Host-Microbe Biology
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyBacterial Community Structure Dynamics in Meloidogyne incognita-Infected Roots and Its Role in Worm-Microbiome InteractionsThe study of high-resolution successional processes within tightly linked microniches is rare. Using the power and relatively low cost of metabarcoding, we describe the bacterial succession and community structure in roots infected with root-knot nematodes and in the nematodes themselves. We reveal separate successional processes in galls and adjacent non-gall root sections, which are driven by the nematode’s life cycle and the...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyDaily Vaginal Microbiota Fluctuations Associated with Natural Hormonal Cycle, Contraceptives, Diet, and ExerciseThe vaginal microbiome is a critical component of women’s sexual and reproductive health, with variations in microbial composition, particularly the loss of Lactobacillus species, being implicated in gynecologic and obstetric diseases. Given that the vaginal microbiome is so crucial, why do vaginal microbial profiles vary strikingly from person to person and even change over time within the same person? In the present study,...
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Translating Gut Microbiome Studies To Benefit Human HealthAnna M. Seekatz works in the field of the gut microbiome as it related to infectious diseases. In this “mSphere of Influence” article, she reflects on how two studies, “The impact of a consortium of fermented milk strains on the gut microbiome of gnotobiotic mice and monozygotic twins” (N. P. McNulty, T. Yatsunenko, A. Hsiao, et al., Sci Transl Med 3:106ra106, 2011) and “High-throughput DNA sequence analysis reveals stable engraftment...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyHawaiian Bobtail Squid Symbionts Inhibit Marine Bacteria via Production of Specialized Metabolites, Including New Bromoalterochromides BAC-D/D′Animals that deposit eggs must protect their embryos from fouling and disease by microorganisms to ensure successful development. Although beneficial bacteria are hypothesized to contribute to egg defense in many organisms, the mechanisms of this protection are only recently being elucidated. Our previous studies of the Hawaiian bobtail squid focused on fungal inhibition by beneficial bacterial symbionts of a female reproductive gland...
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Microbiome-Associated Phenotypes Are ModifiableMichael Woodworth focuses on translational microbiome therapeutic research. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how “Gut microbiomes of Malawian twin pairs discordant for kwashiorkor” by Michelle Smith et al. (M. I. Smith, T. Yatsunenko, M. J. Manary, I. Trehan, et al., Science 339:548–554, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1229000) made an impact on him...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Genotoxin Colibactin Shapes Gut Microbiota in MiceInfections of genotoxic Escherichia coli spread concomitantly with urbanized progression. These bacteria may prompt cell senescence and affect DNA stability, inducing cancer via the production of colibactin, a genotoxin shown capable of affecting host DNA in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we show that the action of colibactin may also be directed against other...
Observation | Host-Microbe BiologyA Mouse Model for Infection with Enterovirus A71 in Small Extracellular VesiclesEV-A71 was supposed to infect the CNS through the neural pathway and the circulation of the blood in previous studies. Reverse axon transport had been confirmed as an important pathway for EV-A71 to infect the CNS; however, it is still unknown how EV-A71 infects the CNS through the circulation of the blood. Combined with the infectivity of sEVs secreted from EV-A71-infected cells and the characteristic that sEVs could cross the blood-...
Observation | Host-Microbe BiologyToxoplasma Uses GRA16 To Upregulate Host c-MycThe proto-oncogene c-Myc plays a crucial role in the growth and division of many animal cells. Previous studies have identified an active upregulation of c-Myc by Toxoplasma tachyzoites, suggesting the existence of one or more exported “effector” proteins. The identity of such an effector, however, has not previously been known. Here, we show that a previously known secreted protein, GRA16, plays a crucial role in c-...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyCandida auris Phenotypic Heterogeneity Determines Pathogenicity In VitroCandida auris has recently emerged as an important cause of concern within health care environments due to its ability to persist and tolerate commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants, particularly when attached to a surface (biofilms). This yeast is able to colonize and subsequently infect patients, particularly those that are critically ill or immunosuppressed,...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyRevealing Differentially Expressed Genes and Identifying Effector Proteins of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Response to High-Temperature Seedling Plant Resistance of Wheat Based on Transcriptome SequencingIn the present study, we performed transcriptomic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and effector proteins of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) in response to the high-temperature seedling-plant (HTSP) resistance in wheat. Experimental validation confirmed the function of the highest upregulated effector protein, PstCEP1....