Latest Articles
Research Article | Ecological and Evolutionary ScienceEscherichia coli Genomic Diversity within Extraintestinal Acute Infections Argues for Adaptive Evolution at PlayLittle is known about the dynamics of adaptation in acute bacterial infections. By sequencing multiple isolates from monoclonal extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections in several patients, we were able to uncover traces of selection taking place at short time scales compared to chronic infection.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyAnalysis of Apoptosis-Related Genes Reveals that Apoptosis Functions in Conidiation and Pathogenesis of Fusarium pseudograminearumThe plant-pathogenic fungus F. pseudograminearum is the causal agent of Fusarium crown rot (FCR) in wheat and barley, resulting in substantial yield losses worldwide. Particularly, in the Huanghuai wheat-growing region of China, F. pseudograminearum was reported as the dominant Fusarium species in FCR infections.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyAssociation of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein Binding to Viral Genomic RNA with Attenuation of Replication of Echovirus 7We recently discovered that the OAS3/RNase L antiviral pathway is essential for restriction of CpG- and UpA-enriched viruses, in addition to the requirement for zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP). The current study provides evidence for the specific dinucleotide and wider recognition contexts associated with virus recognition and attenuation.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyStructure-Guided Design of a Synthetic Mimic of an Endothelial Protein C Receptor-Binding PfEMP1 ProteinVaccines train our immune systems to generate antibodies which recognize pathogens. Some of these antibodies are highly protective, preventing infection, while others are ineffective.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyMonitoring COVID-19 Transmission Risks by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Tracing of Droplets in Hospital and Living EnvironmentsSeveral studies evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Saliva and nasopharyngeal droplets can land on objects and surfaces, creating fomites.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySmall RNAs Are Implicated in Regulation of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in the Protist Trichomonas vaginalisTrichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection in humans. The millions of cases each year have sequelae that may include complications during pregnancy and increased risk of HIV infection.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyNext-Generation Sequencing Analysis of the Within-Host Genetic Diversity of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses in the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tracts of Patients with Severe InfluenzaThe D222G/N substitution in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been reported to be associated with disease severity and mortality in numerous previous studies. In the present study, 75% of lower respiratory samples contained heterogeneous influenza populations that carried different amino acids at position 222 of the HA protein, whereas all upper respiratory samples only contained the wild-type 222D....
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyDisentangling the Relative Roles of Vertical Transmission, Subsequent Colonizations, and Diet on Cockroach Microbiome AssemblyWhen host fitness is dependent on gut microbiota, microbial community flexibility and reproducibility enhance host fitness by allowing fine-tuned environmental tracking and sufficient stability for host traits to evolve. Our findings lend support to the importance of vertically transmitted early-life microbiota as stabilizers through interactions with potential colonizers that may contribute to ensuring that the microbiota aligns within...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyIdentification of Nasal Gammaproteobacteria with Potent Activity against Staphylococcus aureus: Novel Insights into the “Noncarrier” StateNasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for infection, but it is not yet understood why some individuals carry nasal S. aureus persistently, intermittently, or seemingly not at all when tested via culture methods. This study compared the nasal microbiomes of established...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionDichloroacetate and Pyruvate Metabolism: Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinases as Targets Worth Investigating for Effective Therapy of ToxoplasmosisCurrently, the drugs used for toxoplasmosis have severe toxicity to human cells, and the treatment still lacks effective and safer alternatives. The search for novel drug targets is timely.