Researchers discovered that immune cells' vesicles, meant to destroy pathogens, actually promote the survival of Candida albicans in the bloodstream. The vesicles, carrying antimicrobial molecules, shield the fungus from immune attack by altering its surface, making it harder for immune cells to recognize.
Researchers found that glutamine is not the primary amino acid for muscarine biosynthesis, but rather a triple methylation of L-lysine and later L-alanine. This discovery could lead to the identification of further intermediates with pharmaceutical potential.
Two junior research groups at Leibniz-HKI are combining robotics and genetics to discover new antifungal agents against Fusarium. By integrating automated screening experiments and genetic analysis, they aim to identify potential drug candidates and uncover the genetic basis of Fusarium virulence.
Researchers discovered how bacteria Pseudomonas sp. SZ40 and Paenibacillus sp. SZ31 work together to produce a toxic substance against an amoeba predator. The study revealed the role of DL peptidases in converting lipopeptides into a substance that is harmful to the amoeba.
Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
The PerMiCCion consortium is studying the microbiome to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies for early-onset colorectal cancer. They identified a characteristic 'oncogenic microbiome' that promotes inflammation and influences immune response.
The Leibniz-HKI has received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for the fifth time, recognizing its comprehensive equality strategy and inclusive organizational culture. The institute's measures, such as workshop series and book clubs, aim to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM careers.
The study found that Candida albicans uses candidalysin to anchor itself in the mucous membrane, but only in small quantities. The fungus regulates its activity through genes like EED1, allowing it to survive in the oral cavity without triggering a strong immune response.
Researchers discover two distinct methods for producing psilocybin in mushrooms, one in Psilocybe species and another in fiber cap mushrooms. The finding sheds light on convergent evolution and the unique biochemical strategies employed by fungi to produce the same molecule.
Researchers find that albumin triggers a shift in fungal behavior, causing previously non-harmful Candida strains to grow strongly and release toxic compounds.
Researchers have elucidated the molecular composition of a pigment produced by anaerobic bacteria, revealing its role in cellulose degradation. The pigment shows mild antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
The study identified two new families of natural compounds, syrilipamides and secimides, produced by the bacterium. These molecules show remarkable toxicity against competing microorganisms, particularly fungi and amoebae. The discovery also highlights the importance of the SecA enzyme in expanding the chemical repertoire of Pseudomona...
Researchers identified two natural products, pandorabactin A and B, produced by Pandoraea bacteria to complex iron. These molecules may play a role in the survival of these pathogens in iron-poor environments.
A new study reveals that Aspergillus fumigatus infection can unbalance the lungs by creating a microaerophilic niche for bacteria like Ligilactobacillus murinus. This interaction may influence disease progression and enable new treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of understanding the gut-lung axis.
A research team has identified a previously unknown defense mechanism in Pseudomonas syringae, enabling the bacterium to produce chemical compounds that attract amoebae, which are then killed by toxic substances produced by the bacteria. This 'chemical radar' system also helps the bacteria infect plants in the presence of predators.
A study identified unique microbiome signatures associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), allowing for precise diagnoses and new therapeutic approaches. These signatures predict bacterial metabolites and are linked to the development of NAFLD, providing insights into disease mechanisms.
Researchers from Jena have discovered how the soil fungus Mortierella alpina eliminates nematodes using natural products called malpinins. These malpinins accumulate in the digestive tract of nematodes and disrupt their function, leading to a slow but effective control of the pests.
Researchers discovered that RNA modifications enable fungi to evade drug treatment and become temporarily resistant. This finding could lead to better treatment options against fungal infections by targeting specific RNA modification mechanisms.
Muscarine is stored as a phosphorylated precursor and only released when mushrooms are injured, increasing the danger of certain types of fungi.
The 'MiCCrobioTAckle' project investigates the complex interactions between the gut microbiome and tumor cachexia to find ways of slowing down muscle breakdown. Twelve doctoral researchers from twelve countries will work together across Europe, gaining new insights into the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer cachexia.
A study by researchers from Brazil and Germany found that a surface protein on Aspergillus fumigatus spores suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances by immune cells, making it easier for the fungus to infect the body. The enzyme glycosylasparaginase plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers have discovered that sodium chloride can increase the efficiency of antitumoral T cells, leading to improved metabolic fitness and enhanced tumor killing capabilities. This finding has significant implications for adoptive T-cell therapy in cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.
