Microbiology And Molecular Biology Reviews[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging and tracking in live bacteria: observing proteins in action.
Xiong C, Hao Q, Zhu X … +5 more , Lu C, Zhou Y, Yang X, Wang F, Fu B
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Jun · PMID 41854255 · Full text
SUMMARYLive-cell study at the molecular level is essential for understanding the complexities of bacterial systems and protein functions . While ensemble biochemical approaches have been widely used to characterize prote...
SUMMARYLive-cell study at the molecular level is essential for understanding the complexities of bacterial systems and protein functions . While ensemble biochemical approaches have been widely used to characterize protein functions, they suffer from heterogeneities arising from variations in individual cells' different physiological states and microenvironments. Single-molecule techniques have enhanced our abilities to resolve these heterogeneities by enabling the observation of individual cells and molecules, one at a time. Particularly, fluorescence single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) and single-molecule tracking (SMT) have emerged as powerful tools for real-time, analysis of biomolecular dynamics. SMT can reveal the heterogeneity and dynamic behaviors of individual molecules within their native cellular contexts, providing insights that are often obscured in ensemble studies. This review highlights recent progress on imaging probes and modalities and focuses on several key scientific discoveries in microbial systems, including metal regulation, electron transfer, cell division, and DNA repair. By showcasing novel insights gained from single-molecule imaging techniques, this review underscores their vital role in advancing our understanding of cellular processes at the single-molecule level and discusses future challenges and opportunities in the field.
Velvet regulators as master integrators of development, metabolism, and pathogenicity in filamentous fungi.
Chen W, Son Y-E, Cho H-J … +3 more , Wang Y, Park H-S, Yu J-H
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41729000 · Full text
SUMMARYThe velvet family of fungal regulatory proteins constitutes a unique and evolutionarily conserved set of transcriptional and epigenetic regulators that coordinate development, secondary metabolism, and pathogenici...
SUMMARYThe velvet family of fungal regulatory proteins constitutes a unique and evolutionarily conserved set of transcriptional and epigenetic regulators that coordinate development, secondary metabolism, and pathogenicity in filamentous fungi. Among them, VeA, VelB, VelC, and VosA form dynamic protein complexes that act as molecular hubs, integrating environmental cues such as light and nutrient availability with intrinsic developmental signals. Over the past two decades, extensive genetic, molecular, and biochemical studies-particularly in species-have elucidated the central roles of these regulators in governing asexual and sexual development, spore viability, cell wall integrity, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Recent advances in genome-wide analyses, proteomics, and chromatin mapping have expanded our understanding of how velvet complexes influence chromatin architecture and coordinate transcriptional programs across fungal genomes. Velvet proteins not only regulate gene clusters involved in specialized metabolism but also control developmental transitions and stress responses, including those related to virulence in plant and human fungal pathogens. The interaction between LaeA-a methyltransferase-and velvet proteins further links transcriptional regulation to epigenetic control. This review synthesizes recent findings on the molecular functions, regulatory networks, and evolutionary conservation of velvet regulators, highlighting their emerging significance as master integrators in fungal biology. We also discuss knowledge gaps and future directions, including the therapeutic and biotechnological potential of targeting velvet-mediated regulation.
Mutation-based mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Misra R
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41631831 · Full text
SUMMARYAntibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, with an estimated 1.14 million deaths in 2021 linked to antibiotic resistance. Mutations naturally arise as bacteria evolve to defend against and survive vari...
SUMMARYAntibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, with an estimated 1.14 million deaths in 2021 linked to antibiotic resistance. Mutations naturally arise as bacteria evolve to defend against and survive various environmental challenges, including those exerted by antibiotics. Both overuse and misuse of antibiotics can accelerate selection for resistant bacteria. Misuse can happen when antibiotic treatment ends prematurely, resulting in sub-lethal antibiotic levels. This provides an ideal environment for the proliferation of resistance-causing mutations, which, in some cases, are enhanced further by triggering the synthesis of error-prone DNA polymerases. Low levels of antibiotics are also found in the environment, creating breeding grounds for the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Mutations diminish the impact of antibiotics by three principal mechanisms: (i) reducing antibiotic influx, (ii) elevating antibiotic efflux, and (iii) altering cellular targets of antibiotics. The first two mechanisms confer modest resistance against a broad range of antibiotics; however, in combination with the third target-specific mechanism, they become the foundation of high-level antibiotic resistance. Ultimately, while the manifestation of mutations cannot be prevented, steps can be taken to lower their frequency by carefully considering the need for antibiotic prescription, exploring combination therapies, integrating adjuvants such as efflux pump inhibitors, and minimizing environmental contamination of antibiotics.
