Article
Microbiology
Karolina Plaskowska, Lukasz Makowski, Agnieszka Strzalka, Jolanta Zakrzewska-Czerwinska
Summary: Most eukaryotic and bacterial cells divide by binary fission, while some bacteria can also divide by nonbinary fission. The predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus exhibits bimodal fission, with the mode of division depending on the size of the prey bacterium. This finding provides insights into the proliferation and elimination strategies of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinglan Wang, Silvia Bulgheresi, Tanneke den Blaauwen
Summary: FtsZ, a bacterial tubulin-homolog, plays a central role in cell division and forms a ring-like structure. Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti FtsZ shows temperature-sensitive characteristics and has a different shape, which is likely due to its interaction with Z-ring organizing proteins. The temperature sensitivity of Ca. Thiosymbion oneisti FtsZ is an adaptation to the preferred temperature of its host, the nematode Laxus oneistus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Anne Galinier, Elodie Foulquier, Frederique Pompeo
Summary: Bacteria must rapidly modulate cell cycle processes to adapt to changing nutritional conditions, and recent data suggest that cellular metabolism plays a central role in regulating the bacterial cell cycle. Proteins that can sense precursors or metabolites not only participate in metabolism, but also directly control cell cycle processes in response to changes in nutrient levels.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adrian Izquierdo-Martinez, Maria Billini, Vega Miguel-Ruano, Rogelio Hernandez-Tamayo, Pia Richter, Jacob Biboy, Maria T. Batuecas, Timo Glatter, Waldemar Vollmer, Peter L. Graumann, Juan A. Hermoso, Martin Thanbichler
Summary: This study demonstrates that a protein called DipM coordinates different peptidoglycan-remodeling pathways to regulate cell wall-degrading enzymes, ensuring proper cell constriction and daughter cell separation in bacteria.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengmeng Zhang, Beibei Feng, Yun Chen, Mingxi Geng, Ming Li, Xianbo Zheng, Haipeng Zhang, Langlang Zhang, Bin Tan, Xia Ye, Wei Wang, Jidong Li, Jun Cheng, Jiancan Feng
Summary: Annual shoots of peach trees grow quickly, limiting the lighting and ventilation of orchards. Three PpIBH1s proteins were found to play important roles in regulating cell elongation and plant stature. The expression of these genes correlated with internode length and were highly expressed in dwarf peach cultivars, suggesting that they prevent the elongation of peach shoots.
Article
Microbiology
Carlos Martinez-Torro, Sergi Torres-Puig, Marina Marcos-Silva, Marta Huguet-Ramon, Carmen Munoz-Navarro, Maria Lluch-Senar, Luis Serrano, Enrique Querol, Jaume Pinol, Oscar Q. Pich
Summary: The cell division gene cluster is non-essential for in vitro growth of the wall-less prokaryote Mycoplasma genitalium, with loss of the mraZ gene having a more detrimental effect on growth than deletion of ftsZ or the whole gene cluster. Transcriptional and proteomics analysis revealed upregulation of FtsZ in mraZ-deprived cells and in non-adherent cells of M. genitalium. Single cell analysis showed coordinated localization of FtsZ with the chromosome and terminal organelle throughout the cell cycle of M. genitalium, indicating a possible post-transcriptional regulatory role of the RNA methyltransferase MraW in FtsZ expression.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hongxiang Hong, Jianbin Su, Yi Zhang, Guanhua Xu, Chao Huang, Guofeng Bao, Zhiming Cui
Summary: Lactate is a molecule that can induce elongation of microglial processes by activating the Akt signaling pathway, thus inhibiting neuroinflammation.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katsuya Fuchino, Helena Chan, Ling Chin Hwang, Per Bruheim
Summary: The study on the single-cell level of Zymomonas mobilis revealed its unique cellular behaviors, including nonmidcell division, regulation of cell size variance, heterogeneous cellular DNA content, and distinctive mode of bacterial cell organization. These findings are important for understanding the cell biology and metabolism of Z. mobilis and contribute to our general understanding of bacterial cell architecture diversity.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tinh Van Nguyen, Tomeu Viver, Jonah Mortier, Bin Liu, Ilse Smets, Kristel Bernaerts, Karoline Faust, Rob Lavigne, Laurent Poughon, Claude-Gilles Dussap, Dirk Springael
