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic field.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Thomas O. Auer, Michael P. Shahandeh, Richard Benton
Summary: This article reviews the establishment of a genetic model for comparative behavioral analysis and neuroecology, focusing on the Drosophila sechellia. It describes the genetic approaches used to associate genotype/phenotype in these flies and outlines the behavioral, physiological, and morphological adaptations of D. sechellia, as well as the current understanding of the genetic and cellular basis of these traits. Finally, it discusses the principles established in the context of host specialization, speciation, and the neurobiology of behavioral evolution, along with open questions and challenges in the field.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF GENETICS, VOL 55
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amanda K. Pettersen, Ezequiel M. Marzinelli, Peter D. Steinberg, Melinda A. Coleman
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of MPAs in preserving fish zeta diversity in Batemans Marine Park, Australia. Results showed that MPAs had a greater stability in fish species turnover compared to partially protected and unprotected areas, with significantly shallower decline in zeta diversity and higher retention of harvested species. The protective effects of MPAs were observable within 4 years of implementation, while partial protection showed little improvement in stability compared to unprotected areas.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lindsey K. Deignan, Diane McDougald
Summary: The study monitored differences in the microbiome of Pocillopora acuta colonies reciprocally transplanted between two reefs within the Port of Singapore. Coral microbiomes responded rapidly to transplantation, becoming similar to those of the local corals at the destination reef within one day at Raffles and within two days at Kusu. Elevated nitrate concentrations at Raffles potentially influenced the microbiome's response to transplantation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Viduthalai Rasheedkhan Regina, Parisa Noorian, Clarence Bo Wen Sim, Florentin Constancias, Eganathan Kaliyamoorthy, Sean C. Booth, Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara, Scott A. Rice, Diane McDougald
Summary: Vibrio vulnificus, a potential human pathogen, has been found to defend against predation by excreting organic acids to acidify the environment, which is related to metabolic processes and the acetate switch.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wai Leong, Wee Han Poh, Jonathan Williams, Carla Lutz, M. Mozammel Hoque, Yan Hong Poh, Benny Yeo Ken Yee, Cliff Chua, Michael Givskov, Martina Sanderson-Smith, Scott A. Rice, Diane McDougald
Summary: This study reveals the evolutionary selection effects of protozoa on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to attenuated pathogenicity and enhanced fitness in amoeba-adapted isolates, similar to those observed in chronic cystic fibrosis infections.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
M. Mozammel Hoque, Parisa Noorian, Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara, Pradeep Manuneedhi Cholan, Mikael Kim, Md Hafizur Rahman, Maurizio Labbate, Scott A. Rice, Mathieu Pernice, Stefan H. Oehlers, Diane McDougald
Summary: Predation by heterotrophic protists drives the emergence of adaptive traits in bacteria, particularly Vibrio cholerae, by selecting for mutations in flagellar transcriptional regulator flrA, leading to enhanced survival and competitive fitness in amoebae and improved colonization in eukaryotic organisms such as zebrafish. These adaptive traits evolved in response to environmental predatory pressure impact the colonization of eukaryotic organisms by these pathogens.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wee Han Poh, Scott A. Rice
Summary: The use of nitric oxide (NO) shows promise as a novel approach for treating antibiotic resistant bacteria and biofilm infections. Different strategies have been developed to overcome the limitations of NO's reactivity and enable controlled release, including the design of NO-releasing materials and encapsulation of NO donors. This review summarizes recent developments and discusses limitations and variability in biological responses to the use of NO for bacterial eradication.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yu Fen Goh, Henriette L. L. Roder, Siew Herng Chan, Muhammad Hafiz Ismail, Jonas S. S. Madsen, Kai Wei Kelvin Lee, Soren J. Sorensen, Michael Givskov, Mette Burmolle, Scott A. A. Rice, Diane McDougald
Summary: Mixed species biofilms exhibit increased tolerance to stresses. Grazing by Tetrahymena pyriformis significantly reduced the biofilms of single species K. pneumoniae and P. protegens, but P. aeruginosa biofilms were resistant. Rhamnolipids and the quorum sensing molecule PQS contribute to the protective mechanisms.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lan Li Wong, Sudarsan Mugunthan, Binu Kundukad, James Chin Shing Ho, Scott A. A. Rice, Jamie Hinks, Thomas Seviour, Atul N. N. Parikh, Staffan Kjelleberg
