Article
Microbiology
Wolfgang Haas, Navjot Singh, William Lainhart, Lisa Mingle, Elizabeth Nazarian, Kara Mitchell, Geetha Nattanmai, Donna Kohlerschmidt, Michelle C. Dickinson, Marilyn Kacica, Nellie Dumas, Kimberlee A. Musser
Summary: This study reports the closed genome sequences of multiple VRSA isolates obtained in 2004 from a single patient in New York State. Results show that one VRSA strain emerged as a result of transfer of a multidrug resistance plasmid from a coinfecting VRE to an MRSA isolate. The plasmid integrated into the chromosome via homologous recombination mediated between two regions derived from remnants of transposon Tn5405.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wei Wang, Michelle Baker, Yue Hu, Jin Xu, Dajin Yang, Alexandre Maciel-Guerra, Ning Xue, Hui Li, Shaofei Yan, Menghan Li, Yao Bai, Yinping Dong, Zixin Peng, Jinjing Ma, Fengqin Li, Tania Dottorini
Summary: The research provides a comprehensive analysis of Staphylococcus aureus in China, highlighting the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and the diversity of MRSA lineages. The study reveals a distinct evolutionary path between Chinese and European MRSA strains and the importance of machine learning in identifying resistance determinants within specific clonal complexes.
Article
Microbiology
Zhen Xu, Chao Yuan
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiological characteristics and adaptive evolutionary directions of major Staphylococcus aureus clones that are epidemic in China. The study reveals the presence of 4 major epidemic groups with exclusive genetic features in virulence genotypic profiles, antimicrobial resistance genotypic profiles, and core and pangenome features. Key genes involved in epidemic transmission and adaptive evolution are also identified.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yoona Lee, Bokyung Son, Yoyeon Cha, Sangryeol Ryu
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that can be frequently encountered in clinical and food-processing surroundings. Bacteriophage PALS2, isolated from bird feces, belongs to the Myoviridae family and exhibits extended host inhibition. The genome of PALS2 is classified as a jumbo phage and contains genes involved in DNA replication, nucleotide metabolism, and RNA polymerase, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vincenzo Pennone, Miguel Prieto, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz
Summary: This study analyzed publicly available genomes of Staphylococcus aureus and identified different antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in chromosomes and plasmids. Differences in the distribution of ARGs and clonal complexes (CC) were observed among continents. Temporal changes over the past 20 years showed a decrease in MRSA and macrolide resistance occurrence in plasmids, while the occurrence of ARGs associated with aminoglycoside resistance increased.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuqi Lin, Li Huang, Xiaoyong Zhang, Jiajia Yang, Xiaodan Chen, Fengming Li, Jun Liu, Riming Huang
Summary: The study discovered that actinomycin D has a significant inhibitory effect on S. aureus, potentially through disrupting bacterial energy metabolism and inducing oxidative stress. Actinomycin D increased reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide levels in S. aureus, and differentially expressed proteins and metabolites were identified in response to actinomycin D treatment. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of actinomycin D's anti-S. aureus effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Biao Suo, Peng Guan, Zijie Dong, Yun Zeng, Shijia Fan, Huiping Fan, Zhongmin Huang, Zhilu Ai
Summary: This study investigates the survival mechanisms of different strains of Staphylococcus aureus at low temperatures. The findings reveal that the strains employ different strategies for survival, with strain BB-11 showing better cell membrane integrity, higher antioxidant activity, and enhanced energy metabolism compared to strain BA-26. Defense mechanisms also play a pivotal role in the response of strain BB-11 to stress.
