Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zongwang Ma
Summary: A fluorescent and biosurfactant-producing strain HN3-2 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wheat plants. Through sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, it was found that the strain belongs to the Pseudomonas koreensis subgroup. Further analysis revealed that the strain is capable of producing a peptide-type metabolite, including a cyclic lipopeptide bananamide C. This compound displayed moderate antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, suggesting its potential as a drug lead for medical applications.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Claudia M. Vicente, Tamara D. Payero, Antonio Rodriguez-Garcia, Eva G. Barreales, Antonio de Pedro, Fernando Santos-Beneit, Jesus F. Aparicio
Summary: PteF gene has been found to regulate filipin biosynthesis in the Streptomyces strain, causing changes in the expression of various metabolic processes and secondary metabolite genes. Despite being considered an activator, most of the affected genes showed overexpression, indicating a negative modulation. These findings have important implications for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces.
Article
Microbiology
Xinghong Zhao, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: The study demonstrates that a peptide compound named brevicidineB with a single substitution in the amino acid sequence has a broader antimicrobial spectrum, showing activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. By disrupting bacterial cell membranes and proton motive force, brevicidine and brevicidineB exert their antimicrobial activity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zongwang Ma
Summary: A new cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) MDN-0066-beta (1) and MDN-0066 (2) were isolated and characterized from the bacterial cultures of P. moraviensis HN2 in this study. The chemical structures of these two CLPs were determined using genome mining and analysis, NMR, HR-MS, Marfey's method, and C-H NMR fingerprint matching approach. MDN-0066-beta (1) and MDN-0066 (2) showed moderate antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
JOURNAL OF ANTIBIOTICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nicolas Schlosser, Jordi Espino-Martinez, Florian Kloss, Florian Meyer, Bettina Bardl, Miriam A. Rosenbaum, Lars Regestein
Summary: The research has found that jagaricin is a promising antifungal agent for agricultural applications, with high antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi and almost non-toxic to plants.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hongyan Yang, Lan Wang, Fei Pan, Libo Yuan, Heng Du, Pei Zhang, Kui Lu
Summary: In this study, a self-assembling lipopeptide C12-CL5 was developed by modifying the structure of the antimicrobial peptide CL5. The C12-CL5 showed potent activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with good thermal stability, excellent salt tolerance, and strong and rapid killing kinetics. The study also revealed the antimicrobial mechanism of C12-CL5, providing insights and basis for the development of potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides in the food industry.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Kotecka, Adam Kawalek, Magdalena Modrzejewska-Balcerek, Jan Gawor, Karolina Zuchniewicz, Robert Gromadka, Aneta Agnieszka Bartosik
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA3973 is an uncharacterized transcriptional regulator that influences the survival ability and stress response of the pathogen by controlling the expression of other genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jingying Zhang, Xu Ouyang, Fangyan Zhang, Beibei Li, Linlin Chang, Ping Yang, Wenbo Mao, Sanhu Gou, Yun Zhang, Hui Liu, Jia Yao, Jingman Ni
Summary: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has increased the demand for new drugs. In this study, the structure-activity relationship of PE2, a cyclic lipopeptide with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, was investigated. Two linear analogues, 26 and 27, showed superior potency compared to cyclic analogues and exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Richard Mariadasse, Raji Rajmichael, Abhisek Dwivedy, Mathimaran Amala, Mohammed Ahmad, Nachiappan Mutharasappan, Bichitra K. Biswal, Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan
Summary: This study constructed a phylogenetic tree of FFRPs and ArsR proteins, revealing functional differences despite sequence similarities. Structural modeling showed variations in structure among these proteins, with most having negatively charged surfaces in their active site pockets. The study explores the potential of PH0140 and TtArsR as bio-sensory molecules.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raya Soltane, Ahlam Alasiri, Mostafa N. Taha, Rehab H. Abd El-Aleam, Kawthar Saad Alghamdi, Mosad A. Ghareeb, Doaa El-Ghareeb Keshek, Susana M. Cardoso, Ahmed M. Sayed
Summary: In this study, a compound called norlobaridone (NBD) was isolated from Parmotrema and found to inhibit the biofilm development and related virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further molecular studies showed that NBD specifically blocked P. aeruginosa's LasR and disrupted its functional dimeric structure.
Article
Microbiology
Xinghong Zhao, Xiaoqi Wang, Rhythm Shukla, Raj Kumar, Markus Weingarth, Eefjan Breukink, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: The study identified and characterized a novel antimicrobial candidate, brevibacillin 2V, from Brevibacillus laterosporus DSM 25, which exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens and low cytotoxicity to eukaryotic cells compared to other NRPs of the same family. Brevibacillin 2V showed good stability in human plasma and has the potential to be developed as a promising antibiotic with low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hiroshi Habe, Yuya Sato, Toshiaki Taira, Tomohiro Imura
Summary: By studying the microbial communities in two enrichment cultures, it was found that various bacterial species dominated the degradation of surfactin. One strain, Pseudomonas putida, was identified as a bacterium with strong surfactin-degrading ability.
