Microbiota profiling reveals alteration of gut microbial neurotransmitters in a mouse model of autism-associated 16p11.2 microduplication
The gut-brain axis is evident in modulating neuropsychiatric diseases including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chromosomal 16p11.2 microduplication 16p11.2dp/+ is among the most prevalent genetic copy number variations (CNV) linked with ASD. However, the implications of gut microbiota status underlying the development of ASD-like impairments induced by 16p11.2dp/+ remains unclear. To address this, we initially investigated a mouse model of 16p11.2dp/+, which exhibits social novelty deficit and repetitive behavior characteristic of ASD. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis of the gut microbial community and me...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 26, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Tracking and Characterization of a Novel Conjugative Transposon Identified by Shotgun Transposon Mutagenesis
The horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) is an essential process determining the functional and genomic diversity of bacterial populations. MGEs facilitate the exchange of fitness determinant genes like antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Various computational methods exist to identify potential MGEs, but confirming their ability to transfer requires additional experimental approaches. Here, we apply a transposon (Tn) mutagenesis technique for confirming mobilization without the need for targeted mutations. Using this method, we identified two MGEs, including a previously known conjugative transpo...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 26, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Contribution to the characterization of the seed endophyte microbiome of Argania spinosa across geographical locations in Central Morocco using metagenomic approaches
In conclusion, this first exploration of the argan seed endophyte microbiome demonstrated environmental influence on community structure. While facing limitations due to small sample sizes and lack of ecological metadata, it provides a foundation for future mechanistic investigations into how specific endophyte–host interactions shape argan adaptation across Morocco’s diverse landscapes. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

The PII protein interacts with the Amt ammonium transport and modulates nitrate/nitrite assimilation in mycobacteria
In this study we purified the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) PII protein, named GlnB, and showed that it weakly interacts with the AccA3 protein, the α subunit shared by the three different, and essential, Acyl-CoA carboxylase complexes (ACCase 4, 5, and 6) present in M. tb. A M. smegmatis deletion mutant, ∆MsPII, exhibited a growth deficiency on nitrate and nitrite as unique nitrogen sources, and accumulated nitrite in the culture supernatant. In addition, M. tb PII protein was able to interact with the C-terminal domain of the ammonium transporter Amt establishing the ancestral role for this PII protein as a GlnK ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Transcriptome analysis of Gossypium reveals the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling pathway on arsenic tolerance induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
In this study, transcriptomic analysis of Gossypium seedlings was conducted with four treatments: non-inoculated Gossypium under non-As stress (CK0), non-inoculated Gossypium under As stress (CK100), F. mosseae-inoculated Gossypium under non-As stress (FM0), and F. mosseae-inoculated Gossypium under As stress (FM100).ResultsOur results showed that inoculation with F. mosseae led to a reduction in net fluxes of Ca2+, while increasing Ca2+ contents in the roots and leaves of Gossypium under the same As level in soil. Notably, 199 and 3129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were specially regulated by F. mosseae inoculatio...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Genomic and phenotypic analyses reveal Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 is a potential biocontrol agent against cucumber fusarium wilt
This study was set out with the aim of figuring the mechanism of the isolated rhizobacterial strain Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 in preventing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc). Biocontrol and growth-promoting experiments revealed that bacterial strain causes effective inhibition of the fungal disease through a significant growth-promoting ability of plants, and had activities of β-1,3-glucanase, cellulase, amylase and protease. It could produce siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid, too. Using the high-throughput sequencing tool PacBio Sequel II system and the database annotation, the bacterial strain was identi...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Hexose/pentose ratio in rhizosphere exudates-mediated soil eutrophic/oligotrophic bacteria regulates the growth pattern of host plant in young apple –aromatic plant intercropping systems
In this study, we selected young apple trees for intercropping with two companion plants: medium growth-potential Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (TM) and high growth-potential Ageratum conyzoides L. (TA) and conducted mixed intercropping treatment with both types (TMA) and a control treatment of monocropping apples (CT).ResultsOur findings revealed that TM increased the under-ground biomass of apple trees and TA and TMA decreased the above-ground biomass of apple trees, with the lowest above-ground biomass of apple trees in TA. The above- and under-ground biomass of intercrops in TA and TMA were higher than those in TM, with the ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Enterococcus casseliflavus regulates amino acid metabolism in edible insect Clanis bilineata tsingtauica: a functional metagenomics study
