Article
Microbiology
Jin Dai, Wubin Mi, Congcong Wu, Hui Song, Yuting Bao, Mingxiang Zhang, Sufen Zhang, Weiguo Fang
Summary: A novel monosaccharide transporter (MST1) was identified in the fungus Metarhizium robertsii, which is involved in the colonization of the rhizoplane and acts additively with the previously characterized oligosaccharide transporter MRT to colonize the rhizosphere. MST1 is an H+ symporter and can transport a broad spectrum of monosaccharides, including glucose, sorbose, mannose, rhamnose, and fructose. Homologs of MST1 were found in many fungi, suggesting its importance in developing symbiotic or parasitic relationships with plant hosts.
Article
Immunology
Marco Lebtig, Jasmin Scheurer, Marie Muenkel, Janna Becker, Effie Bastounis, Andreas Peschel, Dorothee Kretschmer
Summary: Keratinocytes play an important role in protecting the skin barrier by producing inflammatory modulators. Activation of the FPR2 receptor in keratinocytes promotes inflammation and cell proliferation, which is necessary for eliminating bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus from the skin.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Callum Stewart-McGuinness, Christopher Platt, Matiss Ozols, Brian Goh, Tamara W. Griffiths, Michael J. Sherratt
Summary: This study used proteomics approaches to comprehensively analyze proteases and protease inhibitors in human skin, identifying various types of P/PIs and their distribution in normal and diseased skin. The results showed significant differences in the characteristics of P/PIs in different skin disease groups, suggesting a potential role of P/PIs in disease progression and providing important information for further research on the pathogenesis of skin diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linsha Dong, Thao Quyen Cao, Zhiming Liu, Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Youn-Chul Kim, Jae Hak Sohn, Joung Han Yim, Dong-Sung Lee, Hyuncheol Oh
Summary: This study discovered four secondary fungal metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties in the Antarctic fungus strain SF-7343, and identified one compound (compound 1) that can inhibit the release of inflammation factors IL-8 and IL-6 in HaCaT cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma. Compound 1 also showed effects on cell adhesion and involucrin expression regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chensi Wang, Changxuan Shao, Yuxin Fang, Jiajun Wang, Na Dong, Anshan Shan
Summary: The hybridization of SFTI-1 binding loop with linear antimicrobial peptide (AMP) sequence is confirmed to improve its protease stability. The target compound, RV3, exhibits selective membrane-lytic effects both in vitro and in vivo, and has anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically on wounded murine skin. These findings reveal a potential method for designing or optimizing AMP using natural amino acid sequences, which could facilitate the development and clinical application of peptide-based antibacterial biomaterials.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
EunJin Bang, Dae Hyun Kim, Hae Young Chung
Summary: This study shows that the PAR2 pathway plays a crucial role in skin photoaging, with inhibition of PAR2 effectively reducing inflammation and oxidative stress levels. PAR2 induces oxidative stress and inflammation through Akt-mediated phosphorylation of NF-kappa B and FoxO6, suggesting a key regulatory mechanism in ROS-mediated inflammatory response.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor Hugo Souto Bezerra, Samuel Leite Cardoso, Yris Fonseca-Bazzo, Damaris Silveira, Perola Oliveira Magalhaes, Paula Monteiro Souza
Summary: This systematic review identified limited literature on the production, purification, and characterization of proteases by endophytic fungi. The study showed the potential of endophytic fungi to produce fibrinolytic proteases, but further physicochemical studies are needed to evaluate their industrial enzyme potential.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leliang Zheng, Ruizheng Sun, Yinghong Zhu, Zheng Li, Xiaoling She, Xingxing Jian, Fenglei Yu, Xueyu Deng, Buqing Sai, Lujuan Wang, Wen Zhou, Minghua Wu, Guiyuan Li, Jingqun Tang, Wei Jia, Juanjuan Xiang
Summary: The study found significant differences in the microbiota between bronchoscopy and lobectomy samples, with higher abundance of oral taxa in bronchoscopy samples. Although NSCLC patients had similar microbial communities with non-cancer controls, there were noticeable differences in rare species. The presence of oral microbiota in lobectomy samples suggests they are true members of the lung microbiota.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
E. Burchacka, P. Pieta, A. Lupicka-Slowik
Summary: There are four types of antifungal drugs targeting different aspects of fungi, but increasing resistance poses a challenge to treatment options. Thus, developing new drug strategies is crucial for addressing fungal diseases effectively.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jianming Huang, Zhangjiang He, Jiankang Wang, Xingping Zha, Qing Xiao, Guihua Liu, Yongjie Li, Jichuan Kang
Summary: This study identifies an effector, FlSp1, from Fusarium lateritium, which acts as an immune-triggering protein by stimulating ROS accumulation in the plant immune system to limit fungal proliferation and balance the interaction between the endophytic fungi and their host plants.