Summary: A thermophilic bacterium, strain MDTJ8, was isolated from an anaerobic digestor and shown to produce n-caproate from carbohydrates at high temperatures. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes responsible for chain elongation and energy conservation in MDTJ8, opening up possibilities for thermophilic bioprocesses targeting anaerobic digestion. The ability of MDTJ8 to convert various carbohydrates to n-caproate suggests its potential applications in value-added chemical production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yeqi Shan, Ge Liu, Ruining Cai, Rui Liu, Rikuan Zheng, Chaomin Sun
Summary: Light is an important energy source and environmental signal that affects the lifestyle of various microorganisms. The responses of deep-sea microbes to light remain largely unknown. In this study, a novel bacterial species, Spongiibacter nanhainus CSC3.9, was successfully cultured from deep-sea cold seep samples using a blue light induction approach. It was found that blue light significantly promoted the growth of strain CSC3.9 and this light sensing was mediated by the BLUF protein. Furthermore, BLUF was widely found in marine microorganisms, suggesting that the distribution of light utilization by nonphototrophic bacteria in the ocean is underestimated.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chirangini Pukhrambam, Vadim Molodtsov, Mahdi Kooshkbaghi, Ammar Tareen, Hoa Vu, Kyle S. Skalenko, Min Su, Zhou Yin, Jared T. Winkelman, Justin B. Kinney, Richard H. Ebright, Bryce E. Nickels
Summary: In sigma-dependent transcriptional pausing, the presence or absence of GreB determines whether the paused state involves backtracking or scrunched by 2-4 base pairs or 2-3 base pairs respectively. The consensus sequence T(-3)N(-2)Y(-1)G(+1) is associated with pausing in both initial transcription and transcription elongation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carole A. Bewley, Gary A. Sulikowski, Zhongyue J. Yang, Giuseppe Bifulco, Hyo-Moon Cho, Christopher R. Fullenkamp
Summary: Natural products, produced by enzymatic assembly lines, have played a crucial role in the discovery of antibiotics, antineoplastics, and therapeutics. They have unique three-dimensional shapes and stereochemistry, which determine their diverse functions and biological activities. With advancements in methods and tools, research on atropisomerism in natural products and related scaffolds is progressing.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vidyalakshmi C. Muthukumar
Summary: The structure and dynamic changes of the E. coli FtsZ dimer were simulated in this study. It was found that the monomer-monomer contacts in the GDP bound dimer were fewer, resulting in higher curvature of the protofilaments. Additionally, the C-terminal IDR and the C-terminal domain region exhibited high flexibility and domain motion.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuanchen Yu, Felix Dempwolff, Reid T. Oshiro, Frederico J. Gueiros-Filho, Stephen C. Jacobson, Daniel B. Kearns
Summary: When bacteria fail to divide at high temperatures due to mutations in the Min and Noc systems, it is not due to a defect in FtsZ localization, but rather a failure in the maturation of the cell division machinery. Suppressors that restore growth activate the expression of ZapA through the Spx stress response pathway, or directly enhance divisome activity.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sirui Zhang, Miaowei Mao, Yuesheng Lv, Yingqun Yang, Weijing He, Yongmei Song, Yongbo Wang, Yun Yang, Muthana Al Abo, Jennifer A. Freedman, Steven R. Patierno, Yang Wang, Zefeng Wang
Summary: Dysregulation of alternative splicing, particularly involving short exons, is a common feature in cancer. Short exons that are mis-spliced in cancers are more conserved and likely to encode functional low-complexity peptides. A CASE-based panel has been developed as reliable cancer stratification markers and strong predictors for survival.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Gouveia, Daniela Pinto, Helena Veiga, Wilson Antunes, Mariana G. Pinho, Carlos Sao-Jose
