Article
Microbiology
Jasmin Koeffer, Melissa Kolb, Oceane Sorel, Camilla Ulekleiv, Jelena D. M. Feenstra, Ulrich Eigner
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical and analytical performance of the TAQPATH Enteric Bacterial Select Panel and found that it had 100% clinical sensitivity and specificity for Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). It also showed higher clinical sensitivity for Campylobacter compared to routine stool culture. Additionally, the TAQPATH panel provided faster time-to-result, required less hands-on time, and used less laboratory plastic compared to conventional stool culture.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Christopher Yuwono, Michael C. Wehrhahn, Fang Liu, Li Zhang
Summary: Aeromonas species were found to be the second most common bacterial enteric pathogens in patients with gastroenteritis. They exhibited a unique age-related three-peak infection pattern, especially in children younger than 18 months. The use of molecular detection methods (qPCR) enhanced the detection of Aeromonas species and other enteric pathogens, highlighting the importance of routine testing in diagnostic laboratories.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yutao Liu, Tingting Xu, Qian Wang, Junxi Huang, Yangfei Zhu, Xingmei Liu, Ruiying Liu, Bin Yang, Kai Zhou
Summary: This study reveals that the antimicrobial peptide HD-5 can upregulate Vibrio cholerae virulence gene expression through the two-component system CarSR, providing insights into the response of the cholera pathogen to intestinal HD-5.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Jiyao Gan, Cristina Giogha, Elizabeth L. Hartland
Summary: Many Gram-negative enteric pathogens have evolved strategies to combat host defence mechanisms by deploying critical bacterial virulence factors to interfere with key host defence pathways. Recent studies have not only contributed to our knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis, but also shed light on the host pathways critical for controlling bacterial infection.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claire Maudet, Marouane Kheloufi, Sylvain Levallois, Julien Gaillard, Lei Huang, Charlotte Gaultier, Yu-Huan Tsai, Olivier Disson, Marc Lecuit
Summary: This study reveals a specific mechanism by which the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes confers an increased lifespan to infected cells by rendering them resistant to cell-mediated immunity, facilitating its persistence within the host, dissemination to the central nervous system, and transmission.
Article
Immunology
Yuan You, Patrick Stelzl, Dana N. Joseph, Paulomi B. Aldo, Anthony J. Maxwell, Nava Dekel, Aihua Liao, Shannon Whirledge, Gil Mor
Summary: In this study, a 3D in vitro model was used to investigate the interaction between trophoblasts and human endometrial stroma cells, demonstrating how stromal factors promote trophoblast invasion in an inflammatory environment modulated by TNF-alpha. Additionally, stromal-derived IL-17 was found to play a role in promoting trophoblast migration by inducing essential genes for invasive capacity. These findings provide new insights into the complex process of implantation and highlight the importance of inflammation in embryo implantation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rimi Chowdhury, Paulina D. Pavinski Bitar, Katherine E. Bell, Craig Altier
Summary: Shigella flexneri can utilize fatty acids commonly found in the colon to suppress its virulence, increasing its growth rate and invasion ability. This study reveals how S. flexneri employs intestinal compounds as signals to enhance its pathogenicity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claire Maudet, Marouane Kheloufi, Sylvain Levallois, Julien Gaillard, Lei Huang, Charlotte Gaultier, Yu-Huan Tsai, Olivier Disson, Marc Lecuit
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms by which pathogens access the brain and cause infections of the central nervous system. The researchers discovered that a bacterial surface protein, InIB, protects infected monocytes from immune cell-mediated death, thereby prolonging the lifespan of infected cells and promoting the entry of the pathogen into the brain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaomei Zhao, Changsheng Jia, Cheng Zhu, Minchao Fang, Chenwenya Li, Yin Chen, Yingjuan He, Songling Han, Yongwu He, Jining Gao, Tao Wang, Cheng Wang, Junping Wang
Summary: With the increase in infections caused by resistant bacteria globally, there is a need for alternative methods to antibiotics. This study truncated the structure of human defensin (HD) 5 by extracting the highly conserved gamma-core motif, leading to improved antibacterial activity. The derivative RC18, created by replacing Glu and Ser residues with Arg, exhibited stronger potency against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and showed promising results in in vivo experiments.