Anaerobic bacteria have survived for ages in oxygen-free niches, influencing human health and environment. The 'AnoxyGen' project aims to unlock their biosynthetic potential using molecular and synthetic biology tools.
Researchers discovered a crucial amino acid exchange that enables PsiM to carry out double methylation during evolution. The enzyme plays a key role in psilocybin production, with implications for biotechnological production of the active ingredient.
The fungus C. albicans uses both yeast and hyphae forms to colonize the intestine efficiently when a complex bacterial community is present. The hyphal form produces Candidalysin, which inhibits bacterial metabolism, giving the fungus a competitive advantage.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI deciphered the function of Candidalysin's unusual protein structure, which reduces pathogenicity and opens up new treatment options. Nanobodies neutralize the toxin, blocking its activity and inhibiting tissue damage.
Researchers discovered the PanH enzyme, which catalyzes the selective epoxidation of cyclohexenones, a challenging reaction to achieve through chemical synthesis. The study shows that this enzyme can produce a large library of substances with improved and more specific activities in biomedical research.
Researchers found that clinical strains of Aspergillus fumigatus differ significantly from environmental strains in amino acid synthesis. The fungus appears to shape the lung microbiome to its advantage, surviving on vital metabolites produced by other microorganisms.
A recent study has shown that the mutual symbiosis between bacteria and fungi can be fragile, as a specific protein maintains the balance. When this protein is absent, the bacteria are trapped within fungal hyphae and die.
Researchers discovered that Streptomyces bacteria produce chemical substances called arginoketides, which trigger biofilm formation, algae aggregates, and fungal signalling. These findings shed light on microbial communication and its impact on soil ecosystems and plant diseases.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...
Researchers discovered that certain bacterial species, including lactic acid bacteria, correlate with high levels of Candida yeasts in the gut microbiome. This suggests a complex interaction between these microorganisms, where lactic acid bacteria may favor Candida proliferation while making the fungus less virulent.
Researchers reconstruct bacterial genomes of Ice Age microorganisms, reviving ancient natural products and discovering new chemical diversity. The team uses synthetic molecular biotechnology to produce chemicals encoded by ancient genes, unlocking the secrets of Earth's past microbes.
Researchers have discovered that fungal spores can exploit the human protein p11 to hijack lung cells and prevent them from destroying the fungus. This finding offers a promising new target for treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infections, which affect over 300,000 people worldwide each year.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
The JIPipe software enables automated analysis of images generated in research without requiring programming skills. Users can create flowcharts and perform automatic image analyses using artificial intelligence.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown property of certain immune cells called Th17 cells, which produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α. This finding sheds light on autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in children and provides new insights into the defense against fungal infections.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered a yellow natural substance that regulates the multicellular stage of the amoeba <em>D. discoideum</em>. The polyketide, dictyoden, prevents premature hatching from spores, maintaining the development cycle. The study provides insights into the complex transition from single- to multicellularity.
A new therapeutic target for melioidosis has been identified by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology. The enzyme BurG synthesizes a toxic molecule central to infection, and inhibiting it could make bacteria less virulent.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI found that lactic acid bacteria nourish intestinal cells, promoting bacterial growth and adapting Candida's metabolism to make it less infectious. This balance restores a healthy state and prevents fungal infections.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict NAFLD development based on gut microbiome data, showing 90% of subjects who developed the disease had subtle differences in their samples. The model combines easily measurable information from blood and microbiome data with high accuracy.
A team of researchers developed a novel chip-based infection model to study invasive aspergillosis, a mold infection that affects the lungs. The model allows for live microscopic observation of damage caused by fungal hyphae and the response of immune cells.
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
Human immune cells occupy certain tissues and remain there for years, contrary to previous belief. T cells found to be optimally adapted to their local environment, potentially supporting barrier function.
A research team at Leibniz-HKI has developed a new method to produce complex natural products, including the precursor to THC, in amoebae. By leveraging the natural properties of the amoeba, they were able to produce a functional inter-kingdom hybrid enzyme that produces olivetolic acid without additives.
Researchers discovered that Candida albicans stimulates human immune cells to release microRNAs, triggering increased fungal growth. The fungus exploits human immune defenses by releasing signal molecules recognized by special immune cells.