Article
Microbiology
Na Liu, Danping Liu, Kexin Li, Songnian Hu, Zilong He
Summary: This study utilized Staphylococcus aureus as a model organism to investigate the driving factors influencing bacterial pan-genome composition. The research found that the sequence type plays a significant role in the dynamic distribution of bacterial genes. A new classification method and marker gene combination were proposed, providing insights for the classification of Staphylococcus aureus.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adebayo Osagie Shittu, Fadekemi Funmilayo Taiwo, Neele Judith Froboese, Bianca Schwartbeck, Silke Niemann, Alexander Mellmann, Frieder Schaumburg
Summary: This study found a diverse population structure of Staphylococcus aureus in the West African Dwarf goat in Nigeria, with some isolates associated with ruminant lineages and others with human-associated clones, including PVL-positive MRSA CC1 and CC152.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Silja Avall-Jaaskelainen, Joanna Koort, Heli Simojoki, Suvi Taponen
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of mastitis in dairy herds worldwide, but the presence of virulence genes does not explain the clinical outcomes of mastitis. The variation in virulence gene profiles is mainly between clonal complexes, suggesting allelic variation and regulation differences may play a role in the expression of virulence genes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hans Carolus, Siebe Pierson, Jose F. Munoz, Ana Subotic, Rita B. Cruz, Christina A. Cuomo, Patrick Van Dijck
Summary: This study provides the first account of the genome-wide evolution of multidrug resistance in Candida auris. By exposing the fungus to various antifungal drugs, the researchers observed the gradual accumulation of mutations and copy number variations in genes associated with drug resistance, highlighting the alarming potential for development of multidrug resistance in this pathogen.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changjie Lin, Yifan Zhu, Zhiyu Hao, Haojun Xu, Ting Li, Jinghan Yang, Xi Chen, Yingyu Chen, Aizhen Guo, Changmin Hu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of E.coli and S.aureus on bovine mammary epithelial cell injuries and explored the lncRNA profile. The results showed differential expression of a large number of lncRNAs induced by these two pathogens, targeting signaling pathways with similar functions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Seong-Ho Choi, Michael Dagher, Felicia Ruffin, Lawrence P. Park, Batu K. Sharma-Kuinkel, Maria Souli, Alison M. Morse, Emily M. Eichenberger, Lauren Hale, Celia Kohler, Bobby Warren, Brenda Hansen, Felix Mba Medie, Lauren M. McIntyre, Vance G. Fowler
Summary: This study identified several risk factors for R-SAB, with the highest risk observed among black hemodialysis patients. Higher levels of RANTES in R-SAB compared to matched controls suggest a need for further investigation.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Seongmin Hong, Yong Pyo Lim, Suk-Yoon Kwon, Ah-Young Shin, Yong-Min Kim
Summary: In polyploids, whole genome duplication plays a significant role in genome expansion, evolution, and diversification. The flowering-time gene family, one of the largest expanded gene families in plants, has functionally diversified through evolution, providing advantages for plant adaptation and survival.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Charlotte E. Chong, Rebecca J. Bengtsson, Malcolm James Horsburgh
Summary: This study provides new insights into the genomic structure, virulence factors, and differences between subspecies of Staphylococcus capitis. It is important for further understanding of the classification and virulence of this bacterium.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Justin S. Bae, Fei Da, Ryan Liu, Lei He, Huiying Lv, Emilie L. Fisher, Govindarajan Rajagopalan, Min Li, Gordon Y. C. Cheung, Michael Otto
Summary: The study found that Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) contributes significantly to the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting the value of including SEB as a target in multipronged antistaphylococcal drug development strategies. Furthermore, it indicates that SEB contributes to fatal exacerbation of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
X. Yu, N. Leconte, S. Mejean, G. Garric, S. Even, G. Henry, F. J. Tessier, M. Howsam, T. Croguennec, G. Gesan-Guiziou, D. Dupont, R. Jeantet, A. Deglaire
Summary: The study aimed to investigate innovative minimal processing routes for the production of first-age infant formula powder while ensuring microbial safety with minimal protein denaturation. Three IF powders were produced using different heat treatments, with the powder produced without heat treatment showing the lowest protein denaturation extent. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing bacteriologically safe infant formula with a high content of native proteins at a semi-industrial scale.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Gordon Y. C. Cheung, Justin S. Bae, Ryan Liu, Rachelle L. Hunt, Yue Zheng, Michael Otto
Summary: The study found that bacterial virulence and quorum-sensing regulation play crucial roles in staphylococcal sepsis, providing important guidance for developing anti-virulence drugs. It revealed a critical early stage in the development of bacterial sepsis where the battle between bacteria and leukocytes determines the outcome of the disease. This highlights the key role of invading pathogens and their virulence mechanisms in sepsis, challenging the traditional attribution of sepsis mainly to host factors.
