Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Agnes Jakab, Fruzsina Kovacs, Noemi Balla, Zoltan Toth, Agota Ragyak, Zsofi Sajtos, Kinga Csillag, Csaba Nagy-Koteles, Daniel Nemes, Ildiko Bacskay, Istvan Pocsi, Laszlo Majoros, Akos T. Kovacs, Renato Kovacs
Summary: This study demonstrates that surfactin, a secondary metabolite derived from Bacillus subtilis, exhibits antifungal properties against Candida albicans. It inhibits the growth, adhesion, and morphogenesis of C. albicans, increases the level of reduced glutathione, and enhances the efficacy of fluconazole. Surfactin also affects the gene transcription of C. albicans, with down-regulation of genes involved in morphogenesis and metabolism, and up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome biogenesis, iron metabolism, and drug transport.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Manuela Pillinger, Barbara Weber, Benedict Standen, Markus C. Schmid, Jutta C. Kesselring
Summary: This study investigated the immune modulatory effects of probiotics on rainbow trout intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that both single- and multi-strain probiotics could inhibit pathogen attachment and activate the immune response in rainbow trout intestinal epithelial cells. Multi-strain probiotics, particularly those including B. subtilis, had the best performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niloofar Nazari, Farshid Zandsalimi, Mansoreh Abdolhosseini, Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani, Elahe Motevaseli
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between cell-free supernatant of Bacillus subtilis and radiation response in normal and cancerous cell lines. The results showed that the supernatant of B. subtilis increased the viability of normal cells under radiation treatment, although not significantly. However, 40% v/v of this mixture amplified the lethal effect of radiation and decreased the viability of cancer cells. Moreover, the probiotic supernatant effectively induced the expression of proapoptotic genes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ida Szmigiel, Dorota Kwiatkowska, Marcin Lukaszewicz, Anna Krasowska
Summary: This study found that using xylan and its derivatives from plant hemicellulose as substrates can promote efficient biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis, providing a new approach for the reutilization of agricultural residues.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Diana Gimenez, Aoife Phelan, Cormac D. Murphy, Steven L. Cobb
Summary: The synthesis of fengycin A analogues with enhanced antifungal properties and chemical stability under acidic and basic conditions is reported. The analogues show that the fengycin core structure can be modified and simplified without loss of antifungal activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beata Koim-Puchowska, Grzegorz Klosowski, Joanna Maria Drozdz-Afelt, Dawid Mikulski, Alicja Zielinska
Summary: The study found that under suitable culture conditions, Bacillus subtilis natto BS19 can efficiently synthesize surfactin using starch as the carbon source and yeast extract as the nitrogen source. Potato peelings were proven to be an effective waste substrate, enhancing the biosynthesis of surfactin.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peter Klausmann, Katja Hennemann, Mareen Hoffmann, Chantal Treinen, Moritz Aschern, Lars Lilge, Kambiz Morabbi Heravi, Marius Henkel, Rudolf Hausmann
Summary: Bacillus subtilis 3NA, a strain capable of high cell densities, utilized its surfactin-producing variant JABs32 in fed-batch processes to achieve significantly increased surfactin titers. Optimization of culture conditions showed a promising potential for enhanced surfactin production in high cell density fermentation.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Bo Zhang, Linlin Xu, Jinlin Ding, Mengze Wang, Rui Ge, Hongfei Zhao, Bolin Zhang, Junfeng Fan
Summary: This article reviews the potential and application of lipopeptides (LPs) formed by Bacillus spp. in food preservation. LPs have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and can effectively inhibit microbial spoilage of food, playing an important role in preserving the quality of vegetables, fruits, drinks, and aquatic products. In addition, the yield of LPs can be enhanced by gene regulation and the optimization of fermentation parameters, and nano-encapsulation of LPs holds promise for improving the preservation of food.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Weiwei Zhao, Xu Wang, Chen Zhao, Zhimin Yan
Summary: The study revealed that B. subtilis R0179 could modulate the immune response by regulating cytokine levels and signaling pathways, showing similar effects during Candida albicans infection.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Digar Singh, Sang Hee Lee, Choong Hwan Lee
Summary: This study investigates the ecological interactions between Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Aspergillus oryzae through a pairwise metabolite cross-feeding experiment. The results show that cross-feeding Aspergillus metabolites benefit the growth and biofilm formation of Bacillus, while cross-feeding Bacillus extracts suppress the mycelial growth and conidiation of Aspergillus.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michal Bochynek, Agnieszka Lewinska, Maciej Witwicki, Agnieszka Debczak, Marcin Lukaszewicz
Summary: In this study, we comprehensively characterized surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis. We investigated its production, purified the homologues (C-12, C-13, C-14, C-15), and studied their physicochemical properties. We found a relationship between the structure and properties of surfactin, providing valuable insights for understanding its biological significance and potential applications in various industries. The methodology developed in this study can also be applied to other cyclic lipopeptides, facilitating a better understanding of their structure-properties relationship.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Mareen Hoffmann, Denise Mueck, Lutz Grossmann, Lena Greiner, Peter Klausmann, Marius Henkel, Lars Lilge, Jochen Weiss, Rudolf Hausmann
Summary: Surfactin, a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis, exhibits high interfacial activity and emulsion forming properties, making it a strong candidate for O/W emulsification. It is stable within the pH range of 6 to 9, but destabilizes with CaCl2 addition (>3mM).
