Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
A multidisciplinary study has identified a novel biofilm regulatory protein called Biofilm Architecture Regulator (BatR) and its role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The discovery may lead to new targets for anti-infective treatments, including those for people with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine discovered that environmental bacteria can acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance genes to disease-causing bacteria in human lungs. This mechanism, previously unknown, could lead to rapid development of extreme antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the potential f...
Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.
Research reveals bacteria rely on circadian clocks to organize colonies, controlling gene expression and pattern formation. The discovery has important implications for understanding bacterial ecology and improving plant growth.
A nationwide study reveals a rapidly-evolving epidemic of community-associated multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae across the US, with over 2,000 samples screened from 42 states. The bacteria's genetic blueprint provides critical updates for public health and potential treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a key process for how gram-negative bacteria attach their outer membrane to the cell wall. The study found that protein PA2854 performs a chemical reaction linking the outer membrane to the cell wall, a crucial step in maintaining the bacterium's health.
Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.
The CCRE survey provides the most comprehensive genomic picture to date of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales across European hospitals. The results reveal heterogeneous yet increasingly concerning epidemiological patterns, suggesting a high risk that carbapenem-resistant E. coli could become endemic in Europe.
A naturally occurring fatty acid called geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) has been discovered to disrupt the ability of MRSA bacteria to stick to human molecules and detect their environment, making it harder for them to cause disease. Researchers tested GGA in mice and found it prevented skin lesions and reduced infection severity.
A new study reveals that bacteria can actively limit the spread of antibiotic resistance genes by deploying molecular gatekeepers called YokF. This mechanism blocks the transfer of beneficial genes, giving microbes a competitive advantage in dense microbial communities.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre discovered a three-gene control hub that enables bacteria to share genes linked to antibiotic resistance. The study found that this mechanism is controlled by a bacterial immune system, which has been repurposed to release gene transfer agents.
Researchers found two strategies used by bacteria to colonize new habitats: acquiring new traits and reducing genome size. This study sheds light on the evolutionary biology of soil microbes, revealing unexpected results about their adaptation to freshwater environments.
A large-scale genetic study identified five capsule types responsible for 70% of multidrug-resistant E. coli infections in Europe. Researchers created a digital database mapping capsule type and E. coli strain to design targeted vaccines and treatments.
A new study found that antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome for up to four to eight years after treatment, with certain types of antibiotics having a stronger impact. The study analyzed data from 14,979 adults and found links between antibiotic use and changes in gut microbiome composition, including diversity of bacterial species.
Researchers have identified three previously unknown genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria in pygmy sperm whales stranded along the southeastern US coast. The discovery raises new questions about microbial pathogens on ocean health and their impact on vulnerable species.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
Researchers discovered a tiny RNA molecule called PreS that helps viruses copy their DNA more efficiently and boost replication in bacterial cells. This discovery provides important insights for designing smarter phage-based therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Scientists have developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance by studying the competition among plasmids within bacterial cells. By isolating individual cells and measuring intracellular plasmid competition, researchers discovered basic properties of plasmid and bacteria fitness and evolution.
A new organism, Solarion arienae, and its unique predatory structure have been discovered, providing insight into the earliest stages of complex life. The research team identified ancient mitochondrial pathways and established a new phylum, Caelestes, reshaping our understanding of eukaryotic evolution.
Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.
A recent study found extensive antibiotic resistance in Haemophilus influenzae, a type of bacteria causing up to 200 million childhood infections. Despite this, the team discovered surprisingly little genetic variation, suggesting a universal vaccine targeting shared features could be developed.
Researchers have discovered a promising new antibiotic, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, which is over 100 times more active than the current antibiotic methylenomycin A. This finding provides hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects millions of people worldwide.
The Global Pathogen Analysis Platform (GPAP) will enable low- and middle-income countries to conduct research and surveillance of infectious diseases independently. The platform aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics by detecting genetic sequences of potential pathogens.
A key molecular player, RfaH, has been identified as a protective shield for bacterial genes, enabling them to survive the hostile environment inside the body. The protein ensures transcription runs to completion, making it an anti-terminator that prevents premature termination of gene expression.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
Researchers have developed a new technique called Dual transposon sequencing to rapidly identify genetic interactions in bacteria. This method reveals vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future antibiotics.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine researchers has found that CRISPR-Cas9 forms immune memories in bacteria by boosting spacer acquisition when RNA levels are low. This discovery expands our understanding of how bacteria safeguard their immune memory and may inspire new ways to design CRISPR-based molecular recording tools.
Researchers found that a pandemic clone of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which causes seafood-related infections, evolved by losing genes involved in putrescine use. This led to stronger biofilms and better human transmission, supporting the virulence trade-off hypothesis.
A new study reveals bacteria can survive inside dust particles transported through desert storms, carrying new genes that may affect human health. The research team identified a beneficial bacterium from the Bacillus subtilis family, which could enhance applications in agriculture, construction, and medicine.