Article
Cell Biology
Eun-Ji Lim, Jae-Hyeok Kang, Yeon-Ju Kim, Seungmo Kim, Su-Jae Lee
Summary: ICAM-1 is a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC) that enhances treatment effectiveness by promoting the c-MET-SRC signaling axis. Treatment with antibodies targeting ICAM-1 can reduce metastasis and angiogenesis in CRC.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tadsanee Awang, Phoom Chairatana, Ranjit Vijayan, Prapasiri Pongprayoon
Summary: The study found that HD5 exhibited different binding mechanisms at different positions along the bacterial membrane. Arginines were key components for tighter binding with certain components of the membrane, while 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO) appeared to influence the rate of HD5 penetration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jia Huang, Meiling Yang, Zhaoxia Liu, Xiaoqian Li, Junfeng Wang, Nian Fu, Ting Cao, Xuefeng Yang
Summary: The dysregulated glycolysis employed by cancer cells is facilitated by the PPFIA4 gene, which promotes proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. PPFIA4 upregulation is associated with poor prognosis and higher clinical stages in colon cancer patients, and its effects are mediated, in part, through the upregulation of PFKFB3/ENO2 signaling.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Chengcheng Song, Shuqiang Wang, Zhangning Fu, Kun Chi, Xiaodong Geng, Chao Liu, Guangyan Cai, Xiangmei Chen, Di Wu, Quan Hong
Summary: Renal inflammation is a critical characteristic of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but effective treatments are limited. This study found that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is significantly increased in the kidneys of diabetic mice. Elimination of IGFBP5 alleviated kidney inflammation in DKD mice. Mechanistically, IGFBP5 increased glycolysis in endothelial cells through the activation of the transcription factor EGR1 and enhanced expression of PFKFB3, which in turn enhanced renal inflammation.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Zilong Yan, Jianhua Qu, Zhangfu Li, Jing Yi, Yanze Su, Qirui Lin, Guangyin Yu, Zewei Lin, Weihua Yin, Fengmin Lu, Jikui Liu
Summary: NEK7 is overexpressed in PDAC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and its high expression is associated with advanced disease stages and poor prognosis. Moreover, NEK7 promotes migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation, and liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ying Shen, Yuandong Feng, Fangmei Li, Yachun Jia, Yue Peng, Wanhong Zhao, Jinsong Hu, Aili He
Summary: The study demonstrated that upregulated lncRNA ST3GAL6-AS1 promotes adhesion and invasion of multiple myeloma (MM) cells by interacting with hnRNPA2B1 to regulate ST3GAL6 expression. This suggests a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of MM involving lncRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MM and offer potential therapeutic targets for further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eric B. Nonnecke, Patricia A. Castillo, Malin E. Johansson, Edward J. Hollox, Bo Shen, Bo Lonnerdal, Charles L. Bevins
Summary: This study investigates the differences between ITLN2 and ITLN1 in terms of their structure and expression characteristics. It reveals that ITLN2 is a highly abundant Paneth cell-specific product in the small intestine, and its expression is downregulated in Crohn's disease. ITLN2 mRNA expression is undetectable in control colon tissue, but metaplastic Paneth cells express ITLN2 in both ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn's disease.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianya Liu, Jin Yan, Chenchen He, Weiming You, Fang Ma, Zhuo Chang, Yong Li, Suxia Han, Wangxiao He, Wenjia Liu
Summary: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have transformed cancer treatment, but face challenges of side effects and limited response. Novel nanoscale infinite coordination polymers offer a feasible strategy for tumor targeting and immune sensitization. MOICP, constructed through a one-pot self-assembled strategy, shows promising results in inhibiting Wnt signaling and enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness in cancer models.
