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 at Rice University have developed a synthetic origin of replication for plasmids, allowing for precise control over copy numbers and eliminating incompatibility issues. This innovation enables scientists to modify plasmids instead of workarounds, simplifying experimental workflows and expanding possibilities.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that bacterial cells use SMC proteins to enable the separation of their circular chromosomes during replication. This process relies on repulsive forces strengthened by SMC, allowing the cell to split neatly into two with its own copy of DNA.
Researchers created a bacterial evolutionary map that tracks plasmid gene exchange and identifies barriers to treatment. The study reveals new insights into the co-evolution of plasmids and E. coli strains, paving the way for targeted therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new RNA barcoding method allows researchers to track gene transfer in bacterial communities without disrupting their natural environment. The technique has potential applications in predicting antibiotic resistance outbreaks, engineering microbiomes for pollution cleanup, and programming microbes for specific tasks like producing bio...
Researchers have discovered a complex mechanism that allows bacteria to build resistance to antibiotics, involving a KorB-KorA regulatory system. This finding offers a fresh insight into long-range gene silencing in bacteria and provides a potential target for novel therapeutics.
A new study reveals that anti-defense genes near the DNA entry point enable plasmids to overcome CRISPR system, promoting genetic transfer between bacteria. This discovery could pave the way for developing tools to address antibiotic resistance and genetic manipulation methods.
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.
Providencia rustigianii carries a type III secretion system and cytolethal distending toxin virulence gene, increasing its pathogenicity, similar to Salmonella.
Researchers found that zinc supplements can inhibit the transfer of AMR plasmids, reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. The study provides hope for developing an inexpensive and effective method to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers discovered a bacterial defense strategy involving two proteins that team up to disable plasmids, which could be applied to gene editing. Guide DNA and a functional protein are key components of this system, showing promise for targeted genome editing.
New study reveals two novel mechanisms that contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, accelerating the growth of resistant bacteria during treatment. These mechanisms can occur independently and are linked to increased gene copy number variation and heteroresistance, complicating treatment for patients.
Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.
A team of researchers developed a computational simulation that explains key mechanism of DNA segregation, providing new insights into the distribution of genetic information during bacterial cell division. The study reveals fundamental biochemical principles relevant to synthetic biology and medical applications.
A new computational technique analyzes bacterial genetic sequences to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance over time. The study found that resistance genes most likely to spread are those on conjugative plasmids and targeting specific antibiotics, with many coming from a single source.
Scientists discovered a new hexameric structure of RepB protein, which initiates DNA replication for antibiotic resistance plasmids. The study highlights the importance of developing new antibiotics and understanding how resistance spreads.
A global study reveals that antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria are driven by various factors, including geographic regions and hosts. The research identifies key genes conferring resistance to critically important drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms of transmission and the need for collaborative interventions.
A study found that 'harmless' Listeria innocua strains are developing resistance to temperature, pH, dehydration and other stresses, as well as hypervirulence similar to pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The strains were collected from raw, dried and processed meats at commercial food processing facilities in South Africa.
Researchers have found that hypermucoviscous K pneumoniae strains carry higher rates of virulence genes and are less responsive to conventional drugs. These strains are thicker and stickier than previous strains, making them more challenging to treat with antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered proteins that mediate intimate contacts between bacteria, enabling DNA transfer and resistance to antibiotics. Understanding this process can help develop new approaches to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about how GI bacteria communicate with each other during gene transfers. This new understanding may lead to innovative approaches in preventing hospital infections without increasing antibiotic resistance.
The study found two DNA defense systems in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that work together to eliminate plasmids and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. These defense systems, called DdmDE and DdmABC, are encoded within distinct pathogenicity islands and help the bacteria survive pandemics.
A new EU-funded project, MUSIC, will investigate how bacterial defences influence the spread of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) between bacteria. MGEs can change key traits of bacteria, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that resistant bacteria can hide resistance genes in inactive bacteria within biofilms, creating a reservoir of resistance that can be drawn upon when antibiotics are not present. This new understanding challenges the long-held assumption that resistant bacteria lose their res...
A team of Harvard researchers created an integrated pipeline, STAMPScreen, to help genetic engineers identify target genes and perform screening studies. The protocol combines computational tools with lab experiments to quickly and efficiently test gene function in living cells.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have discovered mutant genes that facilitate genetic transfer between bacteria and other organisms across different kingdoms, including fungi and protists. The study suggests that these genes work together to activate or repress the conjugation mechanism, enabling cross-kingdom transfer.
Researchers have discovered that toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems play a crucial role in plasmid replication and bacterial antibiotic resistance. The presence or absence of plasmids significantly impacts a bacterium's ability to cause infection.
Computational research reveals that genetic transfer between bacteria may be more widespread than expected, with plasmids containing resistance genes found in various environments and species. This could lead to rapid development of resistance in human pathogens.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new model that predicts the persistence of genetic packages in bacterial populations. The model, dubbed 'persistence potential,' uses five variables to determine whether a plasmid will thrive or fade away.
A strain of oral bacteria has been found to be associated with severe ulcerative colitis. The discovery offers new avenues for research into the prevention and treatment of IBD. Researchers believe that targeting the oral cavity could help reduce the load of the bacteria, potentially leading to new therapies.
Researchers discovered three primary routes of transmission for antibiotic resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae via plasmids. Long-read sequencing technology enabled complete plasmid sequence analysis, revealing the importance of including plasmids when tracking antibiotic resistance.