Discovery and biosynthesis of antifungal microbial secondary metabolites.
Matio Kemkuignou B, Haahr M, Maleckis M … +1 more , Ding L
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41528137 · Full text
SUMMARYThe high mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, coupled with limited therapeutic options, underscores the urgent need for antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Natural products represen...
SUMMARYThe high mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, coupled with limited therapeutic options, underscores the urgent need for antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Natural products represent a particularly valuable resource, providing structurally diverse and evolutionary refined scaffolds that often outperform those found in synthetic libraries. Historically, microorganisms have proven to be a rich source of antibiotics and other therapeutic agents. Access to diverse phylogenetic lineages and biosynthetic pathways has been essential for antifungal drug development. In this review, we highlight the chemical and biosynthetic diversity of antifungal natural products derived from both fungi and bacteria. We emphasize that microbial natural products continue to play a crucial role in antifungal development, particularly through the integration of natural product chemistry, microbiology, genetics, and advanced omics technologies.
New tools for exploring parasite biology and elucidating host-pathogen interactions in cryptosporidiosis.
Kimball A, Huang W, Saraav I … +7 more , Funkhouser-Jones L, Greigert V, Yang F, Xu R, Feng Y, Xiao L, Sibley LD
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41498623 · Full text
SUMMARYCryptosporidiosis is a major public health concern, the extent of which has only truly been appreciated within the last decade. research has undergone a renaissance, with new insights into population structure, s...
SUMMARYCryptosporidiosis is a major public health concern, the extent of which has only truly been appreciated within the last decade. research has undergone a renaissance, with new insights into population structure, species diversity, and evolution of the parasite driven by the advent of genetic transformation techniques and novel models for culture and . Here, we summarize the impact of these advances on our understanding of this important parasite. In the initial section, we focus on what we have learned about host range and infectivity from comparative genomics, briefly review the public health impact of human infection, and summarize recent findings on immune control and interactions with other gut microbes that influence infection. The second half of the review is devoted to new technical advances that have uncovered novel biological findings. As research on is still in its infancy, we finish by summarizing some of the challenges and opportunities for future research.
Cell wall hydrolases of .
Garde S, Mongal D, Reddy M
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41498622 · Full text
SUMMARYBacterial cell walls are made up of peptidoglycan (PG), a primary load-bearing layer that forms a protective exoskeleton around the cytoplasmic membrane. PG is a heteropolymer composed of glycan chains attached to...
SUMMARYBacterial cell walls are made up of peptidoglycan (PG), a primary load-bearing layer that forms a protective exoskeleton around the cytoplasmic membrane. PG is a heteropolymer composed of glycan chains attached to short peptides that are crosslinked to each other, forming a mesh-like macromolecule that prevents osmotic lysis of the cell. Far from being a static exoskeleton, PG is a dynamic living polymer that undergoes continuous synthesis, expansion, remodeling, and turnover throughout the bacterial cell cycle. Central to the dynamic nature of PG is a finely tuned balance between two seemingly opposite processes-synthesis and hydrolysis. The PG synthases, which are essential for bacterial viability, have long been recognized as excellent drug targets and have therefore been studied extensively for decades. On the other hand, the significance of PG hydrolysis in diverse fundamental PG processes has become increasingly evident in recent years. Bacteria encode several highly conserved PG hydrolases with distinct substrate specificities that contribute to critical cellular processes, including cell wall expansion during growth, cell division, remodeling, and recycling, as well as predation and pathogenesis. Consequently, PG hydrolases represent promising targets for the development of novel antibacterial therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification, physiological functions, and regulatory mechanisms governing the PG hydrolases in the model organism and highlights parallels among related taxa across the bacterial kingdom.