Article
Cell Biology
Guillaume Beaudoin-Bussieres, Yaozong Chen, Irfan Ullah, Jeremie Prevost, William D. Tolbert, Kelly Symmes, Shilei Ding, Mehdi Benlarbi, Shang Yu Gong, Alexandra Tauzin, Romain Gasser, Debashree Chatterjee, Dani Vezina, Guillaume Goyette, Jonathan Richard, Fei Zhou, Leonidas Stamatatos, Andrew T. McGuire, Hughes Charest, Michel Roger, Edwin Pozharski, Priti Kumar, Walther Mothes, Pradeep D. Uchil, Marzena Pazgier, Andres Finzi
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that both neutralizing and Fc-mediated effector functions of antibodies are important for protection against SARS-CoV-2. A non-neutralizing antibody, CV3-13, with potent Fc-mediated effector functions, was found to bind to a specific epitope of the SARS-CoV-2 spike from a unique angle. In mouse experiments, the Fc-enhanced version of CV3-13 delayed virus spread, neuroinvasion, and death, and the combination of Fc-enhanced CV3-13 with a neutralizing antibody completely protected mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Cell Biology
Wenwe Li, Yaozong Chen, Jeemie Prevost, Irfan Ullah, Maoli Lu, Shang Yu Gong, Alexandra Tauzin, Romain Gasser, Dani Vezina, Sai Priya Anand, Guillaume Goyette, Debashree Chaterjee, Shilei Ding, William D. Tolbert, Michael W. Grunst, Yuxia Bo, Shijian Zhang, Jonathan Richard, Fei Zhou, Rick K. Huang, Lothar Esser, Allison Zeher, Marceline Cote, Priti Kumar, Joseph Sodroski, Di Xia, Pradeep D. Uchil, Marzena Pazgier, Andres Finzi, Walther Mothes
Summary: This study elucidates the structural basis and mode of action for two potent SARS-CoV-2 spike-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. CV3-1 triggers shedding of the S1 subunit by binding to a loop structure in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), while CV3-25 inhibits membrane fusion by binding to an epitope in the stem helix region of the S2 subunit. Designing vaccine immunogens that incorporate conserved regions in the RBD and stem helix region could elicit pan-coronavirus protective immune responses.
Review
Immunology
Douglas T. Akahoshi, Charles L. Bevins
Summary: Bacteria and other microbes use flagella for locomotion, which brings advantages to the host but also poses threats. The host has developed various immune countermeasures to target and mitigate flagellar threats, including maintaining mucosal structure, molecular recognition, and secretion of effector molecules that inhibit flagellar motility. Studies on flagella are not limited to pathogenic bacteria, but also involve the interaction with flagellated members of the commensal microbiota during homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Chongbing Liao, Xin Huang, Qingxia Wang, Dan Yao, Wuyuan Lu
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that causes nosocomial infections, particularly in severely ill and immunocompromised patients. It is widely distributed in the environment, especially in hospitals, and poses a major threat to human health due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The use of antivirulence treatment or combination therapies can effectively reduce virulence without inducing drug resistance.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eric B. Nonnecke, Patricia A. Castillo, Douglas T. Akahoshi, Stephanie M. Goley, Charles L. Bevins, Bo Lonnerdal
Summary: Intelectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play a role in innate immunity. They are highly conserved across chordate evolution. Human ITLN1 is abundant in the intestinal mucosa and binds microbial glycans. Mutations in ITLN1 have been linked to susceptibility for diseases like Crohn's disease. Using a mouse model, researchers found that mouse Itln1 is expressed in Paneth cells and may play a minor role in chemically induced colitis or diet-induced obesity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Qingxia Wang, Yilin Yang, Gan Luo, Yang Zhou, William D. Tolbert, Marzena Pazgier, Chongbing Liao, Wuyuan Lu
Summary: The study investigates the bactericidal activities, self-association ability, crystal structure, and molecular dynamics simulation of mouse alpha-defensins, or cryptdins, providing insights into their molecular level function.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Li, Chongbing Liao, Yue Xu, Qiu-He Lu, Si Chen, Li Su, Yan Zou, Feng Shao, Wuyuan Lu, Wei-Dong Zhang, Hong-Gang Hu