JOURNAL OF OLEO SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daiana A. Capdevila, Brenna J. C. Walsh, Yifan Zhang, Christopher Dietrich, Giovanni Gonzalez-Gutierrez, David P. Giedroc
Summary: Structural and kinetic analyses of the transcriptional repressor protein SqrR reveal its persulfide selectivity mechanism, shedding light on the coordinated regulation function of cysteine thiol-based transcriptional regulators in cellular redox homeostasis.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lijuan Chen, Yanhua Wang, Jing Miao, Qijun Wang, Zili Liu, Wenqi Xie, Xinsheng Liu, Zhibin Feng, Shiwei Cheng, Xiaoyan Chi, Yihe Ge
Summary: The study identified that Pseudomonas chlororaphis G05 produces phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and pyrrolnitrin as biocontrol agents to suppress the growth of various fungal phytopathogens. The LysR-type transcriptional regulator FinR positively regulates the transcription of phz and prn operons, impacting the biosynthesis of antifungal metabolites. Deficiency in FinR results in decreased production of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and pyrrolnitrin, affecting crop protection against fungal pathogens.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Zhang, Zhi-yi Liu, Rui Wu, Cheng-ming Zhang, Kuan Cao, Wen-gang Shan, Zhen Liu, Ming Ji, Zi-lu Tian, Gautam Sethi, Heng-liang Shi, Ren-hao Wang
Summary: CTR9, a scaffold protein of the PAF1 complex, plays essential roles in hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. CTR9 also promotes HCC development by enhancing the transcription of the oncogene PEG10. Targeting CTR9 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Serena Rizza, Marika Rossi, Rosa E. Spallino, Rosemarie Tedeschi, Cristina Marzachi, Vittoria Catara, Matilde Tessitori
Summary: The outbreak of Spartium witches' broom (SpaWB) in Sicily led to the identification and characterization of associated phytoplasmas. Analysis of Spanish broom samples and Livilla spectabilis individuals revealed single and mixed infections of 16SrV and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma spartii', with potential host-jumping risk to grapevine. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a strong ability of phytoplasmas to adapt to new hosts and vectors, posing potential phytosanitary emergencies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Angelo Sicilia, Vittoria Catara, Emanuele Scialo, Angela Roberta Lo Piero
Summary: Fungal infection can induce the production of anthocyanins in sweet oranges by activating the expression of multiple genes in the biosynthetic pathway. High levels of methylation at the DFR and RUBY promoters are maintained in inoculated fruits under biotic stress, suggesting that DNA methylation is not a repressive mark of anthocyanin related gene expression. The expression levels of Citrus DNA demethylase genes are not up-regulated in response to fungal infection, consistent with the observed maintenance of high-level methylation at the DFR and Ruby promoter regions.
Article
Microbiology
Christos A. Christakis, Georgia Daskalogiannis, Anastasia Chatzaki, Emmanouil A. Markakis, Glykeria Mermigka, Angeliki Sagia, Giulio Flavio Rizzo, Vittoria Catara, Ilias Lagkouvardos, David J. Studholme, Panagiotis F. Sarris
Summary: This study investigated the potential of halophytic endophytes from crop wild relatives to improve crop adaptations to various stresses, including salinity tolerance, growth promotion, and phytopathogen antagonistic activities. The researchers identified 115 endophytic isolates, three of which showed in-planta suppression of the phytopathogen Verticillium growth. Genomes of selected isolates were sequenced and three novel species were identified, suggesting the potential use of these endophytes as bio-inoculants for enhancing crop growth and stress tolerance, particularly in high-salinity conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alice Anzalone, Mario Di Guardo, Patrizia Bella, Farideh Ghadamgahi, Giulio Dimaria, Rosario Zago, Gabriella Cirvilleri, Vittoria Catara
Summary: Tomato is susceptible to various diseases, and a study was conducted to identify bacterial strains with characteristics suitable for biocontrol, such as producing siderophores, solubilizing phosphates, and showing antagonistic activity against tomato pathogens. The sampling site rather than the root compartment influenced the bacterial composition, with Bacillus species showing higher antagonistic activity in vitro. Endophytic bacteria in Bacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Pseudomonadales showed beneficial activities, with Bacillus species exhibiting significant antagonistic activity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Vittoria Catara, Jaime Cubero, Joel F. Pothier, Eran Bosis, Claude Bragard, Edyta Dermic, Maria C. Holeva, Marie-Agnes Jacques, Francoise Petter, Olivier Pruvost, Isabelle Robene, David J. Studholme, Fernando Tavares, Joana G. Vicente, Ralf Koebnik, Joana Costa
Summary: Bacteria in the Xanthomonas genus infect a wide range of crops and wild plants, causing global economic and environmental impacts. The non-specific symptoms of Xanthomonas spp. infections make identification difficult. Future climate change scenarios predict an increase in epidemic severity and geographical expansion of pathogens, putting more pressure on plant health services.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Joana Costa, Joel F. Pothier, Jens Boch, Emilio Stefani, Marie-Agnes Jacques, Vittoria Catara, Ralf Koebnik
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giuseppe Malgioglio, Giulio Flavio Rizzo, Sebastian Nigro, Vincent Lefebvre du Prey, Joelle Herforth-Rahme, Vittoria Catara, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused significant environmental damage, but the increasing demand for food requires more efficient agriculture. Recent studies have shown that plant growth-promoting microbes can be a valid substitute for chemical products and represent an eco-friendly alternative, although their effects may vary.