A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology identified Cronobacter sakazakii's genetic survival strategies, revealing a higher prevalence of genes associated with DNA recombination and desiccation resistance. The findings suggest that accessary genes may enable the pathogen to persist in various environments.
Scientists identified a unique protein in bacteria that can trap parts of the membrane, causing damage to other bacteria. This discovery reveals a new 'superfamily' of lipid-trapping proteins, which could have implications for antibacterial development and synthetic biology.
Researchers have identified genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of pandemic cholera strains. These specific combinations of genes and allelic variants grant an advantage in human intestinal colonization, allowing a small subset of Vibrio cholerae to become deadly pathogens.
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 have identified ten hemagglutinin sub-subclades with distinct antigenic variations, explaining why existing vaccines are ineffective against H9N2 AIVs. Key mutations associated with increased infectivity and pathogenicity in mammals have also been found.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Scientists have discovered a new bacterial strain, Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9, that can enhance the growth of soybeans and corn when combined with rhizobia. This partnership reduces fertilizer use, saving Brazilian growers an estimated USD 15 billion annually.
This study found that aging impacts the gut microbiome composition and metabolites differently in male and female rats, influenced by biological sex and mitochondrial DNA. The researchers analyzed fecal samples from genetically diverse rats to assess bacterial changes with age, revealing more significant shifts in females.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
Researchers discovered that erucamide inhibits Type III Secretion injectisome assembly in Gram-negative bacteria, enhancing plant immunity and reducing disease susceptibility. Exogenous application of erucamide protects crops from bacterial diseases, offering a potential biopesticide for sustainable agriculture.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, posing an increasing threat in the U.S. Montana State University's Patrick Secor will study adaptations in Borrelia burgdorferi to illuminate how it circumvents its host's immune system. The goal is to discover new vaccine antigens and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered evidence that plague may have been involved in epidemics a century before the Black Death, challenging previous assumptions about the disease's arrival in Western Eurasia. The study uses historical sources and genetic analysis to propose a new timeline for the plague's emergence.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that cystic fibrosis disrupts the maturation of the gut microbiome in infants, leading to a depletion of health-associated bacteria and potentially poor health outcomes. The study found that the microbiomes of infants with CF remained stunted or delayed in their development compared to healthy infants.
A new study combines genomic-scale microscopy with a technical innovation to capture genes bacteria turn on in different situations and environments. This technology promises to take the study of bacteria to the next level by providing powerful new insights into bacterial behavior, including gene expression and interactions.
Researchers identified a unique genetic signature that can predict bacterial antibiotic resistance. The finding could help develop precision-based treatments and reduce overuse of antibiotics.
Researchers gather data from 400 women to analyze the effects and interactions of Bacterial Vaginosis on immune cells and vaginal tissue, hoping to develop more effective personalized treatments.
A new study finds that pathogens like Listeria and E. coli can survive on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. These biofilms, called plastispheres, protect the pathogens from treatment processes, highlighting a challenge for safely reusing treated water.
Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A team of researchers discovered a mechanism that determines the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum bacteria, revealing a novel link between cell shape and fitness. The study found that an outer membrane porin-lipoprotein complex modulates elongasome movement to establish cell curvature in R. rubrum.
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht has identified 29 novel antibodies against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of drug-resistant infections. The antibodies were found to interact with antigens on the bacterial surface and some act synergistically to neutralize the pathogen.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a streamlined way to engineer bacteriophages, viruses that naturally kill bacteria. The new technique uses retrons to edit phage genomes, allowing for the creation of numerous variants and paving the way for alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers engineered human skin bacteria to produce less lactic acid, attracting fewer mosquitoes to mice. The engineered microbes reduced mosquito attraction by up to 64.4% and also prevented bites.
A study by Michigan State University reveals that certain proteins and peptides in the nasal and oral environments create lubricants for bacterial colonies to move towards vulnerable sites. The discovery provides new insights into how staphylococcus bacteria spread, shedding light on conditions that accelerate their movement.
A study by Dr. Takanori Sekito and colleagues reveals a strong association between vaginal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent cystitis in postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeting both the urinary bladder and vagina is crucial for effective treatment.
The Xanthomonas cucurbitae pathogen that causes bacterial spot has remained genetically uniform across the Midwest, with most isolates sharing over 99% identical DNA sequences. This lack of diversification may hinder the pathogen's ability to evolve and could be leveraged for developing disease-resistant crops.
A new study in Nature Communications reveals that symbiotic bacteria play a critical role in modulating the profile of root secreted molecules, influencing the assembly of a symbiotic root microbiome. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nitrogen nutrition and plant-bacteria interactions.
Researchers at ADA Forsyth Institute discovered a new phage resistance mechanism in the oral microbiome, where ultrasmall bacterial parasites, called Saccharibacteria or TM7, help their host bacteria resist lytic phages. This dynamic ecosystem promotes coexistence between antagonistic organisms.
Researchers found that probiotics in kombucha tea alter fat metabolism in worms, leading to reduced fat stores and lower triglyceride levels. This study suggests possible health benefits of kombucha for humans and informs potential use in complementary healthcare approaches.