Article
Microbiology
Sruti DebRoy, William C. Shropshire, Luis Vega, Chau Tran, Nicola Horstmann, Piyali Mukherjee, Selvalakshmi Selvaraj-Anand, Truc T. Tran, Jordan Bremer, Marc Gohel, Cesar A. Arias, Anthony R. Flores, Samuel A. Shelburne
Summary: Devastating infections caused by Group A streptococci (GAS) often occur sporadically and are caused by strains with mutations in the CovRS regulatory system, which leads to increased capsule production and limited transmissibility. However, this study shows that CovRS mutations and genetic clustering of mutated isolates are not affected by capsule status. In addition, CovS inactivation in non-capsulated GAS leads to significant changes in transcript levels of different cell-surface protein-encoding genes, suggesting that factors other than hyperencapsulation contribute to hypervirulence in GAS.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saskia Barz, Franziska Kriegenburg, Pablo Sanchez-Martin, Claudine Kraft
Summary: Autophagy is a degradative pathway involving controlled lipid and membrane rearrangements to form autophagosomes for turnover within the lytic compartment. Atg8 proteins play a key role in autophagosome biogenesis and interact with various Rab GTPase regulators, potentially linking autophagy progression with Rab GTPase activity. This review focuses on membrane dynamics during autophagosome biogenesis, highlighting the role of Atg8 proteins and selected Rab GTPases.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ananya Prasad, Adriana Ene, Sandra Jablonska, Jingjie Du, Alan J. Wolfe, Catherine Putonti
Summary: Genomic analysis of S. anginosus isolates revealed two distinct groups, with one group predominantly consisting of urinary strains. This provides a deeper understanding of the diversity within this species.
Article
Microbiology
Lindsey R. Burcham, Madeline S. Akbari, Norhan Alhajjar, Rebecca A. Keogh, Jana N. Radin, Thomas E. Kehl-Fie, Ashton T. Belew, Najib M. El-Sayed, Kevin S. McIver, Kelly S. Doran
Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with severe infections in utero and in newborn populations, and our understanding of the factors required for GBS persistence in the female reproductive tract (FRT) remains limited. In this study, we identified several genes necessary for GBS survival and colonization in the FRT using a transposon mutant library. We found that mutations in the mtsA gene, which is involved in manganese transport, were significantly underrepresented in all in vivo samples collected. We also demonstrated that mtsA contributes to GBS survival during metal limitation and oxidative stress. This work reveals the importance of Mn2+ homeostasis in GBS survival in the FRT.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose angel Martinez-Menarguez, Emma Martinez-Alonso, Mireia Cara-Esteban, Monica Tomas
Summary: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the formation of Lewy bodies in neurons. Rab1 is a key protein involved in maintaining cellular function and signaling pathways, directly linked to the pathogenesis of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This GTPase is considered a potential candidate for therapeutic strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Magdalena Pilarczyk-Zurek, Izabela Sitkiewicz, Joanna Koziel
Summary: Three distinct species of streptococcal, known as Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus constellatus, have gained attention from clinicians and microbiologists as opportunistic pathogens. Their pathogenicity has been underestimated, but recent reports highlight their emergence as life-threatening infections. This review summarizes clinical reports and highlights the importance of accurate microbiological diagnostics for effective treatment.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Herve Besancon, Yu Larpin, Viktoria S. Babiychuk, Rene Koeffel, Eduard B. Babiychuk
Summary: The increasing antibiotic resistance has led to the development of non-antibiotic treatments, such as antivirulence therapy. In this study, a liposomal nanotrap formulation was developed to protect immune cells from the cytolytic effects of streptococcal exotoxins, suggesting the potential of liposomal antivirulence therapy for more effective treatment of bacterial infections.
