Harnessing human microbiomes for disease prediction
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 20:S0966-842X(23)00339-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.004. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe human microbiome has been increasingly recognized as having potential use for disease prediction. Predicting the risk, progression, and severity of diseases holds promise to transform clinical practice, empower patient decisions, and reduce the burden of various common diseases, as has been demonstrated for cardiovascular disease or breast cancer. Combining multiple modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including high-dimensional genomic data, has been traditionally favored, but few studies have inco...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 21, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Yang Liu Muhamad Fachrul Michael Inouye Guillaume M éric Source Type: research

Forecasting antimicrobial resistance evolution
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 18:S0966-842X(23)00361-X. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.009. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health issue. Current measures for tackling it comprise mainly the prudent use of drugs, the development of new drugs, and rapid diagnostics. Relatively little attention has been given to forecasting the evolution of resistance. Here, we argue that forecasting has the potential to be a great asset in our arsenal of measures to tackle AMR. We argue that, if successfully implemented, forecasting resistance will help to resolve the antibiotic crisis in three ways: ...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 18, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Jens Rolff Sebastian Bonhoeffer Charlotte Kloft Rasmus Leistner Roland Regoes Michael E Hochberg Source Type: research

Latex - a potential plant defense against microbes
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 13:S0966-842X(23)00362-1. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.010. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLaticifers - among the most common defensive reservoirs in plants - are hypothesized to benefit plant fitness by preventing microbes from entering wounds. I argue that while latex seals wounds, and can suppress microbial growth, direct evidence that these processes benefit plant fitness is scarce. I outline a roadmap for filling this knowledge gap.PMID:38220579 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.010 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 14, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Meret Huber Source Type: research

Frenemies on the reef? Resolving the coral-Endozoicomonas association
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 1:S0966-842X(23)00323-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.006. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStony corals are poster child holobionts due to their intimate association with diverse microorganisms from all domains of life. We are only beginning to understand the diverse functions of most of these microbial associates, including potential main contributors to holobiont health and resilience. Among these, bacteria of the elusive genus Endozoicomonas are widely perceived as beneficial symbionts based on their genomic potential and their high prevalence and ubiquitous presence in coral tissues. Simultaneous...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 12, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Claudia Pogoreutz Maren Ziegler Source Type: research

Enhancing microbiome research in sub-Saharan Africa
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Feb;32(2):111-115. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.003. Epub 2024 Jan 10.ABSTRACTWhile there are lighthouse examples of microbiome research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a significant proportion of local researchers face several challenges. Here, we highlight prevailing issues limiting microbiome research in SSA and suggest potential technological, societal, and research-based solutions. We emphasize the need for considerable investment in infrastructures, training, and appropriate funding to democratize modern technologies with a view to providing useful data to improve human health.PMID:38212192 | DOI:10...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 11, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kolawole I Ayeni David Berry Chibundu N Ezekiel Benedikt Warth Source Type: research

Swimming towards each other: the role of chemotaxis in bacterial interactions
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 11:S0966-842X(23)00360-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.008. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTChemotaxis allows microorganisms to direct movement in response to chemical stimuli. Bacteria use this behaviour to develop spatial associations with animals and plants, and even larger microbes. However, current theory suggests that constraints imposed by the limits of chemotactic sensory systems will prevent sensing of chemical gradients emanating from cells smaller than a few micrometres, precluding the utility of chemotaxis in interactions between individual bacteria. Yet, recent evidence has revealed surp...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 11, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Justin R Seymour Douglas R Brumley Roman Stocker Jean-Baptiste Raina Source Type: research

Interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and the vaginal microbiota
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 4:S0966-842X(23)00340-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is a proficient colonizer and opportunistic pathogen which can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, aerobic vaginitis, or life-threatening menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Here we explore the complex but underappreciated interactions that S. aureus may impose on the vaginal environment leading to additional disease outcomes.PMID:38182522 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 5, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Carla S Maduta Stephen W Tuffs John K McCormick Karine Dufresne Source Type: research

Interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and the vaginal microbiota
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 4:S0966-842X(23)00340-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is a proficient colonizer and opportunistic pathogen which can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, aerobic vaginitis, or life-threatening menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Here we explore the complex but underappreciated interactions that S. aureus may impose on the vaginal environment leading to additional disease outcomes.PMID:38182522 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 5, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Carla S Maduta Stephen W Tuffs John K McCormick Karine Dufresne Source Type: research

Interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and the vaginal microbiota
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 4:S0966-842X(23)00340-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is a proficient colonizer and opportunistic pathogen which can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, aerobic vaginitis, or life-threatening menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Here we explore the complex but underappreciated interactions that S. aureus may impose on the vaginal environment leading to additional disease outcomes.PMID:38182522 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 5, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Carla S Maduta Stephen W Tuffs John K McCormick Karine Dufresne Source Type: research

Interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and the vaginal microbiota
Trends Microbiol. 2024 Jan 4:S0966-842X(23)00340-2. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is a proficient colonizer and opportunistic pathogen which can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, aerobic vaginitis, or life-threatening menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Here we explore the complex but underappreciated interactions that S. aureus may impose on the vaginal environment leading to additional disease outcomes.PMID:38182522 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.005 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 5, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Carla S Maduta Stephen W Tuffs John K McCormick Karine Dufresne Source Type: research

Host factor KAP1 coordinates temporal control between transcription and replication
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 29:S0966-842X(23)00338-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTemporal control of transcription and replication is necessary for efficient Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Xu et al. identified the KAP1/EA-D/ATM axis as a critical regulator of these processes. This discovery illuminates the collaboration between host and viral factors as an essential interaction for viral reactivation.PMID:38160193 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - December 30, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sarah Preston-Alp Italo Tempera Source Type: research

Host factor KAP1 coordinates temporal control between transcription and replication
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 29:S0966-842X(23)00338-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTemporal control of transcription and replication is necessary for efficient Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Xu et al. identified the KAP1/EA-D/ATM axis as a critical regulator of these processes. This discovery illuminates the collaboration between host and viral factors as an essential interaction for viral reactivation.PMID:38160193 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - December 30, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sarah Preston-Alp Italo Tempera Source Type: research

Host factor KAP1 coordinates temporal control between transcription and replication
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 29:S0966-842X(23)00338-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTemporal control of transcription and replication is necessary for efficient Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Xu et al. identified the KAP1/EA-D/ATM axis as a critical regulator of these processes. This discovery illuminates the collaboration between host and viral factors as an essential interaction for viral reactivation.PMID:38160193 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - December 30, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sarah Preston-Alp Italo Tempera Source Type: research

Host factor KAP1 coordinates temporal control between transcription and replication
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 29:S0966-842X(23)00338-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTemporal control of transcription and replication is necessary for efficient Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Xu et al. identified the KAP1/EA-D/ATM axis as a critical regulator of these processes. This discovery illuminates the collaboration between host and viral factors as an essential interaction for viral reactivation.PMID:38160193 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.003 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - December 30, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sarah Preston-Alp Italo Tempera Source Type: research

Microbial warfare: B. subtilis antagonizes E. coli biofilm formation
Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec 28:S0966-842X(23)00355-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.006. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBiofilm formation helps bacteria to survive environmental challenges. Biofilm development often involves multiple genetic pathways that can be regulated by external signals. Diego Serra and his team (Cordisco et al.) explore how Bacillus subtilis can antagonize Escherichia coli macrocolony biofilm formation via the metabolite bacillaene.PMID:38158310 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2023.12.006 (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
Source: Trends in Microbiology - December 29, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kailyn Jessel Matthew R Chapman Source Type: research