Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xun-Ke Sun, Ya Gong, Dan-Dan Shang, Bang-Tao Liu, Zong-Jun Du, Guan-Jun Chen
Summary: Alginate is a major component of brown algae, crucial in marine ecosystems. In this study, 100 alginate-degrading strains were isolated from adult abalones, with Agarivorans sp. B2Z047 exhibiting the strongest degradation ability. Whole genome sequencing identified 12 potential alginate lyase genes, revealing the role of these lyases in the alginate degradation process.
Article
Microbiology
Lei Shi, Kunlian Mo, Shixiang Bao, Qingjuan Wu, Chunmei Xue, Huiqin Huang
Summary: The bacterium HB182678(T) isolated from brown algae in Hainan province, China, belongs to the genus Mangrovicoccus and is proposed as a new species, Mangrovicoccus algicola sp. nov. It shows a wide range of growth conditions in terms of temperature, pH, and salt concentration, with specific isoprenoid quinone and fatty acid components.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chi Young Hwang, Sung Man Seo, Eui-Sang Cho, Young-Do Nam, So-Lim Park, Seong-Il Lim, Myung-Ji Seo
Summary: In this study, a novel bacterial strain MBLB1776(T) was isolated from marine mud in Uljin, the Republic of Korea. The strain was identified as a new species within the genus Paenibacillus, named Paenibacillus aurantius sp. nov. It was found that MBLB1776(T) produced carotenoid pigments, giving the cells an orange color.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kuei-Hung Lai, Zheng-Hao Huang, Mohamed El-Shazly, Bo-Rong Peng, Wen-Chi Wei, Jui-Hsin Su
Summary: Marine sponges of the genera Geodia, Jaspis, Rhabdastrella, and Stelletta are chemically characterized by a variety of isomalabaricane triterpenes. Two new isomalabaricane-type triterpenes rhabdastin H and rhabdastin I were identified, showing anti-proliferative activities against leukemic cells. These compounds exhibit unique structural features with the only reported tetrahydrofuran functionality among marine-derived isomalabaricanes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomohiro Morohoshi, Kanako Nameki, Nobutaka Someya
Summary: The complete genome sequences of 3 strains of Erwinia rhapontici were presented, revealing a variety of luxl/luxR gene pairs involved in acylhomoserine lactone biosynthesis and reception. A large-scale insertion sequence was observed in the native plasmid of MAFF 311154, which contained eraI3/eraR3 gene pair enabling the production of acylhomoserine lactone.
BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tao Wang, Qiuyuan Huang, Andrew S. Burns, Mary Ann Moran, William B. Whitman
Summary: Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an abundant organic compound in marine surface water and a major source of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Marine bacteria can either mineralize DMSP through demethylation or transform it to DMS. The factors regulating which pathway is utilized are not well understood. In this study, oxidative stress was found to control the switch in DMSP metabolism from demethylation to DMS production in the marine bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi. These findings provide strong evidence for the role of oxidative stress in regulating DMSP metabolism in the marine environment.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhipeng Li, Zeping Du, Hebin Li, Yanhong Chen, Mingjing Zheng, Zedong Jiang, Xiping Du, Hui Ni, Yanbing Zhu
Summary: Marine bacterium Microbulbifer sp. ALW1 can effectively degrade Laminaria japonica thallus fragments and produce various enzymes. ALW1 has unique cell morphology, physiological, and biochemical characteristics compared to other related species. The complete genome of ALW1 has been sequenced and can be utilized in potential industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sun Wook Jeong, Jung Eun Yang, Yong Jun Choi
Summary: In this study, a yellow xanthophyll pigment-producing marine bacterium, identified as the Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain, was isolated from coastal seawater. The SDW2 strain can efficiently produce yellow xanthophyll pigment and exhibits remarkable antioxidative activities. These results suggest that the SDW2 strain could be a promising industrial microorganism for producing marine-derived bioactive compounds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dorra Hentati, Meriam Cheffi, Fatma Hadrich, Neila Makhloufi, Francesc Rabanal, Angeles Manresa, Sami Sayadi, Mohamed Chamkha
Summary: Halotolerant strain CO100 of Staphylococcus sp. isolated from contaminated sediments in Tunisia showed efficient hydrocarbon degradation ability and synthesized a lipopeptide biosurfactant BS-CO100 with strong tensioactive properties under various conditions, non-cytotoxic to human cells. BS-CO100 also exhibited anti-biofilm and anti-adhesive activities, making it a promising candidate for bioremediation of oil-polluted areas, even under saline conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sanaullah Tareen, Chandra Risdian, Mathias Muesken, Joachim Wink
Summary: A new marine Alphaproteobacterium strain of the genus Qipengyuania was isolated from the muddy sediments of the Pacific Ocean in New Zealand. This isolate exhibited antibiotic resistance and positive physiological characteristics, indicating its potential application.