Article
Microbiology
Barbara F. Cordeiro, Juliana L. Alves, Giovanna A. Belo, Emiliano R. Oliveira, Marina P. Braga, Sara H. da Silva, Luisa Lemos, Jonas T. Guimaraes, Ramon Silva, Ramon S. Rocha, Gwenael Jan, Yves Le Loir, Marcia Cristina Silva, Monica Q. Freitas, Erick A. Esmerino, Alfonso Gala-Garcia, Enio Ferreira, Ana Maria C. Faria, Adriano G. Cruz, Vasco Azevedo, Fillipe L. R. do Carmo
Summary: The study demonstrated that probiotic Minas Frescal cheese containing Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118 can prevent DSS-induced colitis in mice. Consumption of probiotic cheese reduced the severity of colitis, alleviating weight loss, disease activity index, colon shortening, and histopathological score. Additionally, probiotic cheese increased the expression of tight junctions' proteins and IL-10 release, suggesting its potential as a new probiotic functional food for personalized nutrition in the context of IBD.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Pipat Piewngam, Janice Chiou, Joie Ling, Ryan Liu, Pawiya Pupa, Yue Zheng, Michael Otto
Summary: The use of probiotic Bacillus subtilis spores has been shown to effectively block the translocation of Enterococcus faecalis from the gut to the bloodstream, thus preventing subsequent systemic infection in mice by inhibiting the Fsr quorum-sensing system. This suggests that probiotics can play a role in controlling key aspects of Enterococcus pathogenesis through quorum sensing mechanisms.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bruna Savassi, Barbara F. Cordeiro, Sara H. Silva, Emiliano R. Oliveira, Giovanna Belo, Alessandra Gomes Figueiroa, Maria Izabel Alves Queiroz, Ana Maria Caetano Faria, Juliana Alves, Tales Fernando da Silva, Gabriela Munis Campos, Erick A. Esmerino, Ramon S. Rocha, Monica Q. Freitas, Marcia C. Silva, Adriano G. Cruz, Katia Duarte Vital, Simone O. A. Fernandes, Valbert N. Cardoso, Leonardo Borges Acurcio, Gwenael Jan, Yves Le Loir, Alfonso Gala-Garcia, Fillipe Luiz R. do Carmo, Vasco Azevedo
Summary: The symbiotic product developed in this study shows significant improvement in symptoms of mucositis induced by 5-FU, including reducing weight loss and intestinal permeability, lowering inflammation score, and decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giovanna A. Belo, Barbara F. Cordeiro, Emiliano R. Oliveira, Marina P. Braga, Sara H. da Silva, Bruno G. Costa, Flaviano dos S. Martins, Gwenael Jan, Yves Le Loir, Alfonso Gala-Garcia, Enio Ferreira, Vasco Azevedo, Fillipe L. R. do Carmo
Summary: The study showed that the SlpB protein can enhance the probiotic potential of L. lactis strain to alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emeline Roux, Aurelie Nicolas, Florence Valence, Gregoire Siekaniec, Victoria Chuat, Jacques Nicolas, Yves Le Loir, Eric Guedon
Summary: The study analyzed various health-related functions at the genome level of Streptococcus thermophilus strains isolated from diverse products and locations. While some functions are widely conserved among isolates, others such as the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway and the production of bioactive peptides and gamma-aminobutyric acid are strain-specific. The study also investigated the genetic basis for phenotypic diversity in certain health-related traits among strains.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Areej S. Alsheikh-Hussain, Nouri L. Ben Zakour, Brian M. Forde, Oleksandra Silayeva, Andrew C. Barnes, Scott A. Beatson
Summary: This study presents the complete genome sequence of S. iniae strain QMA0248 and reveals discrepancies between different isolates. The high-quality reference genome provided in this study will assist future comparative genomic and evolutionary studies of S. iniae.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brenda Silva Rosa da Luz, Vinicius de Rezende Rodovalho, Aurelie Nicolas, Svetlana Chabelskaya, Julien Jardin, Valerie Briard-Bion, Yves Le Loir, Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo, Eric Guedon
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the protein composition of Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles (EVs) under different growth conditions. The results show that the EV protein composition is modulated by the environment and differs from that of whole cells, with a more pronounced impact of the growth conditions on EVs compared to whole cells. This study paves the way for future research on the production, composition, and functions of S. aureus EVs.