Researchers created a way to track the spread of Agrobacterium, a bacterium causing crown-gall disease affecting over 100 plant species, worth $16 billion annually. The method can also be applied to human and animal diseases and foodborne outbreaks.
Agricultural Research Service scientists and OSU collaborators have developed a new genetic way to trace the spread of Agrobacterium, a bacterial plant pathogen causing crown-gall disease in fruit trees and other plants. The method allows tracking disease outbreaks by analyzing plasmid transmission among bacteria.
Researchers found that genetic makeup of mice can influence transfer of antibiotic-resistant plasmids, suggesting new ways to stop resistance. The study analyzed how plasmids spread in genetically different groups of mice, leading to discovery of potential host factors triggering or reducing plasmid transfer.
A new probiotic drink has shown promise in combating antibiotic resistant bacteria by targeting the genetic basis of resistance. The drink, engineered with a key genetic element, works by preventing plasmids from replicating and displacing resistance genes.
A new strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae was discovered in 2017 and found to be resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. A recent study identified an easily transmitted DNA piece that can make this superbug even more deadly and hyper-virulent, posing a significant threat to human health.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have successfully genome-edited a dairy bull to prevent it from growing horns, and their findings show that none of its offspring developed horns. The study also highlights the need for screening and selection to address plasmid integration when using genome-editing in livestock.
Scientists engineer a plasmid that removes antibiotic resistance genes from Enterococcus faecalis, reducing its abundance by threefold in mouse models. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas9 and aims to combat antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a gene that makes Salmonella resistant to colistin, the drug of last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections. The mcr-3.1 gene was found in a human patient who had traveled to China two weeks prior to becoming ill with a Salmonella infection.
A new DNA analysis technique reveals insights into how ecosystems respond to climate change and environmental shifts by studying microbial genes. Microorganisms play a vital role in shaping ecosystems, and analyzing their plasmidome helps scientists understand the history of an environment.
Researchers identify key step in transmission of antibiotic resistance and develop novel strategy to interrupt its spread. By understanding how plasmids interact with bacterial defenses, scientists can design therapies that prevent drug resistance from spreading, safeguarding future treatment options.
A hospital outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) revealed that resistance genes were being shared among unrelated bacteria via plasmids and other mobile genetic elements. This finding highlights the need to expand infection control efforts to include multiple strains and species to halt outbreaks.
Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.
A team of OSU researchers identified beneficial and pathogenic species of Rhodococcus bacteria using genome sequencing. The study found that plasmids, separate DNA molecules, facilitate the transition between these two forms of bacteria.
New research at Los Alamos National Laboratory develops a DNA detection method that can accurately distinguish virulent bacteria from harmless look-alikes. The study identifies specific plasmid features in environmental species that differentiate pathogenic Francisella tularensis strains from non-threat agents.
Researchers at UC San Diego have invented a new method for controlling gene expression across bacterial colonies by engineering dynamic DNA copy number changes. This approach allows for the regulation of gene expression, enabling the creation of synthetic biological circuits that can be turned on and off.
A new study reveals that small DNA molecules known as plasmids accelerate the evolution of new forms of antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are found in many bacteria and are capable of transferring resistance genes between them.
Bacteria have a flexible immune system called CRISPR-Cas that can remember and destroy invading DNA. A new study reveals how this system selects new memories from mutated threats, proposing a positive feedback loop to reduce the risk of evading defences.
Researchers isolated MCR-1 gene from a diabetic patient's foot infection in Brazil, marking the first detection of the gene in humans. The discovery highlights the potential for antibiotic resistance to spread within countries.
A French team of researchers discovered that acquired antibiotic-resistant plasmids rarely drop their resistant genes even when selection pressure is absent. The study, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, focused on extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a key protein that drives DNA copying in plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus bacteria. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may develop new ways to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant plasmids.
Research reveals that bacterial plasmids, which cause disease in plants, come with a high cost, but also confer benefits to the bacteria. Non-pathogenic plasmids can
Scientists at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute investigated disease-causing E. coli strains, discovering they use plasmids to resist acidic conditions and form biofilms, critical for infection. The study aims to develop a vaccine capable of cross-protecting humans and birds.
A recent study reveals that antibiotic resistance genes can quickly spread between different types of bacteria using conjugative plasmids. The research found that these plasmids can adapt to various bacterial species and even combine with other plasmids, increasing the potential for gene transfer.
Researchers found that bacteria cells start dividing normally but unexpectedly 'pop' when the colony reaches a certain density. This phenomenon is linked to the amplification of plasmids in response to cell density, highlighting the importance of considering hidden interactions in engineered gene circuits.
Advances in DNA vaccine technology have led to improved efficacy and effectiveness compared to traditional vaccines. New approaches in electroporation and vector design are driving growth in the field, with several promising therapeutic vaccines being developed.
Scientists from Uppsala University have successfully introduced plasmid-based methods into Physcomitrella moss cells, opening doors to powerful techniques in plant research. This breakthrough enables gene cloning and overexpression directly in plant cells without the need for single-cell organisms like bacteria or yeasts.
Researchers identified a new strain of Chlamydia that spread rapidly across Sweden due to an evolutionary 'hiccup' in its genetic code, allowing it to evade most established diagnostic tests. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of the bacterium and highlights the need for updated diagnostic tools.
Ethan Clark Garner has won the top award for understanding DNA segregation, assembly and regulation of bacterial actin-like proteins. His research has focused on a minimal DNA segregating machine that ensures dividing bacteria provide both halves with duplicate genetic material.