Summary: Bacteriophage endolysins can degrade bacterial cell walls and are being explored as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study investigated the combination of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with endolysins to improve their antibacterial potential. The results showed that the presence of AMPs increased the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to endolysin action. The study suggests that the binding of endolysins to bacterial cells and other factors may contribute to this increased susceptibility.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benoit Tesson, Alex Dajkovic, Ruth Keary, Christian Marliere, Christine C. Dupont-Gillain, Rut Carballido-Lopez
Summary: The balance between synthesis and degradation of peptidoglycan (PG) in bacterial cell wall is crucial for maintaining cell shape and growth. In this study, researchers investigated the role of magnesium ions in inhibiting PG hydrolases, thereby maintaining rod-shaped morphology in Bacillus subtilis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Anna Isabell Weaver, Laura Alvarez, Kelly M. Rosch, Asraa Ahmed, Garrett Sean Wang, Michael S. van Nieuwenhze, Felipe Cava, Tobias Dorr
Summary: The peptidoglycan cell wall is a crucial structure for bacteria, with the ability to determine cell shape and support survival. Peptidoglycan is a dynamic process that requires regulated synthesis and turnover. This study uncovers the physiological role of lytic transglycosylases (LTGs), a class of autolytic enzymes, and demonstrates their essentiality for bacterial survival. The study also suggests that LTGs prevent toxic accumulation of peptidoglycan polymers and their function is independent of peptidoglycan synthesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natasha Ustyanovska Avtenyuk, Ghizlane Choukrani, Emanuele Ammatuna, Toshiro Niki, Ewa Cendrowicz, Harm Jan Lourens, Gerwin Huls, Valerie R. Wiersma, Edwin Bremer
Summary: In this study, Gal-9 treatment was found to induce significant membrane alterations in cancer cells by externalizing phosphatidyl serine (PS) and downregulating the anti-phagocytic regulator CD47. It was also shown to trigger trogocytosis and enhance antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis of cancer cells by activating neutrophils and mobilizing granules. Moreover, Gal-9 treatment resulted in decreased cancer cell adhesion and potent cytotoxicity mediated by neutrophils.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zuzanna Sas, Ewa Cendrowicz, Isabel Weinhauser, Tomasz P. Rygiel
Summary: The prevalence of liver cancer is increasing in Europe and the USA, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common subtype. Chronic liver inflammation leads to the formation of a complex tumor microenvironment in liver cancer. Therapies for liver cancer are challenged by the TME, but new immune-based treatments are being developed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Ewa Cendrowicz, Lisa Jacob, Shirley Greenwald, Ami Tamir, Iris Pecker, Rinat Tabakman, Lucy Ghantous, Liat Tamir, Roy Kahn, Jasmine Avichzer, Alexandra Aronin, Shira Amsili, Elina Zorde-Khvalevsky, Yosi Gozlan, Martijn Vlaming, Gerwin Huls, Tom van Meerten, Michal Elhalel Dranitzki, Adam Foley-Comer, Yaron Pereg, Amnon Peled, Ayelet Chajut, Edwin Bremer
Summary: DSP107 effectively (re)activates innate and adaptive anticancer immune responses and may be of therapeutic use alone and in combination with rituximab for the treatment of DLBCL patients.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helmut Hirt, Kerryl E. Greenwood-Quaintance, Aaron M. T. Barnes, Melissa J. Karau, Lisa M. Till, Elise Palzer, Weihua Guan, Michael S. VanNieuwenhze, Purna C. Kashyap, Robin Patel, Gary M. Dunny
Summary: Microbial communities protect their hosts by excluding pathogenic invaders, and plasmid transfer and effects on host colonization of Enterococcus faecalis in the intestinal tract of mice play a key role in this process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jimena Alvarez Freile, Natasha Ustyanovska Avtenyuk, Macarena Gonzalez Corrales, Harm Jan Lourens, Gerwin Huls, Tom van Meerten, Ewa Cendrowicz, Edwin Bremer
Summary: This study investigates the expression and therapeutic effects of CD24 and CD47, two immune checkpoints, in B-cell lymphoma. The results show that CD24 is associated with poor survival in MCL patients, while CD47 is associated with survival in DLBCL patients. CD24 antibody treatment exhibits potent phagocytic effects in MCL, but not in DLBCL.
