Latest Articles
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyEstablishment and Application of Rapid Diagnosis for Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR of Newly Emerging Goose-Origin Nephrotic Astrovirus in ChinaGoose-origin astrovirus (GoAstV), as a newly emerging virus in 2017, is different from previously known astroviruses in the genus Avastrovirus. So far, few studies have focused on the novel virus. Considering the infectious development of astrovirus (AstV), we established a reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay with a strong specificity to quickly and...
Meeting Highlights | Therapeutics and PreventionThe Fourth International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS 2017): Toward Integrating Maternal and Infant Immunization ProgramsThis report provides an overview of the proceedings of the 4th International Maternal and Neonatal Immunization Symposium, where presentations focused on the state-of-the-art research on the development and implementation of vaccines given during pregnancy for the protection of mothers and infants.
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionAlexidine Dihydrochloride Has Broad-Spectrum Activities against Diverse Fungal PathogensThe prevalence of fungal infections has seen a rise in the past decades due to advances in modern medicine leading to an expanding population of device-associated and immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, the spectrum of pathogenic fungi has changed, with the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains such as C. auris. High mortality related to fungal infections...
Commentary | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyNovel Observations Concerning Differentiation of Bloodstream-Form Trypanosomes to the Form That Is Adapted for Growth in Tsetse FliesSalivarian trypanosomes grow in mammals, where they depend on glucose, and as procyclic forms in tsetse flies, where they metabolize proline. Differentiation of bloodstream forms to nongrowing stumpy forms, and to procyclic forms, has been studied extensively, but reconciling the results is tricky because investigators have used parasites with various differentiation competences and different media for procyclic-form culture.
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Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyInterplay of Klebsiella pneumoniae fabZ and lpxC Mutations Leads to LpxC Inhibitor-Dependent Growth Resulting from Loss of Membrane HomeostasisEmergence of antibiotic resistance has prompted efforts to identify and optimize novel inhibitors of antibacterial targets such as LpxC. This enzyme catalyzes the first committed step of lipid A synthesis, which is necessary to generate lipopolysaccharide and ultimately the Gram-negative protective outer membrane. Investigation of this pathway and its interrelationship with inner membrane (phospholipid) biosynthesis or other pathways is...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyIntracellular Signaling by the comRS System in Streptococcus mutans Genetic CompetenceThe ComRS system can function as a quorum sensing trigger for genetic competence in S. mutans. The signal peptide XIP, which is derived from the precursor ComS, enters the cell and interacts with the Rgg-type cytosolic receptor ComR to activate comX, which encodes the alternative sigma factor for the late competence genes. Previous studies have demonstrated...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionA High-Throughput Screening Approach To Repurpose FDA-Approved Drugs for Bactericidal Applications against Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony VariantsConventional antibiotics fail to successfully treat chronic osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and device-related and airway infections. These recurring infections are associated with the emergence of SCV, which are recalcitrant to conventional antibiotics. Studies have investigated antibiotic therapies to treat SCV-related infections but have had little success, emphasizing the need to identify novel antimicrobial drugs. However, drug...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGlucose Signaling Is Important for Nutrient Adaptation during Differentiation of Pleomorphic African TrypanosomesAs the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei completes its life cycle, it encounters many different environments. Adaptation to these environments includes modulation of metabolic pathways to parallel the availability of nutrients. Here, we describe how the blood-dwelling life cycle stages of the African trypanosome, which consume glucose to meet their nutritional...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyA Nonribosomal Peptide Synthase Gene Driving Virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosisOver 10 million people developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2016, and over 1.8 million individuals succumbed to the disease. These numbers make TB the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent. Therefore, finding novel therapeutic targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen that causes most cases of human TB, is...