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Haining Xu, Chunhua Dai, Yingxiu Tang, Xueting Xu, Ekene Christopher Umego, Ronghai He, Haile Ma
Summary: The study utilized ARTP mutagenesis technology to successfully increase the production of Surfactin in Bacillus subtilis, resulting in the mutant strain M45 with higher growth rate and yield. The findings provide a basis for industrial production of Surfactin and shed light on the mutagenesis mechanism.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Laura M. Brutscher, Claudia Borgmeier, Sean M. Garvey, Jessica L. Spears
Summary: In this study, the safety of Bacillus subtilis BS50 was assessed through preclinical analyses. The results showed that BS50 genome does not encode any known toxins, is susceptible to commonly prescribed antibiotics, and does not have any negative effects on the viability and permeability of human intestinal epithelial cells. Therefore, BS50 has a preclinical safety profile similar to commercial probiotic strains and poses little risk to human health.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jessica L. Spears, Richard Kramer, Andrey Nikiforov, Marisa O. Rihner, Elizabeth A. Lambert
Summary: The safety and tolerability of the unique strain Bacillus subtilis MB40 was assessed through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. The study confirmed the absence of undesirable genetic elements encoding toxins and antibiotic resistance, and found that MB40 was well tolerated in both rats and healthy human volunteers. Based on the research, it was concluded that Bacillus subtilis MB40 does not pose any human health concerns under the tested conditions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
David Squarre, Joseph Chizimu, Chie Nakajima, John B. Muma, Bernard M. Hang'ombe, Edgar Simulundu, Wizaso Mwasinga, Jackson Katampi, Paul Fandamu, Victor Mukonka, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Hirofumi Sawa, Hetron M. Munang'andu, Griffin Shanungu, Herman M. Chambaro, Musso Munyeme
Summary: This study identified wild chacma baboons as potential hosts of Mycobacterium bovis in the human-wildlife interface area in Zambia, indicating possible cross-species transmission. This finding has important implications for public health and conservation efforts.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Jiehao Xu, Yue Wu, Cheng Xu, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Haisheng Xu
Summary: The study cloned the full-length cDNA of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle pIgR and found similarities in structure and function with pIgRs of other vertebrates, as well as determining its characteristics through immunological analysis and bioinformatics tools. The research also demonstrated the immune response of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle pIgR to stimulation in mucosal organs.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Bo Peng, Xinhua Chen, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saurabh Dubey, Dzung B. Diep, Oystein Evensen, Hetron M. Munang'andu
Summary: This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of the bacteriocin Garvicin KS produced by Lactococcus garvieae KS1546 on fish and foodborne bacterial pathogens. The results showed that Garvicin KS had inhibitory effects on certain fish pathogens and Gram-positive bacteria, but not on foodborne bacteria. In addition, Garvicin KS exhibited low cytotoxicity in vitro and showed potential as a therapeutic agent for bacterial pathogens.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yunchao Cao, Tianshun Kou, Liaotian Peng, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Bo Peng
Summary: Aquatic food is an important source of micronutrients for human beings, and aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in providing this food source. However, bacterial infection poses a severe threat to aquaculture and strategies for managing these infections without antibiotics are lacking. This study investigates the metabolic changes of crucian carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila and identifies fructose as a crucial biomarker. Supplementation of fructose increases fish survival rate by enhancing the expression of lysozyme and complement 3, leading to reduced bacterial load. These findings demonstrate a metabolism-based approach to manage bacterial infection by modulating the immune response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Augustino Alfred Chengula, Kizito Kahoza Mugimba, Shlomit Tal, Roni Tadmor Levi, Saurabh Dubey, Stephen Mutoloki, Arnon Dishon, Lior David, Oystein Evensen, Hetron Mweemba Munangandu