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Lindsey K. Deignan, Keay Hoon Pwa, Aaron An Rong Loh, Scott A. Rice, Diane McDougald
Summary: Corals within the port of Singapore have diverse mucus microbiomes that are essential for their function. The composition of these microbiomes showed spatial and temporal differences, indicating site specificity and seasonality. The most abundant phylum in both coral species was Proteobacteria, which decreased during the southwest monsoon, while Cyanobacteria and Crenarchaeota increased. The presence of a beneficial endosymbiont, Endozoicomonas, was only observed in corals at the farthest reef site from the mainland. The study highlights the adaptive ability of corals to stressful environments and suggests that a flexible microbiome is important for coral resilience.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
M. Mozammel Hoque, Parisa Noorian, Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara, Srijon Adhikary, Joyce To, Scott A. Rice, Diane McDougald
Summary: The flagellar transcriptional regulator flrA plays a key role in flagellum synthesis initiation in Vibrio cholerae. This study demonstrates that the absence of flrA leads to increased growth and survival of V. cholerae in the amoeba host Acanthamoeba castellanii, and this is associated with upregulation of genes involved in iron acquisition and amino acid biosynthesis. The availability of iron is crucial for V. cholerae survival in amoeba, and the catalases KatB and KatG confer increased tolerance to oxidative stress. These findings highlight the importance of flrA in resistance to protozoan predation and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying increased survival in the environment.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jenny Fong, Peggy P. Y. Tang, Lindsey K. Deignan, Jovena C. L. Seah, Diane McDougald, Scott A. Rice, Peter A. Todd
Summary: The allelopathic effects of four macroalgal species on the health and microbiomes of three coral species were investigated in a field experiment. The crude extracts of the macroalgae caused coral tissue bleaching and reduction in effective quantum yield, but the corals were able to recover within 72 hours, except when exposed to Lobophora challengeriae. While some macroalgal extracts increased the alpha diversity of coral microbiomes, there were no significant differences in the composition and variability of coral microbiomes between controls and macroalgal extracts. Overall, the chemically mediated interactions with macroalgae had limited impact on coral microbiomes and corals showed quick recovery from the effects of macroalgal chemicals.
Review
Microbiology
M. Mozammel Hoque, Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara, Diane McDougald
Summary: Protozoan predation on biofilms leads to generation of diversity in bacteria, resulting in adaptation to eukaryotic hosts and changes in virulence. Protozoa play an important role in nutrient cycling and maintaining balance in the food web. Predation, symbiosis, and parasitism are three types of interactions between protozoa and bacteria. Not all bacterial species are equally susceptible to protozoan predation, as they can defend against predation and establish symbiotic or parasitic lifestyles. Biofilm formation enhances resistance to predation compared to planktonic bacteria. Predation on biofilms creates phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in prey, leading to trade-offs in virulence. Recent advances in molecular and genomics techniques provide new insights into protozoan predation on biofilms.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Navin Kumar Verma, Si Jia Tan, John Chen, Hanrong Chen, Muhammad Hafiz Ismail, Scott A. Rice, Pablo Bifani, Sukumar Hariharan, Vivek Daniel Paul, Bharathi Sriram, Linh Chi Dam, Chia Ching Chan, Peiying Ho, Boon Chong Goh, Shimin Jasmine Chung, Kenneth Choon Meng Goh, Shu Hua Thong, Andrea Lay-Hoon Kwa, Adam Ostrowski, Thet Tun Aung, Halimah Razali, Shermaine W. Y. Low, Mani Shankar Bhattacharyya, Hemant K. Gautam, Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Thomas Sicheritz-Ponten, Martha R. J. Clokie, Wilfried Moreira, Maurice Adrianus Monique van Steensel
Summary: This article summarizes the ongoing research on bacteriophages and phage-derived technologies in Singapore and neighboring countries. The symposium discussed topics such as the life cycles and diversity of phages, their roles in biofilms and the human gut microbiome, engineered phage lysins for treating polymicrobial infections in wounds, and the challenges and prospects of clinical phage therapy.
PHAGE-THERAPY APPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
(2022)