Article
Microbiology
Ping Miao, Yiming Jiang, Ying Jian, Jiali Shi, Yao Liu, Pipat Piewngam, Yue Zheng, Gordon Y. C. Cheung, Qian Liu, Michael Otto, Min Li
Summary: Allergic rhinitis (AR), commonly known as hay fever, is a widespread condition that greatly impacts the lives of millions of people. This study explores the role of nasal microbiota in AR and reveals distinct differences in the nasal microbiome between AR patients and healthy individuals. Specifically, the study identifies Streptococcus salivarius as a contributing factor to AR development and highlights the potential of targeted antibacterial approaches for AR therapy.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seth W. Dickey, Dylan J. Burgin, Steven Huang, David Maguire, Michael Otto
Summary: Diverse organisms secrete amphipathic biomolecules for competitive gains. However, how cells cope with producing these membrane-permeabilizing molecules is unclear. We focused on the PSM family of secreted amphipathic peptides in the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus that uses two ABC transporters, PmtCD and AbcA, to export peptides across the bacterial cell membrane. We found that increased peptide hydropho-bicity favors PSM secretion through PmtCD over AbcA and that only PmtCD protected cells against amphipathic peptides. We propose a two-system model in which PmtCD and AbcA independently export PSMs from either membrane or cytosolic environments, respectively. Our model provides a rationale for the encoding of multiple transport systems on diverse biosynthetic gene clusters used to produce distinct amphipathic molecules. In addition, our data serve as a guide for selectively blocking PSM secretion to achieve antimicrobial or antivirulence approaches and to disrupt established roles of PSM-mediated virulence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lei He, Huiying Lv, Yanan Wang, Feng Jiang, Qian Liu, Feiyang Zhang, Hua Wang, Hao Shen, Michael Otto, Min Li
Summary: Quorum cheating, a mutation in cell density-sensing systems, has become a crucial factor in biofilm-associated infection. Inactivation of the quorum-sensing system in Staphylococcus aureus leads to enhanced biofilm formation and resistance to antibiotics and immune defense. Antibiotic treatment can promote quorum cheating and the development of biofilms, especially in biofilm infection models.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariana Favero Bonesso, Carlos Magno Castelo Branco Fortaleza, Ricardo de Souza Cavalcante, Moises Teixeira Sobrinho, Carlos Fernando Ronchi, Ligia Maria Abraao, Hwang-Soo Joo, Michael Otto, Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da Cunha
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in patients on mechanical ventilation and its role in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Various factors, including resistance profile, virulence factors, and clonal profile, were analyzed in the S. aureus isolates. The study identified patient-related risk factors for VAP and found that the majority of strains causing VAP originated from the community.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Lauren R. Heinzinger, Aaron R. Pugh, Julie A. Wagner, Michael Otto
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to human and animal health, especially with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria, offer a potential alternative therapeutic that has shown efficacy in animal models.