Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolin J. Schiffer, Christoph Schaudinn, Matthias A. Ehrmann, Rudi F. Vogel
Summary: This study identified a new protein, SxsA, in Staphylococcus xylosus that plays a crucial role in biofilm formation by promoting cell aggregation, adherence, and biofilm formation. SxsA lacks sequence similarity to other surface proteins but shows similar structural features, and its deletion resulted in decreased adhesion and aggregation. Genomic analysis revealed the significance of SxsA in different Staphylococcus species.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Adelaide Renard, Seydina M. Diene, Luka Courtier-Martinez, Julien Burlaud Gaillard, Houssein Gbaguidi-Haore, Laurent Mereghetti, Roland Quentin, Patrice Francois, Nathalie Van der Mee-Marquet
Summary: This study investigates the impact of CC17 Streptococcus agalactiae carrying group-A prophages on neonatal infections, revealing that the genetic features of these prophages affect host growth characteristics, cell morphology, and biofilm formation. The findings support the domestication of 12/111phiA prophage by the host and its role in cell autoaggregation, glycocalyx, and biofilm formation.
Article
Immunology
Zachary N. Phillips, Preeti Garai, Greg Tram, Gael Martin, Annelies Van den Bergh, Asma-Ul Husna, Megan Staples, Keith Grimwood, Amy Jennison, Patrice Guillon, Mark von Itzstein, Michael P. Jennings, Kenneth L. Brockman, John M. Atack
Summary: Lay is an autotransporter protein found in pathogenic Haemophilus and Neisseria species. Its expression status is reversible and related to pathogenicity in non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. Understanding the role of Lay can provide insights into different pathological processes.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
David R. Danforth, Marcella Melloni, Jake Tristano, Keith P. Mintz
Summary: The study on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans revealed the importance of surface proteins in biofilm formation, with mutations in different genes affecting biofilm mass and showing a certain redundancy in function.
MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chunmei Du, Xiaoping Huo, Hanjie Gu, Dongmei Wu, Yonghua Hu
Summary: In this study, a lysine-dependent acid resistance (LDAR) system in Edwardsiella tarda, CadBA, was characterized and identified. The CadBA system plays a crucial role in acid resistance and bacterial infection of host cells and tissues.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Philipp Schiller, Michael Knoedler, Petya Berger, Lilo Greune, Angelika Fruth, Alexander Mellmann, Petra Dersch, Michael Berger, Ulrich Dobrindt
Summary: The study found differences in adherence properties and pathogenicity between the EHEC outbreak strain O104:H4 and its close relative due to expression of different types of aggregative adherence fimbriae (AAF). Various types of AAF affect bacterial autoaggregation, biofilm formation, and host cell adherence.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lorena del Rosario Cappellari, Pablo Cesar Bogino, Fiorela Nievas, Walter Giordano, Erika Banchio
Summary: This study investigated the survival mechanisms of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) under salt stress conditions. Different strains employed different strategies to cope with salt stress, with the GB03 strain exhibiting enhanced swarming mobility and the WCS417r and SJ04 strains showing reduced swimming motility. The WCS417r strain showed increased biofilm formation and autoaggregation capacity under high salt concentrations. Inoculation with these strains alleviated the detrimental effects of salinity on plant growth.
