Latest Articles
Commentary | Molecular Biology and PhysiologymSphere of Influence: Start with an Interesting Biological PhenomenonTeresa O'Meara works in the field of functional genomics of Candida albicans, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how papers entitled "Systematic Screens of a Candida albicans Homozygous Deletion Library Decouple Morphogenetic Switching...
Opinion/Hypothesis | Therapeutics and PreventionQuestionable Efficacy of Therapeutic Antibodies in the Treatment of AnthraxInhalational anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming Gram-positive bacterium, is a highly lethal infection. Antibodies targeting the protective antigen (PA) binding component of the toxins have recently been authorized as an adjunct to antibiotics, although no conclusive evidence demonstrates that anthrax antitoxin therapy has any significant benefit. We...
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: a Systematic Approach To Dissect Virulence Traits in Candida albicansJ. Christian Pérez studies the interplay between Candida albicans and the mammalian host. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how “Systematic screens of a Candida albicans homozygous deletion library decouple morphogenetic switching and pathogenicity” (S. M. Noble, S. French, L. A....
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: the Value of Simplicity in Experiments and Solidarity among Lab MembersNicholas Wallace studies how human papillomaviruses cause cancer throughout the genital and oropharyngeal tracts as well as in the skin. These viruses inhibit host DNA repair to promote their life style and in doing increase the risk of oncogenic mutations. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers influenced him. “Human Papillomaviruses Activate the ATM DNA Damage Pathway for Viral Genome Amplification upon...
Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceFunctional Metagenomics Reveals a New Catalytic Domain, the Metallo-β-Lactamase Superfamily Domain, Associated with Phytase ActivityPhytic acid is a phosphorus storage molecule in many plant tissues, a source of phosphorus alternative to phosphate rocks, but it can also be a problematic antinutrient. In comparison to other phosphorus sources, phytic acid exhibits reduced bioavailability. Additionally, it influences functions of secondary messengers and acts as antioxidant in tumor growth prevention. The enzymatic capability to process phytate has been reported for a...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyEmergence of Azithromycin Resistance Mediated by Phosphotransferase-Encoding mph(A) in Diarrheagenic Vibrio fluvialisThe progressive rise in antibiotic resistance among enteric pathogens in developing countries is becoming a big concern. India is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics, and their use is not well regulated. V. fluvialis is increasingly recognized as an emerging diarrheal pathogen of public health importance. Here we report the emergence of azithromycin resistance...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGenome Editing of Babesia bovis Using the CRISPR/Cas9 SystemBabesia bovis is the most virulent cause of bovine babesiosis worldwide. The disease consequences are death, abortion, and economical loss due to reduced milk and meat production. Available vaccines are not effective, treatment options are limited, and emergence of drug and acaricide resistance has been reported from different regions. There is an urgent need to...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyDetection of VIM-1-Producing Enterobacter cloacae and Salmonella enterica Serovars Infantis and Goldcoast at a Breeding Pig Farm in Germany in 2017 and Their Molecular Relationship to Former VIM-1-Producing S. Infantis Isolates in German Livestock ProductionCarbapenems are considered one of few remaining treatment options against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in human clinical settings. The occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in livestock and food is a major public health concern. Particularly the occurrence of VIM-1-producing Salmonella Infantis in livestock farms is worrisome...
Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceMethylotetracoccus oryzae Strain C50C1 Is a Novel Type Ib Gammaproteobacterial Methanotroph Adapted to Freshwater EnvironmentsMost of the methane produced on our planet gets naturally oxidized by a group of methanotrophic microorganisms before it reaches the atmosphere. These microorganisms are able to oxidize methane, both aerobically and anaerobically, and use it as their sole energy source. Although methanotrophs have been studied for more than a century, there are still many unknown and uncultivated groups prevalent in various ecosystems. This study...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyScreening Mycobacterium tuberculosis Secreted Proteins Identifies Mpt64 as a Eukaryotic Membrane-Binding Bacterial EffectorAdvances have been made to identify secreted proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis during animal infections. These data, combined with transposon screens identifying genes important for M. tuberculosis virulence, have generated a vast resource of potential...