The many journeys of botulinum neurotoxins and the bacteria that produce them-evolutionary, geographic, and research-related movements that have contributed to our understanding of a diverse pathogen.
Smith TJ
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41498621 · Full text
SUMMARYBotulism is a neuroparalytic intoxication caused by a collection of large proteins, known as botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), that are related in amino acid sequence and structure. The extreme potency of BoNTs can b...
SUMMARYBotulism is a neuroparalytic intoxication caused by a collection of large proteins, known as botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), that are related in amino acid sequence and structure. The extreme potency of BoNTs can be traced to their ability to access and enter cholinergic nerve terminals, their enzymatic nature, and their persistence within these cells. The extreme diversity seen among the BoNTs (7 serotypes and 44 subtypes) and the bacteria that produce them (7 species) stands in stark contrast to its close relative, tetanus toxin, which exists as a single protein entity produced by a single bacterial strain. Botulism may take many forms. It can be due to direct ingestion with BoNT (foodborne), or it may be the consequence of germination and toxin production within the body (infant and adult toxicoinfections, wound botulism). As BoNT-producing organisms are soil inhabitants, the cycle that results in botulism begins when the spores of these bacteria are moved to a location that is favorable for its growth and toxin production, be that in foods, humans, or animals. Multiple researchers in the United States did pioneering work concerning the etiology of botulism, including the identification of different types, the recognition of various host sensitivities, and the necessary conditions for germination and toxin production of these bacteria. As part of their work, several large collections of BoNT-producing bacteria were amassed. This review is a culmination of historical events relating to botulism in the United States and provides listings containing source information on strains from various collections that have provided valuable reference bacteria for basic research studies on botulism and the development of diagnostic tests, quality control testing, and botulism treatments and countermeasures, such as antisera and vaccines.
Deleterious consequences of Shiga toxin in the CNS.
Ramos-Aloi AB, Arias LS, Pinto A … +1 more , Goldstein J
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41489386 · Full text
SUMMARYThe primary objective of this review is to provide an update on the most recent findings concerning the adverse effects of Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) on the central nervous system (CNS), from both clinical and...
SUMMARYThe primary objective of this review is to provide an update on the most recent findings concerning the adverse effects of Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) on the central nervous system (CNS), from both clinical and experimental perspectives. Considered the main predictor of death, STEC encephalopathy plays a critical role in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects between 11% and 64% of HUS patients and considerably increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Of note, STEC encephalopathy in the absence of HUS has been observed in approximately 5% of cases. The ability of enterohemorrhagic to adapt to its microenvironment has been responsible for global outbreaks. Once in circulation, Shiga toxin rapidly induces endothelial damage via the Gb3 receptor. Brain inflammation in STEC encephalopathies has been consistently reported and experimentally confirmed. The entry of Shiga toxin into the brain leads to direct neuronal damage through its interaction with neuronal Gb3, as demonstrated in clinical case studies and experimental models. This review also discusses the adverse effects of STEC on the brain, which may arise from metabolic or circulatory disruptions, secondary damage to the CNS, or a multifactorial combination. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of neuroimaging techniques in diagnosing HUS encephalopathy. Efforts have been made to identify early neural biomarkers and develop corresponding treatments. Although various biomarkers have been reported, additional studies are needed for further development and standardization. Late-stage pharmacological treatments for encephalopathy are also discussed, both in clinical settings and experimental research.
Vesicle-driven endomembrane systems in fungi.
Pope RE, Prade RA
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41410470 · Full text
SUMMARYIn fungi, the endomembrane system is a pleiomorphic, dynamic network of organelles, driven by vesicle trafficking pathways, which maintain cellular homeostasis, hyphal polar growth, and the secretion of proteins a...