Article
Microbiology
Melanie Billaud, Francois Seneca, Eric Tambutte, Dorota Czerucka
Summary: Climate change driven seawater temperature increases have an important impact on the adhesion properties of the marine pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The elevated temperature promotes the expression of adhesion-related genes and emphasizes the role of climate change in the spread of this pathogenic bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Coimbra-Gomes, Patricia J. M. Reis, Tania G. Tavares, Miguel A. Faria, F. Xavier Malcata, Angela C. Macedo
Summary: The probiotic features of Lactiplantibacillus (L.) pentosus and L. paraplantarum strains from Cobrancosa table olives were assessed. The strains displayed functional properties such as adhesion capacity, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation ability, and co-aggregation with selected pathogens. They also exhibited resistance to certain antibiotics, beneficial enzymatic activity, antioxidant activity, and cholesterol assimilation features.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julieanne L. Vo, Gabriela C. Martinez Ortiz, Makrina Totsika, Alvin W. Lo, Steven J. Hancock, Andrew E. Whitten, Lilian Hor, Kate M. Peters, Valentin Ageorges, Nelly Caccia, Mickael Desvaux, Mark A. Schembri, Jason J. Paxman, Begona Heras
Summary: The formation of bacterial aggregates and biofilms plays an important role in bacterial colonization and infection progression. A study investigated autotransporters, a group of bacterial adhesins, and found that specific interactions between amino acids on the contacting interfaces of adjacent proteins drive cell clumping, and subtle variation of these interactions alters aggregation kinetics and the degree of compacting within cell clusters.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yihan Yang, Ruofu Chen, Mati Ur Rahman, Chunyue Wei, Ben Fan
Summary: This study reveals the importance of the sprT gene in Bacillus velezensis FZB42. Through analyzing a mutant Y4, it is found that the inactivation of the sprT gene has regulatory effects on multiple characteristics of FZB42, including biofilm formation, swarming, sporulation, and antibiotic production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincent Jean-Pierre, Agathe Boudet, Pauline Sorlin, Quentin Menetrey, Raphael Chiron, Jean-Philippe Lavigne, Helene Marchandin
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that can survive and cause diseases in various clinical settings, including Cystic Fibrosis. In Cystic Fibrosis, S. aureus is the most commonly identified opportunistic pathogen, and its colonization/infection can become chronic in about one third of patients. S. aureus's ability to form biofilm is a crucial factor contributing to its persistence and protection in the lungs of CF patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
S. Rodriguez-Sanchez, P. Fernandez-Pacheco, S. Sesena, C. Pintado, M. Ll Palop
Summary: A total of 98 Lactobacillus strains were screened for their antimicrobial and probiotic properties, with 12 strains showing potential in both aspects. These strains, particularly Lb. paracasei Lb38 and Lb. brevis Lb99, could be considered as biocontrol agents in the food industry.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Charalampos Kotzamanidis, George Vafeas, Virginia Giantzi, Sofia Anastasiadou, Stavros Mygdalias, Andigoni Malousi, Ekateriniadou Loukia, Sergelidis Daniel, Antonios Zdragas
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and relatedness of Staphylococcus aureus strains from clinical and subclinical mastitis cases in different ruminants using molecular typing techniques. The findings revealed varying degrees of genetic relatedness, SE gene profiles, and antimicrobial resistance levels among the isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Shizhou Wu, Boquan Qin, Shu Deng, Yunjie Liu, Hui Zhang, Lei Lei, Guoying Feng
Summary: This study investigated the roles of YycF and CodY in biofilm formation and pathogenicity. The results revealed that YycF negatively regulates codY expression and can modulate S. aureus biofilm formation through eDNA- dependent and PIA-dependent pathways. CodY not only impedes the pathogenicity but also has a role in immunoregulation. These findings may provide a supplementary strategy for managing biofilm infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Mirjam J. Knol, Arie van der Ende
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luna M. van der Loos, Reindert Nijland
Summary: As anthropogenic pressure on marine ecosystems grows, the need for efficient monitoring of biodiversity becomes stronger. DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples is a cost-effective and efficient method, but various methodological choices need to be considered to avoid potential biases. Despite technical complexities, advancements in bioinformatics and sequencing technologies are expected to improve the application of DNA metabarcoding in ecosystem assessments.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Roberto Del Amparo, Catarina Branco, Jesus Arenas, Alberto Vicens, Miguel Arenas
Summary: The evolution of protein-coding genes is driven by selective processes, optimizing protein stability and activity. Estimating dN/dS ratio may have biases, but can be corrected using advanced methods. It is important to consider the impact of observed substitutions on protein stability and function when interpreting dN/dS estimates.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
L. Peckeu, A. van der Ende, H. E. de Melker, E. A. M. Sanders, M. J. Knol
Summary: The Netherlands switched from PCV7 to PCV10 in 2011, with the latter showing high effectiveness in protecting children under 5 years old against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and limited serotype replacement. No significant evidence of cross-protection of PCV10 against 19A serotype IPD was found.
