The evolution of alkaliphilic biofilm communities in response to extreme alkaline pH values
Flocculants were used to seed biofilms in alkaline conditions (pH 11.0 –13.0). Biofilms had pH and redox values lower than that of the external environment. Extracellular polymeric materials comprising the biofilm may play a role in these changes. AbstractExtremes of pH present a challenge to microbial life and our understanding of survival strategies for microbial consortia, particularly at high pH, remains limited. The utilization of extracellular polymeric substances within complex biofilms allows micro-organisms to obtain a greater level of control over their immediate environment. This manipulation of the immediat...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - August 16, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Christopher J. Charles,
Simon P. Rout,
Brian R. Jackson,
Sally A. Boxall,
Sirwan Akbar,
Paul N. Humphreys Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Bacteriocin ‐phage interaction (BaPI): Phage predation of Lactococcus in the presence of bacteriocins
In this study, we have studied how bacteriocins may influence the progress of phage infection in dairy starter bacteria. Our results show that phage predation is indeed facilitated by particular bacteriocins depending on their mode of action, anticipating detrimental consequences for milk fermentations. AbstractBacteriophages infecting dairy starter bacteria are a leading cause of milk fermentation failure and strategies to reduce the risk of phage infection in dairy settings are demanded. Along with dairy starters, bacteriocin producers (protective cultures) or the direct addition of bacteriocins as biopreservatives may b...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - August 16, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Claudia Rendueles,
Susana Escobedo,
Ana Rodr íguez,
Beatriz Martínez Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Heterogeneous glycosylation and methylation of the Aeromonas caviae flagellin
Flagellin glycosylation is required for swimming motility inAeromonas. Here, we show that O-glycosylation was heterogeneous with no serine or threonine sites that were constantly glycosylated, and mutation of several sites was found to affect motility. Data herein suggest that hydrophobic amino acids play a role in the glycosylation process. AbstractBacterial swimming is mediated by the rotation of a flagellar filament. Many bacteria are now known to be able toO-glycosylate their flagellins, the proteins that make up the flagellar filament. For bacteria that use nonulosonic acid sugars such as pseudaminic acid, this glycos...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - July 19, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Rebecca C. Lowry,
Laila Allihaybi,
Jennifer L. Parker,
Narciso A. S. Couto,
Graham P. Stafford,
Jonathan G. Shaw Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Improved fluorescent Listeria spp. biosensors for analysis of antimicrobials by flow cytometry
For screening of novel antimicrobial compounds, we developed improvedListeria spp. biosensor strains. By using pH-dependent fluorescence, a quick readout of the integrity status of the cell is possible. We further demonstrate the assessment of cell integrity of the sensor bacteria on the single-cell level by flow cytometry. AbstractThe global increase in antibiotic resistance of pathogenic microorganisms requires the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobials. Bacterial biosensors expressing fluorescent proteins such as pHluorin variants are suitable for high-throughput screenings. Here, we presentLister...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 30, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sebastian J. Reich,
Jonas Stohr,
Oliver Goldbeck,
Bastian Fendrich,
Peter Crauwels,
Christian U. Riedel Tags: COMMENTARY Source Type: research
Issue Information
(Source: MicrobiologyOpen)
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 30, 2022 Category: Microbiology Tags: ISSUE INFORMATION Source Type: research
Identification of acetylated diether lipids in halophilic Archaea
Archaea-type ether lipids have been found recently in Bacillales. They are monoether lipids with a C35 isoprenoid chain and are diacetylated by theO-acetyltransferase YvoF. Phylogenetic studies implied that YvoF homologs also occur in Halobacteria (Archaea). Here we show that YvoF fromHaloferax volcanii has ether-lipid-specific acetyltransferase activity in vitro. Furthermore, we provide a mass spectrometric identification of acetylated archaeol and acetylated archaetidylglycerol inH. volcanii andHalobacterium salinarum for the first time. AbstractAs a hallmark of Archaea, their cell membranes are comprised of ether lipids...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 9, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Cosimo Kropp,
Julius Lipp,
Anna Lena Schmidt,
Christina Seisenberger,
Mona Linde,
Kai ‐Uwe Hinrichs,
Patrick Babinger Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Introduction to the principles and methods underlying the recovery of metagenome ‐assembled genomes from metagenomic data
Metagenomics greatly facilitates the identification and characterization of known and novel microorganisms. The plethora of available bioinformatics tools with various levels of complexity rely on (shared) fundamental principles and methods, which are often not detailed or scattered. Here, we review these principles and methods with a focus on reconstructing individual genomes from metagenomics data by integrating DNA sequencing, assembly, binning, identification and annotation. AbstractThe rise of metagenomics offers a leap forward for understanding the genetic diversity of microorganisms in many different complex environ...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 9, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gleb Goussarov,
Mohamed Mysara,
Peter Vandamme,
Rob Van Houdt Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research
Analyses of locomotion, wing morphology, and microbiome in Drosophila nigrosparsa after recovery from antibiotics
We found no effect of tetracycline on locomotion inDrosophila nigrosparsa and differentiation of wing shape and differences in bacterial diversity between the control and gut-restoration groups three generations after tetracycline treatment. AbstractAntibiotics, such as tetracycline, have been frequently used to cure arthropods ofWolbachia endosymbionts. After the symbionts have been removed, the hosts must recover for some generations from the side effects of the antibiotics. However, most studies do not assess the direct and indirect longer-term effects of antibiotics used to removeWolbachia, which may question the exact...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 9, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Simon O. Weiland,
Matsapume Detcharoen,
Birgit C. Schlick ‐Steiner,