SUMMARYIn fungi, the endomembrane system is a pleiomorphic, dynamic network of organelles, driven by vesicle trafficking pathways, which maintain cellular homeostasis, hyphal polar growth, and the secretion of proteins and metabolites. In syncytial hyphae, spatial specialization of organelles and other cellular components of the endomembrane system is evident to support growth and adaptation. Young, apical regions of hyphae contain a Golgi-Spitzenkörper-exocyst triad for rapid polar expansion, whereas distal, older hyphal regions employ unconventional secretion via multivesicular bodies (MVBs), septal vesicle fusion, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) to enhance nutrient acquisition for the entirety of the mycelium. Vesicular trafficking integrates distinct endomembrane compartments into specialized pathways that involve vesicle biogenesis, transport, and fusion to sustain polarized growth and secretion. Actin and microtubules provide tracks for vesicle motility, while Rab GTPases regulate vesicle localization and fusion events. The ESCRT machinery governs MVB formation and scission, COPI/II regulate bidirectional endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi transport, SNARE proteins allow for vesicle and target membrane fusion, and the exocyst complex tethers vesicles to exocytic regions of the plasma membrane. Together, these components form dynamic endomembrane assembly lines that coordinate many cellular processes. The "distance hypothesis" predicts that extracellular vesicle-mediated secretion predominates in subapical regions as tip growth slows. This mechanism extends the secretory capabilities of hyphae and promotes broader distribution of secreted enzymes along hyphae. Having a better understanding of spatially regulated secretion pathways will advance our understanding of fungal cell biology and provide strategies to optimize fungi for industrial protein production.
Advancing Africa's bioeconomy and biosolutions through microbial natural product discovery: unlocking indigenous microbe potential for sustainability.
Adeniji AA, Loots DT
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41384918 · Full text
SUMMARYAfrica's rich microbial diversity presents a significant opportunity to drive innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology through microbial natural product discovery. However, despite its p...
SUMMARYAfrica's rich microbial diversity presents a significant opportunity to drive innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology through microbial natural product discovery. However, despite its potential, the continent remains underrepresented in the global bioeconomy due to limited microbial culture repositories, inadequate genomic sequencing infrastructure, and weak commercialization models. This review highlights the critical role of microbial biotechnology in advancing Africa's bioeconomy and outlines a roadmap for leveraging indigenous microbial resources. By exploring the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) database, we compiled the genomic distribution of traditional model and emerging non-model bacterial chassis indigenous to Africa. Although the survey is limited to BV-BRC data, this approach provides a reliable snapshot of microbial bioresources suitable for omics-driven biosolution development. The review integrates database insights with literature evidence to identify key microbial genera for further investigation. Key areas include microbial bioprospecting, functional omics, biofortification, and synthetic biology as drivers of sustainable innovation. Challenges such as scaling up biomanufacturing, bridging research-industry gaps, and establishing microbial biofoundries and biobanks are discussed as critical to strengthening Africa's biotechnology landscape. This paper also emphasizes the importance of enabling policy frameworks, strategic funding mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to accelerate commercialization pathways. By investing in microbial biotechnology, Africa can enhance food security, reduce dependency on chemical synthetic inputs, and address pressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance. Strengthening omics research capacity, expanding biomanufacturing infrastructure, and fostering cross-sector collaboration are essential steps toward unlocking Africa's untapped bioeconomic potential and positioning the continent as a global hub for sustainable biosolutions.
: the still unfolding journey of a misdiagnosed pathogen that became a new species and a new member of the family of attaching and effacing enteric bacterial pathogens.
Yamasaki S, Hinenoya A, Bulach D … +1 more , Albert MJ
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41369580 · Full text
SUMMARY initially identified as , by the commercial identification biochemical strip, API 20E, was isolated from an infant with diarrhea in Bangladesh in 1989. However, this bacterium was later renamed as a novel species...
SUMMARY initially identified as , by the commercial identification biochemical strip, API 20E, was isolated from an infant with diarrhea in Bangladesh in 1989. However, this bacterium was later renamed as a novel species, (after M. John Albert, the discoverer) because of its similarities in biochemical and genetic properties to the genus , but different from those of any known species in the genus. possesses many pathogenic attributes, including a key one, which is the ability to produce attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions in the intestinal mucosa mediated by genes on a 35kb pathogenicity island called the locus of enterocyte effacement. Therefore, it is a member of the family of A/E pathogens. Some of the initially reported enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterohemorrhagic (EHEC), O13, and cytolethal distending toxin II-producing (CTEC-II) were later confirmed as caused sporadic cases of diarrhea and diarrheal outbreaks and rarely extraintestinal infections. was also associated with the death of birds in Scotland, UK, and Alaska in the USA. Not only birds (including chickens) but also mammals, including raccoons, seem to be major reservoirs of suggesting that is an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Specific detection methods and selective and differential media for have been developed for diagnosis. Several isolates have been sequenced, revealing key characteristics of the organism. However, there are still many gaps in knowledge that exist regarding this bacterium. In this review, we will describe what is known about some key facets of this bacterium but also directions of future research to fill the knowledge gap.
