Latest Articles
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Apoptotic Mimicry and Virus EntryMelinda A. Brindley works in the field of virology with specific interests in understanding how viruses enter cells. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper “Vaccinia virus uses macropinocytosis and apoptotic mimicry to enter host cells” by J. Mercer and A. Helenius (Science 320:531–535, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1155164) made an impact on her...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyAbsence of KpsM (Slr0977) Impairs the Secretion of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and Impacts Carbon Fluxes in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803Most cyanobacteria produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that fulfill different biological roles depending on the strain/environmental conditions. The interest in the cyanobacterial EPS synthesis/export pathways has been increasing, not only to optimize EPS production but also to efficiently redirect carbon flux toward the production of other compounds, allowing the implementation of industrial systems based on cyanobacterial...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyInterplay of Antibody and Cytokine Production Reveals CXCL13 as a Potential Novel Biomarker of Lethal SARS-CoV-2 InfectionThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is continuing to impact the global population, and knowledge of the immune response to COVID-19 is still developing. This study assesses the interplay of different parts of the immune system during COVID-19 disease.
Editor's Pick Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyDeORFanizing Candida albicans Genes using CoexpressionCandida albicans is a common and deadly fungal pathogen of humans, yet the genome of this organism contains many genes of unknown function. By determining gene function, we can help identify essential genes, new virulence factors, or new regulators of drug resistance, and thereby give new targets for antifungal development.
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionPhenotypic and Genotypic Adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms following Long-Term Exposure to an Alginate Oligomer TherapyThe emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens within biofilms in the cystic fibrosis lung results in increased morbidity. An inhalation therapy derived from alginate, OligoG CF-5/20, is currently in clinical trials for cystic fibrosis patients.
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyConvergent Evolution of a Promiscuous 3-Hydroxypropionyl-CoA Dehydratase/Crotonyl-CoA Hydratase in Crenarchaeota and ThaumarchaeotaInorganic carbon fixation is the most important biosynthetic process on Earth and the oldest type of metabolism. The autotrophic HP/HB cycle functions in Crenarchaea of the order Sulfolobales and in ammonia-oxidizing Archaea of the phylum Thaumarchaeota that are highly abundant in marine, terrestrial, and geothermal environments.
Research Article | Ecological and Evolutionary ScienceDecreased Ecological Resistance of the Gut Microbiota in Response to Clindamycin Challenge in Mice Colonized with the Fungus Candida albicansCandida albicans is the most common fungal member of the human gut microbiota, yet its ability to interact with and affect the bacterial gut microbiota is largely uncharacterized. Previous reports showed limited changes in microbiota composition as defined by bacterial species abundance as a consequence of...
Editor's Pick Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: No More Excuses—Addressing Race, Racism, and Socioeconomic Issues in the Science Classroom and LaboratoryPascale Guiton works in the field of parasitology at a primarily undergraduate institution. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on her difficulties as a faculty of color to discuss socioscientific issues in her classrooms. T.
Commentary | Therapeutics and PreventionUncovering the Harms of Treating Clostridioides difficile ColonizationPatients with toxin-negative Clostridioides difficile-positive diarrhea are often treated with oral vancomycin with the assumption that treatment is more beneficial than harmful. However, this hypothesis has never been formally tested, and recent studies suggest that most such patients recover quickly without treatment and can be colonized rather than infected.
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Research Article | Ecological and Evolutionary ScienceGenes Influencing Phage Host Range in Staphylococcus aureus on a Species-Wide ScaleStaphylococcus aureus is a widespread, hospital- and community-acquired pathogen, many strains of which are antibiotic resistant. It causes diverse diseases, ranging from local to systemic infection, and affects both the skin and many internal organs, including the heart, lungs, bones, and brain.