Articles tagged with Bacterial Genomes
A Florida Museum study reveals that lice and their vitamin-producing bacterial partners have coevolved continuously for at least 20 to 25 million years. The bacteria's tiny genomes are a result of extensive genome remodeling over time, with genes critical to symbiosis being close together.
Scientists sequenced the genomes of symbiotic bacteria from human lice and their closely related monkey lice counterparts. The data revealed a single-trunked tree suggesting the bacteria have been associated with lice for millions of years.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a master switch that 'switches on' silent biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria, leading to the production of new compounds with anti-parasitic properties. The global regulator, scmR, acts as a gatekeeper for expression and can be eliminated genetically to release molecules of interest.
Scientists uncover a potent genetic element in microorganisms that enable them to self-mutate, expanding the diversity of the tree of life. The discovery reveals how rapid evolution happens in some of Earth's smallest and most common microbes.
New UBC research reveals how Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interact and evolve in cystic fibrosis patients. The study identifies common genes among strains, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Researchers created a three-dimensional map of Mycoplasma pneumoniae's circular chromosome, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study found that the tiny bacterium's genome is organised into distinct structural domains, each containing genes turned on or off in a coordinated way.
A new computational method has been developed to model gene transfers between different bacterial species, revealing that gene transfer occurs both within and between species. The study identified several genes, including those causing antibiotic resistance, and found a significant number of gene transfers across the entire genome.
Researchers found that viruses stimulate the assembly of light-harvesting complexes in host bacteria, allowing for efficient photosynthesis and energy production. This mechanism provides a selective advantage to the virus, enabling it to replicate quickly.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have created the first stable semisynthetic organism that can hold onto synthetic base pair X and Y indefinitely as it divides. This breakthrough uses a combination of genetic tools, including CRISPR-Cas9, to enable the organism to stably maintain the new base pairs.
A new marine bacterium, Fuerstia marisgermanicae, has been named in honour of UQ microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst. The discovery reflects the global scientific community's high regard for Professor Fuerst's contributions to planctomycete research.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a single mutation that enables bacteria to acquire genetic memories of viruses 100 times more frequently than naturally. This breakthrough could facilitate the creation of CRISPR-based recording systems for various applications, including data storage and cancer research.
A study sequencing genomes of Shigella sonnei isolates found two clusters of outbreaks, one causing severe gastrointestinal problems due to a toxin gene acquired from other Shigella species and another resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The findings provide insights into the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified a novel bacterial protein, BefA, that stimulates the growth of insulin-producing cells in zebrafish. This discovery highlights the crucial role of resident microbes in pancreas development and may lead to new diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic approaches for Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at UMass Medical School and the University of Toronto identify naturally-occurring proteins that inhibit Cas9 enzyme, providing greater control over genome edits. This discovery bolsters promise for therapeutic applications and better control over editing.
A team of researchers has captured the first direct observation of diplonemids, a diverse group of single-celled hunters in the ocean. These microbes are found to be abundant, diverse and hunt both bacteria and larger algae.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two promising new antibiotics, humimycin A and humimycin B, produced by bacteria in the human body. The compounds work by inhibiting an enzyme that builds bacterial cell walls, offering a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a method called Knockout Sudoku, which quickly and affordably creates whole-genome knockout collections. This allows for the exploration of genetics outside of model organisms, making it a powerful tool for advancing genetic research.
Researchers at UC Davis created a computer model that predicts the behavior of E. coli bacteria, using a massive dataset called Ecomics, which includes profiles of gene expression and protein activity across various conditions. The model, MOMA, can help scientists design experiments and identify key pathways for antibiotic resistance.
Researchers reconstructed the genomes of over 2,500 microbes from sediment and groundwater samples, revealing an incredible 80% of known bacterial phyla. The discovery sheds new insights into the importance of subsurface microbes in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.
Researchers developed a tool to examine genetic differences within bacterial species, uncovering novel transmission patterns in mother-infant microbiomes. Strain-level analysis revealed that early colonizing strains are transferred from the mother, while late colonizing strains are acquired from the environment.