Article
Immunology
Ruben Dyrhovden, Tomas Mikal Eagan, Oystein Flotten, William Siljan, Truls Michael Leegaard, Bjornar Bo, Hilde Fardal, Fredrik Grovan, Arne Kildahl-Andersen, Kjersti Wik Larssen, Rune Tilseth, Reidar Hjetland, Sigbjorn Loes, Frode Lindemark, Marit Tellevik, Rebecca Breistein, Oyvind Kommedal
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive microbiological and clinical characterization of oral-type pleural infections and highlights the importance of hematogenous seeding from dental infections as the underlying etiology.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Yuxin Liu, Jinhui Liu
Summary: Group B Streptococcus is a major cause of neonatal mortality and can lead to premature birth and stillbirth in pregnant women. If transmitted to newborns, it can cause life-threatening illnesses. This review discusses the key virulence factors and their mechanisms that facilitate the invasion and colonization of Group B Streptococcus, providing important insights for developing better treatment options and screening vaccine candidates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kehui Zhang, Lihong Huang, Yang Cai, Yi Zhong, Nanjun Chen, Fei Gao, Liang Zhang, Qi Li, Zhenming Liu, Rongxin Zhang, Liangren Zhang, Jianbo Yue
Summary: We identified GAPDH as a binding protein for cADPR and found its involvement in cADPR-mediated Ca2+ release. By screening small chemical compounds, we identified C244 and C346 as potential cADPR antagonists. Further analysis showed that C346 analogue G42 mobilized Ca2+ release from lysosomes and inhibited virus infections by altering lysosomal pH and inhibiting autophagy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Coralie Lemaire, Melinda Cheminet, Claire Duployez, Mathilde Artus, Yassine Ballaa, Laura Devos, Celine Plainvert, Claire Poyart, Florence Le Gall, Asmaa Tazi, Philippe Lanotte
Summary: This study compared the HiberGene loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to culture, the reference method, for the detection of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women. The results showed that the LAMP assay had good sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values compared to culture. Therefore, the LAMP assay can be used as a quick detection method in emergency situations.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
M. Belen Cubria, Luis Alberto Vega, William C. Shropshire, Misu A. Sanson, Brittany J. Shah, Shrijana Regmi, Marcia Rench, Carol J. Baker, Anthony R. Flores
Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of invasive bacterial disease in neonates and young infants, and it also affects adults and the elderly. GBS isolates are becoming resistant to second line antibiotics. This study examined the association of antimicrobial resistance with the emergence of invasive GBS in adults by analyzing whole-genome sequencing data from strains isolated in the United States and Canada over a 45-year period. The findings show a temporal association between increased macrolide resistance and the emergence of GBS subpopulations causing invasive disease in adults and infants. The presence of macrolide resistance genes in mobile genetic elements contributes to GBS virulence. This research provides a foundation for further investigation into the genetic features contributing to the prevalence and pathogenesis of GBS in adult invasive disease.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Ana Lucia Mendes Silva, Elaine Cristina Oliveira Silva, Rayane Martins Botelho, Liliane Patricia Goncalves Tenorio, Aldilane Lays Xavier Marques, Ingredy Brunele Albuquerque Costa Rodrigues, Larissa Iolanda Moreira Almeida, Ashelley Kettyllem Alves Sousa, Keyla Silva Nobre Pires, Ithallo Sathio Bessoni Tanabe, Marie-Julie Allard, Guillaume Sebire, Samuel Teixeira Souza, Eduardo Jorge Silva Fonseca, Karen Steponavicius Cruz Borbely, Alexandre Urban Borbely
Summary: The study revealed that even a non-lethal concentration of GBS infection causes placental inflammation and oxidative stress, reduces trophoblast invasion of endothelial cells, and increases the production of key factors CXCL-8 and IL-6. Treatment with uvaol can prevent most of the changes induced by GBS, mitigating the harm to both the mother and the fetus.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ioanna Pantazi, Iosif Papafragkos, Ourania Kolliniati, Ioanna Lapi, Christos Tsatsanis, Eleni Vergadi
Summary: This study found that inhibition of Akt kinase can enhance the response of non-phagocytic alveolar epithelial cells against Group B Streptococcus (GBS), promoting autophagy and GBS clearance. This finding provides a promising measure to strengthen epithelial barriers and prevent GBS invasion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nina Tsao, Ya-Chu Chang, Sung-Yuan Hsieh, Tang-Chi Li, Ching-Chen Chiu, Hai-Han Yu, Tzu-Ching Hsu, Chih-Feng Kuo
Summary: AR-12 has potent bactericidal activities against Group A Streptococcus infection by reducing nucleic acid and protein content, inhibiting the expression of key heat shock proteins and exotoxins, and causing structural abnormalities in the bacteria. Additionally, the combination of AR-12 and gentamicin shows synergistic antibacterial effects both in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential new therapeutic strategy for invasive GAS infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marco Yevenes, Mauricio Quiroz, Fumito Maruyama, Milko Jorquera, Gonzalo Gajardo