Article
Microbiology
Jamee C. Adams, Rachel Steffen, Chau-Wen Chou, Solange Duhamel, Julia M. Diaz
Summary: This study examined the utilization of different types of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) by the bacterial copiotroph Ruegeria pomeroyi. The results showed that all DOP sources supported growth of R. pomeroyi, and the hydrolysis rates of all DOP substrates were upregulated under phosphorus depletion. Polyphosphate had the lowest hydrolysis rate among the tested DOP substrates, but its upregulation under phosphorus depletion was greater than other substrates. Proteomic analysis identified alkaline phosphatases and 5'-nucleotidase potentially involved in polyphosphate utilization. These findings confirm that DOP, including polyphosphate, are bioavailable nutritional phosphorus sources for R. pomeroyi and possibly other marine heterotrophic bacteria, and suggest that polyphosphate hydrolysis may affect the composition of DOP and the overall nutrient recycling in marine dissolved organic matter.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Castillo-Paez, Raul Llera-Herrera, Jose Antonio Cruz-Barraza
Summary: This study evaluated morphological diversity in the species M. (C.) cecilia and the phylum Porifera at the transcriptomic level, revealing a significant divergence between the green-morphotype and red-morphotype. Through RNA sequencing of individuals with different body-color variations, it was found that the red-morphotype requires further taxonomic investigation and a review of its taxonomic status. These findings suggest that transcriptome assembly metrics may be useful for comparing assemblies of other non-model organisms.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Wei-Hua Jiao, Jia-Xin Li, Hong-Yan Liu, Xiang-Chao Luo, Tian-Yong Hu, Guo-Hua Shi, Dong-Dong Xie, Hai-Feng Chen, Bao-Hui Cheng, Hou-Wen Lin
Summary: An unusual secomeroterpenoid, dysambiol (1), was isolated from a Dysidea sp. marine sponge collected from the South China Sea. Dysambiol features a rare lactone bridge in its unprecedented secomeroterpenoid scaffold. The structure of 1 was determined through extensive spectroscopic analysis, Mosher's method, and electronic circular dichroism calculation. Dysambiol exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophages by regulating the NF-κB/MAKP signaling pathway.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Wei-Hua Jiao, Jia-Xin Li, Hong-Yan Liu, Xiang-Chao Luo, Tian-Yong Hu, Guo-Hua Shi, Dong-Dong Xie, Hai-Feng Chen, Bao-Hui Cheng, Hou-Wen Lin
Summary: An unusual secomeroterpenoid, dysambiol (1), was isolated from a Dysidea sp. marine sponge collected from the South China Sea. Dysambiol features an unprecedented secomeroterpene scaffold with a rare lactone bridge. Dysambiol displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophages by regulating the NF-κB/MPAK signaling pathway.
Article
Microbiology
Stacey R. Goldberg, Brad A. Haltli, Hebelin Correa, Russell G. Kerr
Summary: The bacterium RKSG073T isolated from Aplysina fistularis off the coast of San Salvador showed optimal growth conditions at 30-37 degrees C, pH 6-7, and with 2-3 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis placed it in a clade with its closest relative Aestuariispira insulae AH-MY2T. Based on its distinctiveness, a novel genus and species Curvivirga aplysinae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed for RKSG073T.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Julia Andrade Pessoa Morales, Camila Marconi, Mariam El-Zein, Jacques Ravel, Gabriel Victor da Silva Pinto, Rosana Silveira, Moises Diogo de Lima, Newton Sergio de Carvalho, Rosane Ribeiro Figueiredo Alves, Cristina Maria Garcia de Lima Parada, Sandra Helena Morais Leite, Luisa L. Villa, Eduardo L. Franco, Marcia Guimaraes da Silva
Summary: This study found a strong correlation between vaginal microbiome components and cervical high-risk HPV infection through analyzing data from Brazilian women. The microbiome-based score showed a significant positive correlation with high-risk HPV infection, exceeding the predictive value of sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yonah Krakowsky, Emery Potter, Jason Hallarn, Bern Monari, Hannah Wilcox, Greta Bauer, Jacques Ravel, Jessica L. Prodger
Summary: This review summarizes the impact of gender-affirming medical care on the vagina of transmasculine individuals and the neovagina of transfeminine individuals, including hormone therapy and surgery. The study focuses on the epithelium and local microbiota of the vagina and neovagina, as well as key determinants and knowledge gaps in gynecological health.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kristin D. Gerson, Nancy Yang, Lauren Anton, Maayan Levy, Jacques Ravel, Michal A. Elovitz, Heather H. Burris
Summary: This study found an association between a short cervix and cervicovaginal metabolites, particularly lipid metabolites. The decrease of sphingolipids was associated with a short cervix, while the increase of certain metabolites may be related to a short cervix.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Elizabeth Brown, Xin He, Michelle D. Shardell, Jacques Ravel, Khalil G. Ghanem, Jonathan M. Zenilman, Rebecca M. Brotman
Summary: In this pilot study, cessation of douching was not found to have significant effects on the composition and structure of the vaginal microbiota. Additional interventions may be necessary to restore optimal vaginal microbiota among women who practice douching.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Andrea R. Thurman, Jacques Ravel, Pawel Gajer, Mark A. Marzinke, Louise A. Ouattara, Terry Jacot, M. Melissa Peet, Meredith R. Clark, Gustavo F. Doncel
Summary: This study found that changes in the vaginal microbiota may impact the release and pharmacokinetics of tenofovir. Users with diverse anaerobic microbiota had higher concentrations of tenofovir in their body compared to those with Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota. The changes in vaginal microbiota were associated with protection against HIV-1.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Tizabi, Tsvetan Bachvaroff, Russell T. Hill