Researchers found a phage carrying animal-like DNA related to the black widow spider toxin gene, which also shares DNA with animal genomes. This discovery may provide insights into genetic engineering Wolbachia to fight diseases.
Researchers have demonstrated that horizontal gene transfer may play a major role in compensating for genome reduction in endosymbionts. This process involves the acquisition of genes from neighboring bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which fills gaps in organelle-localized biosynthetic pathways.
The University of Copenhagen is receiving $1 million to research manipulating intestinal flora for obesity prevention. The project, PhageGut, aims to use lytic phages to shape the composition of the intestinal flora and prevent obesity.
Researchers analyzed genomes from 1,167 bacterial species, finding that the number of copies of ribosomal RNA genes predicts growth rate and efficiency. The study provides insights into microbial strategies for rapid or efficient growth, with implications for predicting behavior in response to human activities.
Researchers discovered a new genus of bacteria, Frackibacter, thriving in hydraulic fracturing wells alongside other microbes. The microbes form self-sustaining ecosystems providing their own food sources, and some are even producing methane, a potential supplement to the wells' energy output.
Researchers have reconstructed the first high-quality genome of the Justinianic strain of Yersinia pestis, shedding light on the evolutionary history of the plague bacterium. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of the pathogen and its human impact.
Researchers have successfully modified a living genome by replacing multiple codons with alternatives, paving the way for fully recoded organisms. The study, which reduced the number of codons in E.coli from 64 to 57, provides critical insights into creating functional altered genomes.
Scientists have discovered that newly found SAR11 bacteria are depleting oxygen and nitrogen in the world's largest oxygen minimum zone, making virtual dead zones even more inhospitable to life. This process has significant implications for global nutrient supplies and greenhouse gas cycles.
A study published in Nature found that the majority of new genetic mutations in E. coli bacteria are beneficial and occur at variable rates, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery has implications for treating bacterial infections and may impact personalized medicine.
A team of researchers sequenced 264 complete genomes from Richard Lenski's long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) to examine how E. coli bacteria changed over 50,000 generations. They found more than 14,000 changes across 12 populations, with mutations concentrated in genes that gave the bacteria a competitive edge.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified intestinal bacteria as a possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis and found a link between specific microbiota and the disease. Testing for certain gut bacteria may help predict and prevent rheumatoid arthritis, with potential applications in personalized treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully diagnosed or ruled out suspected brain infections using next-generation genetic sequencing. The technique has the potential to bring diagnosis rates for inflammatory brain disorders and infections closer to 100 percent, enabling more effective treatment.
Scientists developed MetaFast, a software tool that rapidly analyzes metagenomes to identify previously unknown pathogens and develop personalized medicine. The algorithm can work with unknown environments and detect microorganisms like viruses.
Researchers discovered that bacteria in the human gut have specialized functions and are not always beneficial. The study found that certain bacteria can produce unhealthy compounds when fermenting proteins, contradicting previous assumptions about the link between diversity and host health.
Recent research reveals that antibiotic-resistant strains may be fitter and more virulent, complicating the fight against bacterial infections. The discovery challenges the long-held paradigm of a fitness cost associated with antibiotic resistance.
Scientists compared 64 Staphylococcus aureus strains' genomes to develop a comprehensive understanding of the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance. The study revealed that 19% of genes are essential for life, while dispensable genes offer advantages in specific environments.
Researchers discovered that stick insects can produce microbial enzymes, including pectinases, which degrade plant cell walls. This 'horizontal gene transfer' occurred between 110 to 60 million years ago, allowing the insects to break free from their microbiome's digestive capabilities.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a computational network model called iCEL1273, which enables the analysis of nutrient interactions in C. elegans. The study provides new insights into how different macro- and micronutrients contribute to energy generation and biomass production.
Scientists have discovered that a tiny ocean organism called Pelagibacterales is playing an important role in the regulation of the Earth's climate. The bacterial group produces dimethylsulfide (DMS), a gas that stimulates cloud formation, and helps to stabilize the Earth's atmosphere through a negative feedback loop. This discovery op...