Summary: Vibrio sp. ArtGut-C1 is a culturable strain that accumulates PHB, showing high genomic and phenotypic variability, which may be used as a natural pathogen biocontrol in marine hatcheries and a potential cell factory for PHB production.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
So Fujiyoshi, Kyoko Yarimizu, Yohei Miyashita, Joaquin Rilling, Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Shoko Ueki, Gonzalo Gajardo, Oscar Espinoza-Gonzalez, Leonardo Guzman, Milko A. Jorquera, Satoshi Nagai, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: The Suitcase Lab is a toolkit developed for rapid on-site detection of harmful algae species, allowing for qualitative diagnosis within 2 hours. It can be used for quick molecular diagnostic tests in various field studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masatoshi Okura, Jean-Philippe Auger, Tomoyuki Shibahara, Guillaume Goyette-Desjardins, Marie-Rose Van Calsteren, Fumito Maruyama, Mikihiko Kawai, Makoto Osaki, Mariela Segura, Marcelo Gottschalk, Daisuke Takamatsu
Summary: The study demonstrates that switching between capsular polysaccharide serotypes in Streptococcus suis can significantly alter virulence and host cell interactions. Different serotypes have diverse effects on pathogenicity, with some showing increased virulence while others show decreased virulence or minimal impact on host interactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tamara Valenzuela, Joaquin I. Rilling, Giovanni Larama, Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Marco Campos, Nitza G. Inostroza, Macarena Araya, Katherine Altamirano, So Fujiyoshi, Kyoko Yarimizu, Fumito Maruyama, Milko A. Jorquera
Summary: Microbiota associated with bivalves, specifically the mussel Choromytilus chorus in Chilean aquatic environments, were studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterial communities in tissues showed differences between the Nehuentue estuary and Hueihue bay, highlighting the importance of location on microbiota composition and predicted functions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kyoko Yarimizu, So Fujiyoshi, Mikihiko Kawai, Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Joaquin-Ignacio Rilling, Marco Campos, Jonnathan Vilugron, Henry Cameron, Karen Vergara, Gonzalo Gajardo, Oscar Espinoza-Gonzalez, Leonardo Guzman, Satoshi Nagai, Carlos Riquelme, Milko A. Jorquera, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: Chile, famous for its fisheries and aquaculture, has traditionally used microscopic and toxin analyses for HAB monitoring and is now beginning to introduce molecular biological methods. Metabarcoding analysis, specifically 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA, can provide a broader understanding of HAB mechanisms and serve as a basis for early warning systems against harmful algae blooms.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joaquin Rilling, Fumito Maruyama, Michael J. Sadowsky, Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Milko A. Jorquera
Summary: The use of CRISPR loci combined with PCR was found to be an effective method for specific tracking of Azospirillum strains in soil systems, as demonstrated by successful detection in substrates and wheat seedlings. This molecular tool can easily be adapted to other microbial inoculants carrying CRISPR loci and can complement other microbiological techniques.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyoko Yarimizu, Jorge Mardones, Javier Paredes-Mella, Luis Norambuena-Subiabre, Carl J. Carrano, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: This study investigated how iron conditions affect the growth and toxin production of A. catenella isolated from southern Chile, finding that optimal iron concentration is crucial for growth, while excess or insufficient iron can impact growth and toxin production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ayane Nakamura, Nobutake Nakatani, Fumito Maruyama, So Fujiyoshi, Rodrigo Marquez-Reyes, Ricardo Fernandez, Jun Noda
Summary: This study clarifies the source of PM2.5 in Osorno, Chile by analyzing its chemical composition and comparing it with meteorological conditions. The results indicate that biomass combustion, such as wood burning, is the dominant source of PM2.5. The study also highlights the impact of low temperature, low precipitation, and low wind speed on the formation of a thermal inversion layer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kyoichi Oshiro, Yoshikazu Wakizaka, Masayo Takano, Takayuki Itoi, Hiroki Ohge, Kazumi Koba, Kyoko Yarimizu, So Fujiyoshi, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: This study developed a microfluidic DEP device for rapid cell separation and cell enumeration using microscopy. The device efficiently segregated bacterial cells and enriched target cell types without sample pretreatment, achieving all-in-one operation and requiring a small sample volume.