Article
Microbiology
Ahmed M. El-Sawah, Ghada G. Abdel-Fattah, Paul Holford, Shereen Magdy Korany, Emad A. Alsherif, Hamada AbdElgawad, Zaid Ulhassan, Izabela Josko, Basharat Ali, Mohamed S. Sheteiwy
Summary: Inoculation with Funneliformis constrictum enhances salt stress tolerance in maize plants by promoting growth and photosynthesis, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating polyamine metabolism. Therefore, it can be regarded as a practical strategy to alleviate salinity stress.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Dalibor Mijaljica, Fabrizio Spada, Ian P. Harrison
Summary: Topical antifungal formulations containing miconazole or terbinafine are commonly used for treating fungal skin infections. They have specific mechanisms of action and can target the infection site, enhance treatment efficacy, and reduce systemic side effects. However, inflammation and itchiness can hinder treatment, and a combination of antifungal-corticosteroid formulations can help alleviate inflammation, relieve itchiness, and treat the fungal infection effectively.
Article
Allergy
Laura Cau, Michael R. Williams, Anna M. Butcher, Teruaki Nakatsuji, Jeffrey S. Kavanaugh, Joyce Y. Cheng, Faiza Shafiq, Kyle Higbee, Tissa R. Hata, Alexander R. Horswill, Richard L. Gallo
Summary: Staphylococcus epidermidis may damage the skin by producing a protease, EcpA, which degrades barrier proteins and induces inflammation. The abundance of S epidermidis and expression of ecpA mRNA on the skin of some atopic patients may be related to disease severity, while another commensal bacterium, Staphylococcus hominis, can inhibit EcpA production.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jakob L. Sprague, Lydia Kasper, Bernhard Hube
Summary: This review focuses on the mechanisms of fungal translocation of Candida albicans from the intestine into the bloodstream that leads to systemic infections. It compares the differences between enteric bacterial pathogens and C. albicans, while discussing various hypotheses for how C. albicans enters and disseminates through the bloodstream following translocation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Gleave, David J. J. Granville
Summary: Autoimmune diseases often manifest as skin symptoms with significant impact on function, appearance, and quality of life. Current treatment options for autoimmune skin diseases are limited and associated with adverse effects. This review focuses on the role of Granzyme B (GzmB) in autoimmune skin diseases and suggests GzmB as a promising target for therapeutics due to its involvement in immune response, blistering, apoptosis, and barrier dysfunction.
Review
Immunology
Fiorella Ruchti, Salome LeibundGut-Landmann
Summary: Fungi play an important role in the skin microbiota and their interaction with the host is crucial for immune responses. They can cause infections and non-infectious skin disorders. However, our knowledge about fungi is limited and the mechanisms underlying fungal-related diseases are not well understood. Recent research on fungal immunology has made progress, but more studies are needed to understand how fungal immunity impacts health and diseases.
PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kenrick Koh, Jun Kit Wang, James Xiao Yuan Chen, Shu Hui Hiew, Hong Sheng Cheng, Bartosz Gabryelczyk, Marcus Ivan Gerard Vos, Yun Sheng Yip, Liyan Chen, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Damian Kang Keat Chua, Nguan Soon Tan, Chor Yong Tay, Ali Miserez
Summary: This study developed a biocompatible fusion protein hydrogel that can encapsulate and release stem cell secretome, leading to improved healing and reduced inflammation in chronic wounds.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maxine S. Y. Lam, Jose Antonio Reales-Calderon, Jin Rong Ow, Joey J. Y. Aw, Damien Tan, Ragavi Vijayakumar, Erica Ceccarello, Tommaso Tabaglio, Yan Ting Lim, Wang Loo Chien, Fritz Lai, Anthony Tan Tanoto, Qingfeng Chen, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Giulia Adriani, Antonio Bertoletti, Ernesto Guccione, Andrea Pavesi
Summary: In this study, the authors used an inhibitor targeting the epigenetic regulator G9a/GLP to enhance the antitumor activity of engineered T cells. The results in vitro and in vivo demonstrated improved T cell cytotoxicity and tumor reduction.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiao Xia Zou, Wisely Chua, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Grace Shu Hui Chiang, Kavitha Sanmugam, Boon Yeow Tan, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Hao Li
