Latest Articles
Commentary | Molecular Biology and PhysiologymSphere of Influence: Modifying an Old Method To Study RNA-Protein InteractionsCalvin Tiengwe works on posttranscriptional gene regulation and iron homeostasis in the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the paper “Comprehensive identification of RNA-protein interactions in any organism using orthogonal organic phase separation (OOPS)” by Queiroz et al. (Nat Biotechnol 37:169–...
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Redefining an Influenza Virus—How Different Are Influenza Viruses and Extracellular Vesicles?Seema Lakdawala works in the field of influenza virology. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the article “Conserved and host-specific features of influenza virion architecture” by Edward C.
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyTranscriptomic and Proteomic Approaches to Finding Novel Diagnostic and Immunogenic Candidates in PneumocystisThe current report enhances our understanding of Pneumocystis biology in a number of ways. First, the current study provided a preliminary annotation of the Pneumocystis murina genome, addressing a long-standing issue in the field. Second, this study validated two novel transcripts enriched in the two predominant life forms of Pneumocystis. These...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyExamining the Evidence for an Adult Healthy Middle Ear MicrobiomeRecent molecular-based studies have suggested that a diverse middle ear microbiome in adults and children can exist in the absence of disease. These studies have been largely unsupported by culture and feature species that commonly contaminate low-biomass sequencing data. While 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has proven to be a highly informative technique in many clinical contexts, it is susceptible to spurious signal arising from...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyDeletion of a Single LeishIF4E-3 Allele by the CRISPR-Cas9 System Alters Cell Morphology and Infectivity of LeishmaniaLeishmania species are the causative agents of a spectrum of diseases. Available drug treatment is toxic and expensive, with drug resistance a growing concern. Leishmania parasites migrate between transmitting sand flies and mammalian hosts, experiencing unfavorable extreme conditions. The parasites therefore developed unique mechanisms for promoting a stage-specific program for gene expression, with translation...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyPotential Role of Extracellular ATP Released by Bacteria in Bladder Infection and ContractilityThe ability of uropathogenic bacteria to release excitatory compounds, such as ATP, may act as a virulence factor to stimulate signaling pathways that could have profound effects on the urothelium, perhaps extending to the vagina. This may be countered by the ability of certain commensal urinary microbiota constituents, such as lactobacilli. Further understanding of these interactions is important for the treatment and prevention of UUI...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionBroad and Effective Protection against Staphylococcus aureus Is Elicited by a Multivalent Vaccine Formulated with Novel AntigensStaphylococcus aureus infections, especially MRSA infections, are becoming a major global health issue and are resulting in mortality rates that are increasing every year. However, an effective vaccine is lacking due to the complexity of the infection process of S. aureus. In this study, we found...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionExperimental Mouse Models of Disseminated Candida auris InfectionIn the last decade, Candida auris has emerged globally as a multidrug‐resistant fungal pathogen. Although C. auris was initially isolated from the external ear canal, it can cause outbreaks of invasive infections with very high mortality and comorbidities. Recent reports highlight the ongoing...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyMoGT2 Is Essential for Morphogenesis and Pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzaeThe ascomycete fungus Magnapothe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast disease, leading to severe loss in cultivated rice production worldwide. In this study, we identified a conserved type 2 glycosyltransferase named MoGt2 in M. oryzae. The mogt2Δ targeted gene deletion mutants exhibited pleiotropic defects in vegetative growth, conidiation, stress response, hyphal appressorium-mediated penetration, and...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyBioinformatic and Molecular Analysis of Inverse Autotransporters from Escherichia coliEscherichia coli is one of the most prevalent facultative anaerobes of the human gut. E. coli normally exists as a harmless commensal but can also cause disease following the acquisition of genes that enhance its pathogenicity. Adhesion is an important first step in colonization of the host and is...