Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas J. P. Petit, Alice Lebreton
Summary: Invasive bacteria colonize their host tissues by establishing niches inside eukaryotic cells, either in the cytosol or inside a specialized vacuole. These two intracellular lifestyles present challenges for pathogenic microorganisms, but recent research suggests they are not mutually exclusive.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alexa R. Cohn, Renato H. Orsi, Laura M. Carroll, Ruixi Chen, Martin Wiedmann, Rachel A. Cheng
Summary: Through transcriptomic comparisons using RNA-seq, this study revealed differences in gene transcription abundance and expression levels of pathogenic islands among NTS serovars, highlighting potential transcriptional mechanisms that facilitate the survival and adaptation of S. Cerro and S. Javiana in their respective hosts, impacting their disease-causing abilities in others. The study also demonstrated the utility of omics approaches in understanding the diversity of metabolic and virulence mechanisms among different NTS serovars.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rania Bassiouni, Lee D. Gibbs, David W. Craig, John D. Carpten, Troy A. McEachron
Summary: Spatial transcriptional profiling is a method that provides gene expression information within tissue architecture, making it well suited for studying solid tumors. It can investigate spatial relationships among cell populations and reveal spatial patterns of relevant oncogenic genetic events. The broad utility and flexibility of this approach have been reflected in the development of various strategies and commercial platforms, allowing its widespread applicability in research settings.
Article
Microbiology
Yuan Yuan, Yara Seif, Kevin Rychel, Reo Yoo, Siddharth Chauhan, Saugat Poudel, Tahani Al-bulushi, Bernhard O. Palsson, Anand Sastry
Summary: By combining pan-genome and transcriptomic analytics, variations in transcriptional regulatory networks across six strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were revealed.
Article
Immunology
Jennifer Roeder, Pascal Felgner, Michael Hensel
Summary: Salmonella enterica Typhimurium obtains nutrients required for rapid proliferation by forming Salmonella-induced filaments and expressing nutrient uptake systems, adapting uniquely to different host cell nutrient conditions. This leads to improved nutrient supply and bacterial proliferation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gust Bilcke, Cristina Maria Osuna-Cruz, Marta Santana Silva, Nicole Poulsen, Sofie D'hondt, Petra Bulankova, Wim Vyverman, Lieven De Veylder, Klaas Vandepoele
Summary: Coastal regions, occupying only 0.03% of ocean surface area, contribute around 20% of annual gross primary production in the oceans. Diatoms dominate coastal sediments and exhibit significant expression oscillations at night with a 24-hour periodicity.
Article
Microbiology
Sushmita Sridhar, Sally Forrest, Derek Pickard, Claire Cormie, Emily A. Lees, Nicholas R. Thomson, Gordon Dougan, Stephen Baker
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health crisis, with rising resistance to fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin. Research has shown that clinical isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium adapt to high concentrations of ciprofloxacin in a way that promotes intracellular survival, with different isolates responding heterogeneously to the drug.
Article
Biology
Joern Pezoldt, Carolin Wiechers, Florian Erhard, Ulfert Rand, Tanja Bulat, Michael Beckstette, Andrea Brendolan, Jochen Huehn, Ulrich Kalinke, Mathias Mueller, Birgit Strobl, Bart Deplancke, Luka Cicin-Sain, Katarzyna M. Sitnik
Summary: This study characterizes the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of splenic fibroblasts by analyzing over 20,000 single cell transcriptomes, resulting in the identification of 11 distinct clusters or subtypes. The research provides insight into the transcriptional identities of splenic fibroblasts and innate immune signatures of different stromal compartments.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Selwan Hamed, Riham M. Shawky, Mohamed Emara, James M. Slauch, Christopher Rao
Summary: HilE, originally thought to be a repressor of SPI-1 gene expression, was found to also function as an activator under specific growth conditions involving acetate and nutrients. The mechanism behind this remains unknown, but the involvement of the Rcs system in mediating this response has been identified. This study sheds new light on SPI-1 gene regulation and highlights the complexity of HilE's role in gene expression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ori Heyman, Dror Yehezkel, Camilla Ciolli Mattioli, Neta Blumberger, Gili Rosenberg, Aryeh Solomon, Dotan Hoffman, Noa Bossel Ben-Moshe, Roi Avraham
Summary: Encounters between host cells and intracellular bacterial pathogens lead to complex phenotypes that determine the outcome of infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has limited capacity to analyze the role of bacterial factors. The scPAIR-seq method developed in this study enables functional analysis of mutant-dependent changes in host transcriptomes, providing insights into bacterial virulence strategies and their interplay with host defense strategies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Weiyun Qin, Zhanshi Ren, Chao Xu, Ya-nan Cao, Ming-an Sun, Ruihua Huang, Wenbin Bao
Summary: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of L. reuteri on pathogen infection in intestinal cells. Using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq methods, the researchers discovered that L. reuteri can alter gene expression and chromatin accessibility, and restore the changes caused by pathogen infection. Furthermore, they found that L. reuteri regulates the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit pathogen infection.