Summary: A quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed for detecting tilapia lake virus (TiLV), targeting its 10 viral segments. The assay showed good sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, and reproducibility. Optimizing primer sets for qPCR should consider not only amplification efficiency but also sensitivity comparison among different viral segments to develop a method with the highest sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Junwei Huang, Xiaolong Yin, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Cheng Xu, Weiye Li, Jianjun Xie, Xiaojun Yan, Zhen Tao
Summary: This study demonstrates that the orally administered live attenuated vaccine (LAV) developed by our laboratory provides significant protective immunity in large yellow croaker (LYC). Despite a decrease in survival after exposure to gastric acid, the LAV cells were able to reach the hindgut for absorption and did not have a long-term adverse effect on the gut microbiota. The vaccine also activated both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses.
Article
Microbiology
Saurabh Dubey, Eirill Ager-Wick, Jitendra Kumar, Indrani Karunasagar, Iddya Karunasagar, Bo Peng, Oystein Evensen, Henning Sorum, Hetron M. Munang'andu
Summary: This study used whole genome sequencing to identify and compare antimicrobial resistance genes, integrons, transposases and plasmids in Aeromonas species isolated from different fish species in India. The results showed that all Aeromonas sequences examined contained multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, with beta-lactamase genes being the most dominant. The sequences also encoded several multidrug efflux-pump proteins.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Saurabh Dubey, Eirill Ager-Wick, Bo Peng, Oystein Evensen, Henning Sorum, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu
Summary: Aeromonas media strain SD/21-15 isolated from marine sediments in Denmark was analyzed using whole genome sequencing, revealing the presence of various antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Comparison with other strains also identified specific gene differences. Additionally, the study suggests that A. media has the potential to transfer virulence and resistance genes to other bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xuan-Wei Chen, Jia-Han Wu, Ying-Li Liu, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Bo Peng
Summary: In this study, a metabolomic approach was used to identify the metabolic signature of ampicillin-resistant GBS. It was found that glycolysis is significantly repressed in AR-GBS and fructose is the crucial biomarker. Exogenous fructose not only reverses ampicillin resistance in AR-GBS but also in other antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and NDM-1 expressing E. coli. The study demonstrates a novel approach to combat antibiotic resistance in GBS.
Article
Microbiology
Saurabh Dubey, Eirill Ager-Wiick, Bo Peng, Angelo DePaola, Henning Sorum, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu
Summary: In this study, whole-genome sequencing was used to analyze the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence genes in Aeromonas veronii Ah5S-24 isolated from catfish pond sediments. The study found several AMR genes encoded in the chromosome of Ah5S-24, and a similar mobile gene cassette (MGC) was identified in other bacterial species. Additionally, various virulence genes responsible for motility and adherence were detected. The findings suggest that MGCs encoding AMR genes could play a crucial role in the spread of resistance in aquatic environments.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ashwath Nayak, Mave Harshitha, Saurabh Dubey, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Anirban Chakraborty, Indrani Karunasagar, Biswajit Maiti
Summary: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in aquaculture has led to the emergence of resistance. This study isolated and evaluated bacteria as potential probiotics, finding Bacillus subtilis from Labeo rohita with broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed its probiotic attributes and ability to inhibit the two fish pathogens, making it a promising alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Zhen Tao, Haoda Ye, Chaozheng Zhang, Suming Zhou, Kequan Wang, Mingming Zhang, Jianjun Xie, Hetron Mweemba Munang'andu, Cheng Xu, Pengcheng Wang, Xiaojun Yan
Summary: In this study, a novel two-component system PvgAS has been identified in P. plecoglossicida, which regulates the expression of T6SS-1 and plays a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity. This finding provides important insights into the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of P. plecoglossicida and potential therapeutic interventions against this bacterium.