Summary: Alternative antibacterial therapies are urgently needed to combat antibiotic resistance. One attractive approach is to inhibit bacterial adhesion and colonization. In this study, researchers synthesized glycopeptides containing a novel glycan structure and generated antibodies that specifically recognize a type of glycosylation found on Gram-negative bacteria, effectively blocking bacterial adhesion and offering new possibilities for the treatment of bacterial infections.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ruyi Wang, Shijie Cao, Mohamed Elfatih H. Bashir, Lauren A. Hesser, Yanlin Su, Sung Min Choi Hong, Andrew Thompson, Elliot Culleen, Matthew Sabados, Nicholas P. Dylla, Evelyn Campbell, Riyue Bao, Eric B. Nonnecke, Charles L. Bevins, D. Scott Wilson, Jeffrey A. Hubbell, Cathryn R. Nagler
Summary: The depletion of beneficial taxa in the gut, including butyrate-producing Clostridia, has led to the increase in food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease. By delivering butyrate-releasing micelles to the intestinal tract, barrier-protective responses can be restored, reducing disease severity in mouse models of colitis and peanut allergy. This approach can potentially treat allergic and inflammatory diseases by restoring microbial and mucosal homeostasis.
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sisi Mi, Zhuo Chang, Xue Wang, Jiaxin Gao, Yu Liu, Wenjia Liu, Wangxiao He, Zhongquan Qi
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe injury of the central nervous system, causing functional dysfunction and paralysis in millions of patients. A bioactive scaffold, called a spinal cord assembly (SCA), was created using cell-sheet technology and stem cells. This scaffold released neurotrophic exosomes, promoting neuronal regeneration, axonal extension, angiogenesis, and inhibiting glial scar formation in a SCI rat model.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Douglas T. Akahoshi, Dean E. Natwick, Weirong Yuan, Wuyuan Lu, Sean R. Collins, Charles L. Bevins
Summary: Human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6), secreted by Paneth cells of the small intestine, protects against microbes by binding to bacterial surface proteins and self-assembling into fibers and nets, inhibiting flagellar motility. The ability of HD6 to self-assemble is crucial for targeting and restricting bacterial flagellar motility.
Article
Oncology
Ying Wu, Yujiao Deng, Zhijun Dai, Yubo Ma, Lijuan Lyu, Chen Lei, Yi Zheng, Yizhen Li, Ziming Wang, Jie Gao
Summary: Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) has been identified as a risk factor for bladder cancer globally. The death and DALY rates of bladder cancer attributable to high FPG have significantly increased since 1990, particularly among older males.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juzheng Yuan, Yang Wang, Wenguang Yang, Xiao Li, Kaishan Tao, Wangxiao He, Jin Yan
Summary: In this study, an antimicrobial nanonet with hemostatic function was designed and successfully used to treat chronic wounds associated with multiple bacterial infections. The nanogel not only prevented tissue adhesion but also promoted wound healing. This research provides a promising therapeutic approach for chronic wound therapy and may contribute to the development of biomimetic peptide hydrogels for various human diseases.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaonan Wang, Silong Xu, Yuhai Tang, Martin J. J. Lear, Wangxiao He, Jing Li
Summary: The replacement of oxoamide units with thioamides is an effective strategy to enhance biological activity and resistance to enzymatic degradation in peptide therapeutics. This study presents a direct coupling method using readily available nitroalkanes and amines with elemental sulfur and base to form thioamides and thiopeptides. The developed method allows for selective and stereo-retentive introduction of thioamide bonds into peptide or protein backbones, enabling the synthesis of diverse thioamides in high yields.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