Article
Biology
Farideh Ghadamgahi, Saeed Tarighi, Parissa Taheri, Ganapathi Varma Saripella, Alice Anzalone, Pruthvi Balachandra Kalyandurg, Vittoria Catara, Rodomiro Ortiz, Ramesh Raju Vetukuri
Summary: Microbial bio-stimulants, particularly plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain FG106, have the potential to enhance plant productivity and combat pathogens. FG106 displayed multiple plant growth-promoting attributes and effectively inhibited various phytopathogens, suggesting it could serve as a valuable biocontrol agent in agriculture.
Article
Microbiology
Grazia Licciardello, Paola Caruso, Patrizia Bella, Claudine Boyer, Malcolm W. Smith, Olivier Pruvost, Isabelle Robene, Jaime Cubero, Vittoria Catara
Summary: This study evaluated the susceptibility of 32 ornamental Rutaceae plants to Xcc and Xca, causal agents of citrus bacterial canker. The results showed high variability in symptoms and bacterial population among different strains and hosts, indicating complex host-pathogen interactions. The findings support the need to regulate non-citrus Rutaceae plant introductions into areas currently free of this economically important pathogen.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Anzalone, Alexandros Mosca, Giulio Dimaria, Daniele Nicotra, Matilde Tessitori, Grete Francesca Privitera, Alfredo Pulvirenti, Cherubino Leonardi, Vittoria Catara
Summary: This study compares the root microbiome of tomatoes grown in two cultivation methods and finds that the microbiome is mainly influenced by the substrate or soil, with significant differences in bacterial communities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Salvina Panebianco, Monia Federica Lombardo, Alice Anzalone, Agatino Musumarra, Maria Grazia Pellegriti, Vittoria Catara, Gabriella Cirvilleri
Summary: This study investigated the microbial populations on the surface and in the pulp of tomato fruits from different cultivars in the Pachino district. It identified bacteria belonging to Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera as the predominant antagonistic strains against various tomato pathogens. These findings suggest the potential application of these bacteria as alternatives to chemical compounds for disease control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Elisa Silvera-Perez, Diego Maeso, Vittoria Catara, Leticia Rubio, Carolina Leoni, Juan Amaral, Carmen Estelda, Macarena Hernandez, Lucia Boffano, Pablo Gonzalez
Summary: Pseudomonas spp. isolates from tomato plants in the Salto Department, Uruguay, were characterized as P. mediterranea, P. viridiflava, P. corrugata, and P. marginalis through physiological, biochemical tests and multilocus phylogenetic analysis. All isolates caused necrotic lesions and pith hollowing in re-inoculated tomato plants, except for certain P. mediterranea isolates. This is the first documented report of P. viridiflava and P. marginalis causing tomato pith necrosis in Uruguay, with P. mediterranea being the most prevalent.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Grazia Licciardello, Alexandros Mosca, Silvia Di Silvestro, Damiano Puglisi, Maria Patrizia Russo, Vittoria Catara, Paola Caruso
Summary: A three-year survey was conducted at the International Olive Germplasm Collection in Sicily, Italy, to identify resistant cultivars of olive trees to the Olive Knot Disease (OKD) caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. Different levels of susceptibility were observed among the Sicilian cultivars and distinct endophytic microbial communities were found to colonize the different cultivars. The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the susceptible cultivar suggests a potential association with disease development.
Article
Agronomy
Giulio Dimaria, Alexandros Mosca, Alice Anzalone, Giuseppe Paradiso, Daniele Nicotra, Grete Francesca Privitera, Alfredo Pulvirenti, Vittoria Catara
Summary: Infection of sour orange seedlings with Plenodomus tracheiphilus (Pt) fungus led to a decrease in beneficial bacterial populations in the rhizosphere, while the highest concentration of pathogen DNA was found in the endorhizosphere.
Article
Plant Sciences
Monia Federica Lombardo, Salvina Panebianco, Antonino Azzaro, Vittoria Catara, Gabriella Cirvilleri
Summary: Citrus production is threatened by Colletotrichum spp. causing anthracnose before and after harvest. The limitation on the use of copper-based antimicrobials makes control difficult. Alternative products including mineral fertilizers, essential oils, and biological control agents showed potential in inhibiting mycelial growth and reducing disease incidence in vitro and in field trials. Among them, Biorend, a chitosan-based product, showed the best efficacy in reducing disease incidence in naturally infected citrus fruits.