Article
Neurosciences
Anne T. Kloek, Mercedes Valls Seron, Ben Schmand, Michael W. T. Tanck, Arie van der Ende, Matthijs C. Brouwer, Diederik van de Beek
Summary: The study confirmed the role of MIF in poor outcomes of pneumococcal meningitis. Variability in MIF production among individuals was associated with long-term cognitive impairment after pneumococcal meningitis. The findings suggest MIF could potentially serve as a target for immune-modulating therapy in bacterial meningitis survivors.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Cristina Uruen, Gema Chopo-Escuin, Jan Tommassen, Raul C. Mainar-Jaime, Jesus Arenas
Summary: Multidrug resistant bacteria pose a global threat, but only partially contribute to antibiotic failure. Another factor is the formation of biofilms, which provide an environment that allows bacteria to develop tolerance and resistance to antibiotics.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jori Fuhren, Markus Schwalbe, Christiane Rosch, Reindert Nijland, Michiel Wels, Henk A. Schols, Michiel Kleerebezem
Summary: Synbiotics are food supplements that combine probiotics and prebiotics to synergistically elicit health benefits in the consumer. Inulin supplementation significantly enhances the intestinal delivery of L. plantarum Lp900, but this effect strongly depends on calcium levels in the diet.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
David Longbottom, Morag Livingstone, Paolo Ribeca, Delphine Sylvie Anne Beeckman, Arie van der Ende, Yvonne Pannekoek, Daisy Vanrompay
Summary: The study classified a strain of Chlamydia psittaci as more closely related to Chlamydia abortus through various methods. It was also discovered that the strain carries an extrachromosomal plasmid, which has implications for gene function research and vaccine development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Henri van Kruistum, Reindert Nijland, David N. Reznick, Martien A. M. Groenen, Hendrik-Jan Megens, Bart J. A. Pollux
Summary: The evolution of the placenta in live-bearing fish in the family Poeciliidae is associated with parallel changes in protein-coding genes and noncoding regulatory elements, particularly in transporter- and vesicle-located genes and developmental regulatory genes. The high occurrence of GATA simple repeats in regulatory elements suggests an important role in developmental gene regulation. This distinction in molecular evolution highlights the potential for changing regulatory pathways to allow for the evolution of complex traits in organisms.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chrispin Chaguza, Dorota Jamrozy, Merijn W. Bijlsma, Taco W. Kuijpers, Diederik van de Beek, Arie van der Ende, Stephen D. Bentley
Summary: The authors of this study investigate the bacterial genetic signatures associated with disease onset time and meningeal tissue infection in acute invasive neonatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease using genome-wide association analyses. They find genetic variation within noncoding and coding regions, particularly the capsule biosynthesis locus, that is statistically associated with disease onset time and meningeal invasion in neonates. This study highlights the importance of integrating microbial population genomics and clinical pathogen surveillance and demonstrates the impact of GBS genetics on disease pathogenesis in neonates and infants.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muriel Dresen, Desiree Schaaf, Jesus Arenas, Astrid de Greeff, Peter Valentin-Weigand, Andreas Nerlich
Summary: A study identified TrpX gene as a potential tryptophan/tyrosine transport system substrate-binding protein in Streptococcus suis. It was found that TrpX is crucial for tryptophan uptake and bacterial growth. TrpX is part of an operon structure and regulated by a tryptophan T-box riboswitch.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daniel Tamarit, Eva F. Caceres, Mart Krupovic, Reindert Nijland, Laura Eme, Nicholas P. Robinson, Thijs J. G. Ettema
Summary: In this study, the chromosome of Candidatus Odinarchaeum yellowstonii LCB_4 was reassembled and closed, revealing viral targets in CRISPR spacers. Related viruses were also found in the genomes of various prokaryotes, including other Asgard archaea. These findings open up new research avenues for studying the ecology and evolution of Asgard archaea.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ben Auxier, Alfons J. M. Debets, Felicia Adelina Stanford, Johanna Rhodes, Frank M. Becker, Francisca Reyes Marquez, Reindert Nijland, Paul S. Dyer, Matthew C. Fisher, Joost van den Heuvel, Eveline Snelders
Summary: The study shows that Aspergillus fumigatus has an unprecedented high crossover rate, with an average of 29.9 crossovers per chromosome pair, which is more than twice that seen in any known organism. This high rate of crossovers is sufficient to generate common drug-resistant haplotypes. The findings suggest the need for reassessment of common assumptions about genetic linkage in this species.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Paula Jurado, Cristina Uruen, Sara Martinez, Elena Lain, Sandra Sanchez, Antonio Rezusta, Victor Lopez, Jesus Arenas
Summary: The essential oils of pine, lemon, and oregano exhibit bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus suis, demonstrating their potential as novel alternatives to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Cristina Uruen, Carla Garcia, Lorenzo Fraile, Jan Tommassen, Jesus Arenas
Summary: Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen causing severe infections in pigs and humans, resulting in economic losses. The lack of effective vaccines has led to extensive antibiotic use, leading to the emergence of resistance. The genetic mechanisms of resistance in S. suis are diverse, involving target modification, antibiotic inactivation enzymes, and mutations in antibiotic targets. S. suis forms microcolonies on host tissues, which contribute to antibiotic tolerance and the rapid acquisition of multidrug resistance.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)