Summary: Bacterial ceramidases play important roles in controlling skin barrier integrity and wound healing. In this study, a specific substrate and a photoaffinity probe were developed to detect bacterial ceramidase activity. The activity of ceramidase positively correlated with the abundance of P. aeruginosa and was negatively associated with wound area reduction in clinical diabetic foot ulcer patients. These findings highlight the importance of bacterial ceramidases in regulating skin ceramides and their potential role in wound healing.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matae Ahn, Vivian Chih-Wei Chen, Pritisha Rozario, Wei Lun Ng, Pui San Kong, Wan Rong Sia, Adrian Eng Zheng Kang, Qi Su, Lan Huong Nguyen, Feng Zhu, Wharton O. Y. Chan, Chee Wah Tan, Wan Shoo Cheong, Ying Ying Hey, Randy Foo, Fusheng Guo, Yan Ting Lim, Xin Li, Wan Ni Chia, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Nai Yang Fu, Aaron T. Irving, Lin -Fa Wang
Summary: Bat ASC2 is identified as a potent negative regulator of inflammasomes, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases. It effectively inhibits various inflammatory responses and infections. Transgenic expression of bat ASC2 reduces the severity of inflammation induced by different pathogens and significantly lowers mortality rates in viral infections, including influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Microbiology
Suling Zeng, Elisa Rosati, Carina Saggau, Berith Messner, Huikuan Chu, Yi Duan, Phillipp Hartmann, Yanhan Wang, Shengyun Ma, Wendy Jia Men Huang, Jihyung Lee, Sung Min Lee, Raquel Carvalho-Gontijo, Vivian Zhang, Joseph P. Hoffmann, Jay K. Kolls, Eyal Raz, David A. Brenner, Tatiana Kisseleva, Salome LeibundGut-Landmann, Petra Bacher, Peter Starkel, Bernd Schnabl
Summary: Alcohol-associated liver disease is accompanied by dysbiosis of the intestinal mycobiome, with increased Candida albicans-specific T helper 17 (Th17) cells found in the circulation and liver of patients. Chronic ethanol administration in mice causes migration of Candida albicans-reactive Th17 cells from the intestine to the liver. The antifungal agent nystatin reduces C. albicans-specific Th17 cells in the liver and improves ethanol-induced liver disease in mice. Transgenic mice expressing T cell receptors (TCRs) reactive to Candida antigens show more severe ethanol-induced liver disease, and adoptively transferring Candida-specific TCR transgenic T cells exacerbates ethanol-induced liver disease in wild-type mice, indicating the contribution of C. albicans-specific Th17 cells to alcohol-associated liver disease.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Samantha Wong, Yu Xuan Tan, Abigail Yi Ting Loh, Kiat Yi Tan, Hane Lee, Zainab Aziz, Stanley F. Nelson, Engin Ozkan, Hülya Kayserili, Nathalie Escande-Beillard, Bruno Reversade
Summary: A new lethal syndrome caused by a genetic defect in the proto-oncogene RAF1 is discovered, highlighting the importance of RTK signaling for human development and homeostasis.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiaosai Yao, Jing Han Hong, Amrita M. Nargund, Michelle Shu Wen Ng, Hong Lee Heng, Zhimei Li, Peiyong Guan, Masahiro Sugiura, Pek Lim Chu, Loo Chien Wang, Xiaofen Ye, James Qu, Xiu Yi Kwek, Jeffrey Chun Tatt Lim, Wen Fong Ooi, Joanna Koh, Zhenxun Wang, You-Fu Pan, Yan Shan Ong, Kiat-Yi Tan, Jian Yuan Goh, Sheng Rong Ng, Luca Pignata, Dachuan Huang, Alexander Lezhava, Su Ting Tay, Minghui Lee, Xun Hui Yeo, Wai Leong Tam, Sun Young Rha, Shang Li, Ernesto Guccione, Andrew Futreal, Jing Tan, Joe Poh Sheng Yeong, Wanjin Hong, Robert Yauch, Kenneth Tou-En Chang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Patrick Tan, Bin Tean Teh
Summary: Yao et al. found that PBRM1 loss leads to the redistribution of PBAF complexes in the genome, resulting in sustained RELA occupancy by SMARCA4, activation of the NF-kB pathway, and enhanced kidney tumor formation. PBRM1 is an accessory subunit of the PBAF SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler and is frequently inactivated in kidney cancer. However, the effects of PBRM1 loss on chromatin remodeling were not well studied.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa Lai Fong Ho, May Yin Lee, Hui Chin Goh, Germaine Yi Ning Ng, Jane Jia Hui Lee, Srinivasaraghavan Kannan, Yan Ting Lim, Tianyun Zhao, Edwin Kok Hao Lim, Cheryl Zi Jin Phua, Yi Fei Lee, Rebecca Yi Xuan Lim, Perry Jun Hao Ng, Ju Yuan, Dedrick Kok Hong Chan, Bettina Lieske, Choon Seng Chong, Kuok Chung Lee, Jeffrey Lum, Wai Kit Cheong, Khay Guan Yeoh, Ker Kan Tan, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Chandra S. Verma, David P. Lane, Wai Leong Tam, Ashok R. Venkitaraman