Article
Microbiology
Yukiko Nishiuchi, Yoshitaka Tateishi, Hiroshi Hirano, Yuriko Ozeki, Takehiro Yamaguchi, Mari Miki, Seigo Kitada, Fumito Maruyama, Sohkichi Matsumoto
Summary: This study found that pathogenic mycobacteria colocalized with erythrocytes at the sites of lung infection and demonstrated that erythrocytes enhance the extracellular proliferation of mycobacteria. Erythrocyte-attached mycobacteria are an efficient infectious source for macrophages, highlighting the clinical significance of erythrocyte-mediated mycobacterial growth for disease progression and latent infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ishara U. Perera, So Fujiyoshi, Yukiko Nishiuchi, Toshihiro Nakai, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: Bacteria in aquatic ecosystems interact with zooplankton, influencing bacterial community structure. The interactions between zooplankton and pathogenic bacteria are especially important, as they determine the survival and pathogenicity of the bacteria in water environments. These interactions may pose potential risks to human health during water treatment processes.
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
So Fujiyoshi, Kyoko Yarimizu, Ishara Perera, Michel Abanto, Milko Jorquera, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: The cause of harmful algal blooms has been a mystery, but research using genetic technologies has made progress in understanding its mechanism. A long-term monitoring of toxic algae and its associated bacteria as a community, known as 'holobiont', in Chilean coastal waters has been conducted from the perspective of bacteria as the driver of algal blooms. This review discusses the challenges of holobiont monitoring, particularly in standardization and compliance with monitoring protocols, to ensure reliable and sustainable data collection. It suggests adopting the high-throughput sequencing (HTS) standard operating procedure (SOP) by the International Human Microbiome to enhance the quality and consistency of holobiont monitoring in the harmful algal world.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kunal Dutta, Sergey Shityakov, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: Under low iron conditions, fadD and irr genes were upregulated in Bradyrhizobium japonicum. FadD showed similarity to Xcc's RpfB in protein folding and functional domains, and exhibited similar molecular docking and dynamics simulation results. The upregulation of fadD in response to low iron conditions may lead to the inhibition of DSF's iron uptake and virulence.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianjian Hou, So Fujiyoshi, Ishara Uhanie Perera, Yukiko Nishiuchi, Makiko Nakajima, Daisuke Ogura, Kyoko Yarimizu, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: Bioaerosols are important in the atmosphere and can impact human health. Most bioaerosol samples have low biomass, including those from indoor and outdoor environments. High-volume filter-based or liquid-based samplers compatible with NGS analysis are needed to improve bioaerosol detection limits for microorganisms.
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kazumi Koba, Kyoko Fujiyoshi, So Fujiyoshi, Kyoichi Oshiro, Yoshikazu Wakizaka, Masayo Takano, Fumito Maruyama
Summary: This protocol demonstrates the separation of living cells using a microfluidic di electrophoresis chip, focusing on the Jurkat cell model. Success in cell separation relies on familiarity with detailed tips, including correct chip installation, sample and buffer filling, flow rate and cell concentration adjustments, and understanding contamination sources. Following these instructions is critical for achieving efficient viable cell collection.