Article
Microbiology
Pedro B. Fernandes, Patricia Reed, Joao M. Monteiro, Mariana G. Pinho
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus activates the VraTSR three-component sensory regulatory system in response to exposure to cell wall inhibitors. The exact function of VraT, a protein required for the full activity of VraTSR, remains mostly unknown. This study reveals that the signal sensed by VraTSR is not an intermediate in the peptidoglycan synthesis pathway, but rather the specific inhibition of penicillin-binding protein (PBP)2.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas Banahene, Dana M. Gepford, Kyle J. Biegas, Daniel H. Swanson, Yen-Pang Hsu, Brennan A. Murphy, Zachary E. Taylor, Irene Lepori, M. Sloan Siegrist, Andres Obregon-Henao, Michael S. Van Nieuwenhze, Benjamin M. Swarts
Summary: This study presents a trehalose-based fluorogenic probe, RMR-Tre, which exploits the enzymes and environment of the mycobacterial outer membrane to achieve fluorescence activation. RMR-Tre enables fast, no-wash, low-background fluorescence detection of live mycobacteria. Compared to existing probes, RMR-Tre exhibits a 100-fold enhancement in M. tuberculosis labeling and has the potential for TB diagnostic tool.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei Yi Choo, Charles Y. Wang, Michael S. VanNieuwenhze, Kimberly A. Kline
Summary: Enterococcus faecalis relies on cell wall-associated proteins for virulence, specifically relying on Ebp for biofilm formation. The traditional understanding is that sortases attach substrates to lipid II peptidoglycan precursors before they are incorporated into the growing cell wall. However, this study finds that surface-exposed Ebp in E. faecalis does not co-localize with newly synthesized peptidoglycan. Instead, Ebp is localized to the older cell hemisphere and excluded from sites of new peptidoglycan synthesis. This challenges the current paradigm and proposes a new model where sortase substrate deposition can occur on older peptidoglycan, independent of new cell wall synthesis.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Veiga, Ambre Jousselin, Simon Schaper, Bruno M. Saraiva, Leonor B. Marques, Patricia Reed, Joana Wilton, Pedro M. Pereira, Sergio R. Filipe, Mariana G. Pinho
Summary: Unregulated cell cycle progression in bacteria can have lethal consequences. A new study has revealed a link between chromosome replication/segregation and division septum splitting. The protein FtsK, which contains a DNA translocase domain, has been found to regulate the cellular levels of a peptidoglycan hydrolase Sle1. This regulation is crucial for cell separation in the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
Article
Microbiology
Patricia Reed, Moritz Sorg, Dominik Alwardt, Lucia Serra, Helena Veiga, Simon Schaper, Mariana G. Pinho
Summary: Researchers have optimized a CRISPR interference system for gene knockdown in Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen. This system enables efficient knockdown of essential and non-essential genes and has been used to construct a mutant library for studying gene functions in S. aureus.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
John R. Schultz, Stephen K. Costa, Gorakhnath R. Jachak, Pooja Hegde, Matthew Zimmerman, Yan Pan, Michaele Josten, Chinedu Ejeh, Travis Hammerstad, Hans Georg Sahl, Pedro M. Pereira, Mariana G. Pinho, Veronique Dartois, Ambrose Cheung, Courtney C. Aldrich
Summary: Nosocomial infections caused by resistant Gram-positive organisms are increasing, and new drugs are urgently needed. This study describes the identification of a 5-amino-4-quinolone with potent Gram-positive activity and preliminary understanding of its mechanism of action and resistance. The compound shows promising antibacterial properties and warrants further investigation for the treatment of Gram-positive infections.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
John R. Schultz, Stephen K. Costa, Gorakhnath R. Jachak, Pooja Hegde, Matthew Zimmerman, Yan Pan, Michaele Josten, Chinedu Ejeh, Travis Hammerstad, Hans Georg Sahl, Pedro M. Pereira, Mariana G. Pinho, Veronique Dartois, Ambrose Cheung, Courtney C. Aldrich
Summary: This article describes the discovery of a new compound, 5-amino-4-quinolone 111, which shows exceptional activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria with low minimum inhibitory concentrations. Preliminary studies suggest that this compound selectively disrupts bacterial membranes, does not induce resistance, and has a high therapeutic index.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)