A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that tiny ocean organisms called Pelagibacterales help regulate the Earth's atmosphere by producing dimethyl sulfide, a gas that stimulates cloud formation and can impact climate stability. The research shows that these bacteria have a previously unknown enzyme for producing DMS.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism driving a bacterium that kills male insects, which could be exploited to control pest species. The study found that the bacteria targets the dosage compensation complex, leading to genome-wide misregulation of gene expression.
Researchers at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have catalogued over 130 human intestine bacteria, enabling them to study the microbiome's role in health and disease. The discoveries hold promise for creating tailored treatments with specific beneficial bacteria.
Researchers have discovered over 1,000 new types of bacteria and Archaea, dramatically expanding the tree of life. The newly added organisms come from diverse environments and are characterized by their genome sequences, offering a new perspective on microbiology and its implications for our understanding of biology.
Scientists from NCBS and NIH have elucidated the pattern of DNA supercoiling across the genome of E. coli, finding that it varies locally across genes. The study reveals that bacterial cells regulate gene expression by altering the structure of their genomes in response to environmental changes.
Scientists discovered that microorganisms recognize multiple codons for the rare amino acid selenocysteine, expanding our understanding of the genetic vocabulary. The findings also highlight the context-dependency of the genetic code and its potential plasticity.
Researchers designed a minimal bacterial genome containing only essential genes for life, consisting of 473 genes. The JCVI-syn3.0 platform represents a versatile tool for investigating the core functions of life.
Scientists have identified the genetic makeup of deadly E. coli strains, which kill hundreds of thousands worldwide each year. The study could lead to better understanding of bacterial damage and more effective treatments for diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of child mortality.
The completed genetic blueprint of the bedbug reveals key findings on mechanisms for resisting pesticides and mitigating the effects of rough sexual insemination practices. The genome sequence shows genes that encode enzymes and proteins to fight insecticides and reduce traumatic effects of copulation.
A team of researchers has identified a completely new bacterial phylum, dubbed 'Kryptonia', in geothermal springs using metagenomics and single-cell genomics. The novel phylum was found to have unique metabolic pathways and potential biotechnological applications.
Researchers report a new way to identify and discover new natural molecules that could fight human diseases, including leukemia. By analyzing genome data from bacteria, they identified a new compound called tambromycin with anti-leukemia properties.
Researchers found a potentially virulent strain of bacteria in Ötzi's stomach contents, which reacted with his immune system. The discovery sheds light on the coexistence of humans and Helicobacter pylori, suggesting that two strain types may have recombined into today's European version.
A collaboration between computer scientists and geneticists at Stanford University has produced a novel technique for mapping the diversity of bacteria living in the human gut. The new approach revealed a far more diverse community than the researchers had anticipated, with many different strains of the same species identified.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute found that cooperating bacteria form cell clusters to exclude non-cooperating bacteria from their community. This mechanism stabilizes long-term partnerships without requiring complex recognition of potential partners.
Scientists cultivate over half of the bacterial species found on and in the leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a representative collection for microbiota reconstruction. The developed toolkit enables controlled perturbation of microbiota under controlled environmental conditions.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technology that improves gene editing accuracy by nearly 100 fold. The system combines the CRISPR/Cas9 complex with a programmable DNA-binding domain to verify an additional genetic feature before cutting the genome, reducing off-target changes.
Researchers found strong associations between bacterial lineages and age groups, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve vaccine effectiveness. Genome analysis revealed 20 families of Neisseria meningitidis, with three dominant lineages causing 59% of cases over a 20-year period.
Stanford scientists discover tetrahymanol, a fatty molecule used as an indicator for life on early Earth, in bacterial membranes. The finding suggests many bacteria might produce the lipid, challenging conventional wisdom.
Scientists have identified a new bacterium, Dehalogenimonas, that can transform toxic organochlorine compounds into harmless products. The discovery opens the door to bioaugmentation, a low-cost technique for eliminating contaminants from contaminated aquifers.
Researchers have engineered viruses to target specific bacteria, offering a new approach to combatting human disease. The customizable viruses could be used to treat various infections, including those caused by E. coli, Yersinia, and Klebsiella bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully isolated 19 unique phosphonate natural products, including those with antibiotic properties, using genome mining. The discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as malaria and other bacterial infections.