Florian M. Steiner Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Synthetic propeptide design to enhance the secretion of heterologous proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used for heterologous protein production but often secretes at comparatively low levels. To improve this, a secretion-enhancing peptide cassette was added to the target protein and the propeptide was optimized using three key parameters:N-glycosylation, net negative charge balance, and glycine-rich flexible linker. Production of the model protein, the human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, was increased by 190% compared to the original propeptide. This stepwise rational design is a promising strategy applicable to other heterologous proteins. AbstractHeterologous protein production ...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - June 9, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ji Sung Cho,
Hye Ji Oh,
Young Eun Jang,
Hyun Jin Kim,
Areum Kim,
Jong ‐Am Song,
Eun Jung Lee,
Jeewon Lee Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Biocatalytic quantification of α‐glucan in marine particulate organic matter
α-Glucans can be quantified alongside laminarin in marine particulate organic matter samples using structure-specific hydrolytic enzymes in combination with glucose detection by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection. This enzymatic method is a new tool for the characterization and quantification of specific algal glycans in the ocean, which is important to understanding microbial carbon cycling and carbon sequestration in the marine environment. AbstractMarine algae drive the marine carbon cycle, converting carbon dioxide into organic material. A major component of this produced ...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 27, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Nicola Steinke,
Silvia Vidal ‐Melgosa,
Mikkel Schultz‐Johansen,
Jan‐Hendrik Hehemann Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Downregulation of ammonium uptake improves the growth and tolerance of Kluyveromyces marxianus at high temperature
Uptake of excess ammonium promotes the production of reactive oxygen species and adversely impacts the growth ofKluyveromyces marxianus. Downregulation of ammonium uptake improves the growth and tolerance ofK. marxianus at high temperatures. Ammonium toxicity inK. marxianus mitigated by potassium may depend on theKIN1 gene. AbstractThe growth and tolerance ofKluyveromyces marxianus at high temperatures decreased significantly in the synthetic medium (SM), which is commonly used in industrial fermentations. After 100 days of adaptive laboratory evolution, a strain named KM234 exhibited excellent tolerance at a high temperat...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 25, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Yi Ai,
Tongyu Luo,
Yao Yu,
Jungang Zhou,
Hong Lu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
A comparative study of the fecal microbiota of gray seal pups and yearlings ‐ a marine mammal sentinel species
We examined rectal swabs from the pups and yearling gray seals to gain further understanding into the effects of age-related changes and three different natal terrestrial habitats on seal pup fecal microbiota. This preliminary study suggests a general trend, that seal microbiomes are modified by both age and, in pups, different terrestrial habitats. Furthermore, knowledge of the microbiota species present has the potential to be used in determining the environmental quality index. AbstractGray seals (Halichoerus grypus) can act as sentinel species reflecting the condition of the environment they inhabit. Our previous resea...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 23, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Craig A. Watkins,
Taylor Gaines,
Fiona Strathdee,
Johanna L. Baily,
Eleanor Watson,
Ailsa J. Hall,
Andrew Free,
Mark P. Dagleish Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Clp ATPases differentially affect natural competence development in Streptococcus mutans
In this study, we usedStreptococcus mutans, an oral bacterium, to determine how cell density affects competence development. We found that inS. mutans the transformation efficiency is maximum when the transforming DNA was added at low cell density and incubated for 2.5 h before selecting for transformants. We also found thatS. mutans cells remain competent until the mid-logarithmic phase, after which the competence decreases drastically. Surprisingly, we observed that individual components of Clp proteolytic complexes differentially regulate competence. If the transformation is carried out at the early growth phase, bot...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 17, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Satya D. Pandey,
Indranil Biswas Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Characterization and microsatellite marker development for a common bark and ambrosia beetle associate, Geosmithia obscura
The diagnostic capabilities of the markers developed here will support and inform several critical next steps for addressing our knowledge gaps about fungi from the genusGeosmithia andG. obscura specifically. Specific markers will be used to guide screening efforts that will assist with additionalG. obscura isolate recovery, which is needed to validate the potential for pathogenicity. Enhanced screening efforts also will help articulate interactions with potential arthropod associates that may be serving as vectors for the fungus. Results from such work are expected to provide a benchmark for future population studies and ...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 16, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Grace M. Pietsch,
Romina Gazis,
William E. Klingeman,
Matthew L. Huff,
Margaret E. Staton,
Miroslav Kolarik,
Denita Hadziabdic Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
Seasonal phytoplankton and geochemical shifts in the subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer of a dimictic ferruginous lake
This study investigates the relationship between dissolved iron and the SCML within the dimictic, ferruginous lake Grosses Heiliges Meer in northern Germany. The occurrence of the SCML under nonferruginous conditions in the spring and ferruginous conditions in the fall are context to explore temporal changes in the phytoplankton community and indicators of primary productivity. Results indicate that despite more abundant chlorophyll in the spring, the SCML sits below a likely primary productivity maximum within the epilimnion, inferred based on colocated dissolved oxygen, δ13CDIC, and pH maxima. The peak amount of chlorop...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - May 16, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Elizabeth D. Swanner,
Marina W üstner,
Tania Leung,
Jürgen Pust,
Micah Fatka,
Nick Lambrecht,
Hannah E. Chmiel,
Harald Strauss Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research