Summary: This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of microbial communities in marine sponges, specifically their ability to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis. By sequencing the genomes of different strains and comparing different assembly algorithms, the researchers identified complete biosynthetic gene clusters and highlighted the limitations of short-read assemblers in resolving repeat regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lauren Jonas, Russell Hill
Summary: Marine sponges and their symbionts play significant roles in marine biogeochemical cycles, including the uptake and release of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. However, the understanding of their involvement in phosphorus cycles is not as well established. This study shows that two sponges can take up and store phosphorus, with the storage amount influenced by cyanobacterial abundance and nutrient availability. These findings highlight the potential importance of sponge holobionts in benthic phosphorus cycles.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolas Tessandier, Ilkay Basak Uysal, Baptiste Elie, Christian Selinger, Claire Bernat, Vanina Boue, Sophie Grasset, Soraya Groc, Massilva Rahmoun, Bastien Reyne, Noemi Bender, Marine Bonneau, Christelle Graf, Vincent Tribout, Vincent Foulongne, Jacques Ravel, Tim Waterboer, Christophe Hirtz, Ignacio G. Bravo, Jacques Reynes, Michel Segondy, Carmen Lia Murall, Nathalie Boulle, Tsukushi Kamiya, Samuel Alizon
Summary: The study examines the association between the use of different types of menstrual products and microbial, immunological, demographic, and behavioral indicators. The results suggest a potential link between the use of menstrual cups and fungal genital infection, highlighting the possible influence of menstrual products on menstrual health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Inumidun H. Oyebode, Allan C. Just, Jacques Ravel, Michal A. Elovitz, Heather H. Burris
Summary: Vaginal microbial communities can be dominated by anaerobic or Lactobacillus species. Anaerobic domination is a risk factor for preterm birth and is more common in Black populations. This study quantified the association between air pollution (specifically PM2.5) and anaerobic domination, and explored how racial disparities in PM2.5 exposure might explain racial differences in anaerobic domination prevalence.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Johanna B. Holm, Kayla A. Carter, Jacques Ravel, Rebecca M. Brotman
Summary: This review summarizes the role of Lactobacillus iners in the vaginal microbiome, emphasizes the importance of considering strain-level characteristics, and explains how whole metagenome sequencing can aid in understanding this species in genital health. Recent findings suggest that L. iners exists in the vagina as a unique combination of strains, and further research is needed to explore its functional roles and impact on susceptibility to infections.
CURRENT INFECTIOUS DISEASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alison Schaefer, Bing Yang, Holly A. Schroeder, Dimple Harit, Mike S. Humphry, Jacques Ravel, Samuel K. Lai
Summary: In addition to its known effector functions, IgG has an under-utilized effector function at mucosal surfaces, which is trapping viruses in mucus through Fc-mucin bonds. This study reveals that certain HIV-specific IgG can effectively trap HIV in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM), and the trapping efficacy is correlated with the microbiome composition. These findings suggest that IgG-mucin interactions could potentially reduce HIV transmission and emphasize the importance of mucosal secretions in antibody-mediated prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Jason Hallarn, Greta R. Bauer, Emery Potter, Hannah Wilcox, Jacy Newfeld, Yonah Krakowsky, Jacques Ravel, Jessica L. Prodger
Summary: This study aimed to describe gynecological concerns and vaginal care practices among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty. The results showed that transfeminine individuals reported a range of gynecological concerns outside of the surgical healing period. Various genital practices/exposures were identified, but no clear associations between practices/exposures and symptoms were found.
JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Christina Y. Y. Lee, Jenna Diegel, Michael T. T. France, Jacques Ravel, Kelly B. B. Arnold
Summary: This study uses quantitative models to identify microbial parameters that contribute to the stability of the vaginal microbiome and reveals important interactions between Lactobacillus spp. and non-optimal vaginal bacteria. The findings suggest new strategies for managing or preventing bacterial vaginosis.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Dominick J. J. Jenkins, Benjamin M. M. Woolston, M. Indriati Hood-Pishchany, Paula Pelayo, Alyssa N. N. Konopaski, M. Quinn Peters, Michael T. T. France, Jacques Ravel, Caroline M. M. Mitchell, Seth Rakoff-Nahoum, Christopher Whidbey, Emily P. P. Balskus
Summary: Biochemical characterization of glycogen-degrading enzymes in vaginal bacteria reveals their role in metabolizing glycogen and shaping the vaginal microbiota.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Madeline Alizadeh, Kiran Motwani, Bernadette C. Siaton, Ameer Abutaleb, Jacques Ravel, Raymond K. Cross
Summary: This study provides the first comprehensive large-cohort assessment of the relationship between extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study finds that female patients with Crohn's disease and ocular or dermatologic manifestations are most likely to develop multiple EIMs. Additionally, involvement of the right colon is predictive of inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
(2023)