Summary: The authors identify distinct mechanisms through which domain-specific p53 mutations activate cancer cell growth via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These mechanisms affect sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors, providing opportunities for targeted therapy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jieqiong Zhang, Zhenhua Hu, Hwa Hwa Chung, Yun Tian, Kah Weng Lau, Zheng Ser, Yan Ting Lim, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Hwei Fen Leong, Benjamin Jieming Chen, Clarisse Jingyi Yeo, Shawn Ying Xuan Tan, Jian Kang, Dennis Eng Kiat Tan, Ieng Fong Sou, Urszula Lucja McClurg, Manikandan Lakshmanan, Thamil Selvan Vaiyapuri, Anandhkumar Raju, Esther Sook Miin Wong, Vinay Tergaonkar, Ravisankar Rajarethinam, Elina Pathak, Wai Leong Tam, Ern Yu Tan, Wee-Wei Tee
Summary: Cancer cells undergo transcriptional reprogramming to drive tumor progression and metastasis. The loss of negative elongation factor (NELF) complex inhibits breast cancer development by downregulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness-associated genes. The NELF-E-SLUG-KAT2B epigenetic axis plays a crucial role in breast cancer carcinogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Winston Lian Chye Koh, Si En Poh, Chun Kiat Lee, Tim Hon Man Chan, Gabriel Yan, Kiat Whye Kong, Lalita Lau, Wai Yip Thomas Lee, Clark Cheng, Shawn Hoon, Yiqi Seow
Summary: In this study, a rapid unbiased metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) workflow with a human background depletion method (HostEL) and a combined DNA/RNA library preparation kit (AmpRE) was developed to address the issues of cost, turnaround time, and human background reads in complex biofluids. Low-depth sequencing (<1 million reads) was used to enrich and detect bacterial and fungal standards spiked in plasma at physiological levels. Clinical validation showed a high agreement between mNGS results and clinical diagnostic test results. Different sequencing times were evaluated, and the iSeq 100 and MiniSeq platforms were found to be compatible with the HostEL and AmpRE workflow for unbiased low-depth metagenomics identification.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jia Qing Isaiah Chua, Thorbjorn Erik Koppen Christensen, Jonas Palle, Nina Kolln Wittig, Tilman A. Grunewald, Jan Garrevoet, Kathryn M. Spiers, Hiram Castillo-Michel, Andreas Schramm, Wang Loo Chien, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Henrik Birkedal, Ali Miserez
Summary: The stomatopod Odontodactylus scyllarus uses weaponized club-like appendages to attack its prey. These clubs are made of apatite, chitin, amorphous calcium carbonate, and amorphous calcium phosphate organized in a highly hierarchical structure with multiple regions and layers. This study investigates the biomineralization history of the clubs and reveals the spatio-temporal changes in biomineral structure during club formation. The results show that the club structure is more organized than previously thought, with variations in crystal orientation and a thin membrane rich in bromine coating the impact surface.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
You Heng Chuah, Emmy Xue Yun Tay, Oleg V. Grinchuk, Jeehyun Yoon, Jia Feng, Srinivasaraghavan Kannan, Matius Robert, Rekha Jakhar, Yajing Liang, Bernice Woon Li Lee, Loo Chien Wang, Yan Ting Lim, Tianyun Zhao, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Guang Lu, Boon Chuan Low, Karen Carmelina Crasta, Chandra Shekhar Verma, Zhewang Lin, Derrick Sek Tong Ong
Summary: This study uncovered a previously unrecognized CAMK2D-RNF8-MAD2 complex that plays a significant role in regulating the mitotic checkpoint in gliomas.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yu Xing Teo, Kah Yin Lee, Corinna Jie Hui Goh, Loo Chien Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Keng-Hwee Chiam, Chan Du, Andrew C. A. Wan
Summary: This study demonstrates how data mining can be used to identify fungal-derived cell-adhesive proteins and presents a method to utilize these proteins as extracellular matrices for cell adhesion and culture in 3D. Fungal-derived cell-adhesive proteins can serve as sustainable alternatives, especially for cell-cultivated food applications.
NPJ SCIENCE OF FOOD
(2023)