Article
Microbiology
Tatjana Reuter, Felix Scharte, Rico Franzkoch, Viktoria Liss, Michael Hensel
Summary: Typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars manipulate host cells actively with a stealth strategy, deploying SPI2-T3SS for proliferation in epithelial cells but not for survival or proliferation in phagocytic host cells. The reduced intracellular activities of STY and SPA contribute to systemic spread and persistence of these pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Nuria Crua Asensio, Javier Macho Rendon, Marc Torrent Burgas
Summary: The study analyzed the survival and replication of Acinetobacter baumannii in host cells, identifying how bacteria alter the host cell environment through differentially expressed genes and revealing highly-interacted protein networks. These findings lay the foundation for the discovery of new antimicrobial candidates for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Article
Microbiology
Tania Gaviria-Cantin, Andres Felipe Vargas, Youssef El Mouali, Carlos Jonay Jimenez, Annika Cimdins-Ahne, Cristina Madrid, Ute Romling, Carlos Balsalobre
Summary: Biofilm formation of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli is a common ancient multicellular behavior with important roles in cell-cell and inter-organism interactions. The orphan transcriptional regulator CsgD plays a central role in the regulation of rdar morphotype expression, and GreA/GreB are required for the expression of csgD operon and the rdar morphotype.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Elpers, Lena Lueken, Fabio Lange, Michael Hensel
Summary: The number of outbreaks caused by gastrointestinal pathogens associated with produce is increasing. The mechanisms involved in the colonization, persistence, and transmission of these pathogens on fresh produce are poorly understood. This study focused on the adhesive factors of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium on butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and identified several factors that contribute to its adhesion to lettuce leaves.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Roberto de la Cerda-garcia Caro, Karsten Hokamp, Fiona Roche, Georgia Thompson, Soukaina Timouma, Daniela Delneri, Ursula Bond
Summary: The lager yeasts are natural hybrids of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus, with aneuploid genomes and gene expression patterns influenced by gene dosage. S. eubayanus genes are overrepresented during fermentation, and gene copy number plays a crucial role in the complex gene expression patterns observed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Leigh A. Knodler
Summary: FoxR is identified as a new member of the AraC/XylS family which regulates xenosiderophore-mediated iron uptake in S. Typhimurium and likely other Enterobacteriaceae members. Under iron-limiting conditions, FoxR acts as a transcriptional activator of foxA, promoting iron uptake by the bacteria.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rajesh Mondal, Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Jorge Soria-Bustos, Andrew Schultz, Jorge A. Yanez-Santos, Ygnacio Martinez Laguna, Maria L. Cedillo-Ramirez, Jorge A. Giron
Summary: The study suggests that EPEC attaches to host intestinal epithelial cells through the tip adhesin protein EcpD and binds to host ECM glycoproteins and mucins. The findings highlight the versatility of EPEC in binding to different host proteins and indicate that the interaction between ECP and the host's ECM glycoproteins may facilitate colonization of the intestinal mucosal epithelium.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto de la Cerda Garcia-Caro, Georgia Thompson, Penghan Zhang, Karsten Hokamp, Fiona Roche, Silvia Carlin, Urska Vrhovsek, Ursula Bond
Summary: The polyploid nature of S. pastorianus genomes is advantageous for genetic alteration in otherwise sterile strains. An accelerated evolution approach was used to obtain lager yeasts with enhanced flavor profiles by inducing aneuploidy and selecting strains with increased production of aromatic amino acids. The mutants exhibited genomic changes and upregulation of key genes and enzymes, resulting in higher alcohol and ester production and improved flavor in lager beers.