This study not only extends our knowledge of gut microbiome in soybean hawkmoths at the species level, but also provides an initial investigation of gene functionality in interaction with insect hosts. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

β-lactam-induced OMV release promotes polymyxin tolerance in Salmonella enterica sv. Typhi
This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the influence of β-lactam antibiotics on the interaction between OMVs and other antimicrobial agents. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Uncovering the diversity of pathogenic invaders: insights into protozoa, fungi, and worm infections
Post COVID-19, there has been renewed interest in understanding the pathogens challenging the human health and evaluate our preparedness towards dealing with health challenges in future. In this endeavour, it is not only the bacteria and the viruses, but a greater community of pathogens. Such pathogenic microorganisms, include protozoa, fungi and worms, which establish a distinct variety of disease-causing agents with the capability to impact the host’s well-being as well as the equity of ecosystem. This review summarises the peculiar characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms utilized by these disease-causing organisms. ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Important soil microbiota's effects on plants and soils: a comprehensive 30-year systematic literature review
Clarifying the relationship between soil microorganisms and the plant-soil system is crucial for encouraging the sustainable development of ecosystems, as soil microorganisms serve a variety of functional roles in the plant-soil system. In this work, the influence mechanisms of significant soil microbial groups on the plant-soil system and their applications in environmental remediation over the previous 30 years were reviewed using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. The findings demonstrated that: (1) There has been a general upward trend in the number of publications on significant microorganisms, includin...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Unveiling the diversity, composition, and dynamics of phyllosphere microbial communities in Alhagi sparsifolia across desert basins and seasons in Xinjiang, China
This study, conducted across three basins (Turpan-TLF, Tarim-CL, and Dzungaria-MSW) and three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) in Xinjiang, China, aimed to explore the diversity and composition of microbial communities in the phyllosphere, encompassing both bacteria and fungi in Alhagi sparsifolia. We also investigated the co-occurrence patterns, influencing factors, and underlying mechanisms driving these dynamics. Results indicate that phyllosphere bacteria exhibited lower diversity indices (ACE, Shannon, Simpson, Fisher phylogenetic diversity, and Richness) in spring compared to summer and autumn, while the Goods Co...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Genetically predicted causal effects of gut microbiota on spinal pain: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
ConclusionThis study establishes a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and SP, shedding light on the “gut-spine” axis. These findings offer novel perspectives for understanding the etiology of SP and provide a theoretical foundation for potential interventions targeting the gut microbiota to prevent and treat SP. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Deletion of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cyp138 gene leads to changes in membrane-related lipid composition and antibiotic susceptibility
IntroductionMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the main cause of tuberculosis (TB), has brought a great burden to the world's public health. With the widespread use of Mtb drug-resistant strains, the pressure on anti-TB treatment is increasing. Anti-TB drugs with novel structures and targets are urgently needed. Previous studies have revealed a series of CYPs with important roles in the survival and metabolism of Mtb. However, there is little research on the structure and function of CYP138.MethodsIn our study, to discover the function and targetability of CYP138, a cyp138-knockout strain was built, and the function of CYP1...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Cross-validation of chemical and genetic disruption approaches to inform host cellular effects on Wolbachia abundance in Drosophila
This study demonstrates methodology for rigorous identification of cellular processes that affect whole-body Wolbachia abundance, as indicated by absolute counts of the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene.ResultsCandidate pathways, associated with well-described infection scenarios, were identified. Wolbachia-infected fruit flies were exposed to small molecule inhibitors known for targeting those same pathways. Sequential tests in D. melanogaster and D. simulans yielded a subset of chemical inhibitors that significantly affected whole-body Wolbachia abundance, including the Wnt pathway disruptor, IWR-1 and the mTOR pathwa...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 25, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research