Article
Virology
Alejandro Flores-Alanis, Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Israel Parra-Ortega, Pablo Lopez-Ramirez, Marcela Salazar-Garcia, Yolanda P. Aleman-Garcia, Armando Cruz-Rangel, Alba Moreno-Paredes, Adrian Diaz-Rojas, Carmen Maldonado-Bernal, Jessica Quevedo-Moran, Victor M. Luna-Pineda
Summary: Children and adolescents in Mexico had low incidence and mortality during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. While they are a heterogeneous population, many patients had comorbidities and symptoms similar to adults, as well as low viral load and IgG antibody levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clive Drakeford, Sonia Aguila, Fiona Roche, Karsten Hokamp, Judicael Fazavana, Mariana P. Cervantes, Annie M. Curtis, Heike C. Hawerkamp, Sukhraj Pal Singh Dhami, Hugo Charles-Messance, Emer E. Hackett, Alain Chion, Soracha Ward, Azaz Ahmad, Ingmar Schoen, Eamon Breen, Joe Keane, Ross Murphy, Roger J. S. Preston, Jamie M. O'Sullivan, Frederick J. Sheedy, Padraic Fallon, James S. O'Donnell
Summary: This study demonstrates that VWF binding to macrophages activates downstream signaling, induces pro-inflammatory responses, and alters macrophage polarization and metabolism. These findings highlight an important role for VWF in modulating macrophage function and establish a novel link between primary hemostasis and innate immunity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
E. Cruz, A. L. Haeberle, T. L. Westerman, M. E. Durham, M. M. Suyemoto, L. A. Knodler, J. R. Elfenbein
Summary: Facultative anaerobic enteric pathogens can use DMSO as an alternate electron acceptor to support anaerobic metabolism and thrive in the mammalian gut. DMSO reduction enhances anaerobic growth and influences virulence in S. Typhimurium.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Soria-Bustos, Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Partha Samadder, Jorge A. Yanez-Santos, Ygnacio Martinez Laguna, Maria L. Cedillo-Ramirez, Jorge A. Giron
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between flagella expression and the type III secretion system (T3SS) in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). The results suggest that the assembly of an intact T3SS is required for flagella production, and certain regulator genes play a role in activating or inhibiting flagella expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Leonard Koolman, Reenesh Prakash, Yohane Diness, Chisomo Msefula, Tonney S. Nyirenda, Franziska Olgemoeller, Paul Wigley, Blanca Perez-Sepulveda, Jay C. D. Hinton, Sian V. Owen, Nicholas A. Feasey, Philip M. Ashton, Melita A. Gordon
Summary: The study suggests that invasive Salmonella infections in Sub-Saharan Africa are likely transmitted from person to person, rather than through animals or the environment. The diversity of NTS strains found in household environments demonstrates the robustness of NTS sampling and culture methodology.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca A. Keogh, Amanda L. Haeberle, Christophe J. Langouet-Astrie, Jeffrey S. Kavanaugh, Eric P. Schmidt, Garrett D. Moore, Alexander R. Horswill, Kelly S. Doran
Summary: In this study, a murine model of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) diabetic wound infection was developed and it was demonstrated through dual RNA sequencing that GBS infection triggers an inflammatory response. GBS adapts to this hyperinflammatory environment by up-regulating virulence factors and mutations in the covR gene were found to affect GBS hemolysin/pigmentation production. This foundational study provides insight into the pathogenesis of GBS diabetic wound infections.
Article
Microbiology
Sarah Gallichan, Blanca M. Perez-Sepulveda, Nicholas A. Feasey, Jay C. D. Hinton, Juno Thomas, Anthony Marius Smith
Summary: We report a sensitive, time- and cost-effective real-time PCR assay capable of differentiating between different clades of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. This assay can facilitate surveillance and inform public health responses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nancy Yaneth Florez-Delgado, Elizabeth Noelia Ubillus, Blanca Perez-Sepulveda, Eyda Lizeth Ospina-Rios, Ana Karina Carrascal-Camacho, Iliana C. Chamorro-Tobar, Lucy Angeline Montano, Yan Li, Silvana Zapata-Bedoya, Jay C. D. Hinton, Jose Miguel Villarreal, Magdalena Wiesner
Summary: This study analyzed 442 isolates of S. Typhimurium and found that 39% of human clinical isolates and 22% of swine isolates carried complete class 1 integrons. The isolates carrying class 1 integrons were resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wai Yee Fong, Rocio Canals, Alexander Predeus, Blanca Perez-Sepulveda, Nicolas Wenner, Lizeth Lacharme- Lora, Nicholas Feasey, Paul Wigley, Jay C. D. Hinton
Summary: Salmonella enterica Enteritidis is a common serovar of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The African S. enterica Enteritidis clades have unique genetic signatures and exhibit multi-drug resistance. However, the molecular basis for their enhanced propensity to cause bloodstream infection is not well understood. Using transposon insertion sequencing, the researchers identified genes required for growth and survival in vitro as well as in murine macrophages. These findings provide insights into the virulence factors of African S. enterica Enteritidis.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Karina Espinosa-Mazariego, Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Sara A. A. Ochoa, Bertha Gonzalez-Pedrajo, Miguel A. A. Cevallos, Ricardo Rodriguez-Martinez, Mariana Romo-Castillo, Rigoberto Hernandez-Castro, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether E. coli BL21 (ECBL) transformed with lng operon lacking lngA gene (pE9034A Delta lngA) and complemented in trans with lngA variants of ETEC clinical strains, as well as point substitutions, exhibited modified adherence to HT-29 cells.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Brenda Lee, Michael Church, Karsten Hokamp, Mohamed M. Alhussain, Atif A. Bamagoos, Alastair B. Fleming
Summary: The Tup1-Cyc8 complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a global co-repressor of gene transcription. By studying TUP1 and CYC8 gene deletion mutants, it was found that Tup1p and Cyc8p can associate with active and inactive genes to mediate distinct negative and positive regulatory roles through interactions with different histone deacetylases. Therefore, the Tup1-Cyc8 complex should be considered as a regulator of transcription rather than solely a repressor of transcription.