Do RND efflux pumps require protomeric cooperativity within the trimer to mediate antimicrobial resistance?
Zhang Z, Klenotic PA, Hung W-T … +4 more , Maharjan R, Kundracik E, Gregor WD, Yu EW
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41334924 · Full text
SUMMARYGram-negative bacteria frequently use efflux pumps of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily to extrude various toxic compounds out of the cell. In particular, the hydrophobe-amphiphile efflux 1...
SUMMARYGram-negative bacteria frequently use efflux pumps of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily to extrude various toxic compounds out of the cell. In particular, the hydrophobe-amphiphile efflux 1 (HAE1) and heavy-metal efflux (HME)-RND families are critical for the export of antimicrobials and heavy metals, respectively. These efflux pumps assemble as trimers at the inner membrane of the bacterium. In this review, structural and functional data are summarized for several of these HAE1 and HME-RND efflux pumps from work performed in our laboratory and others. Experimental results and analyses suggest that individual protomers of these efflux pumps within their respective trimer function independently and in an uncoordinated manner to export substrates. Based on these observations, a molecular mechanism that governs substrate recognition and extrusion for these membrane proteins is proposed. It is our hope that researchers in the field will continue to build upon these efforts and employ various biophysical and biochemical methodologies to fully understand the mechanistic basis of important RND efflux systems.
: host interactions, antifungal drug resistance, and diagnostics.
Chowdhary A, Lionakis MS, Chauhan N
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2026 Mar · PMID 41334918 · Full text
Invasive fungal infections affect approximately 6.5 million people every year. These infections are frequently associated with high mortality rates, often exceeding 50%, even with antifungal therapy. is a multidrug-resi...
Invasive fungal infections affect approximately 6.5 million people every year. These infections are frequently associated with high mortality rates, often exceeding 50%, even with antifungal therapy. is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has a unique ability to grow and persist on human skin. Long-term skin colonization by is a significant medical concern because colonized patients may facilitate inter- and intra-hospital transmission of to other patients. Furthermore, -colonized patients are at risk of developing more serious systemic infections. The diagnosis of infections is often hampered by misidentification, leading to delays in starting appropriate antifungal therapy. Here, we summarize the global burden of candidiasis due to , antifungal drug resistance mechanisms, host and fungal factors affecting skin colonization, current diagnostic approaches, as well as current and future challenges to combat the spread of invasive fungal infections.
Building the bacterial flagellum: coordinating regulation, dynamic assembly, and function.
Einenkel R, Halte M, Sawant SA … +3 more , Erhardt M, Wadhwa N, Popp PF
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41263576 · Full text
SUMMARYBacterial flagella are remarkable rotary machines that enable motility, environmental sensing, and host interaction. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the structure, assembly, and regulat...
SUMMARYBacterial flagella are remarkable rotary machines that enable motility, environmental sensing, and host interaction. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the structure, assembly, and regulation of the flagellum in , emphasizing both common principles and distinctive features across bacteria. We discuss the hierarchical gene regulation, the dynamic mechanics of the motor, and recent structural insights into the flagellar core components. We also reflect on the legacy of Howard Berg, whose foundational work in shaped much of what we know about bacterial locomotion in Gammaproteobacteria. His contributions, from flagellar rotation to chemotaxis and motor dynamics, transformed the field and continue to inspire current research into one of nature's most intricate nanomachines. Finally, we highlight open questions that place bacterial motility within the broader context of cellular processes and call for detailed single-cell observations.
Beyond antibiotic resistance: evidence for resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps as virulence determinants.
Detweiler CS, Alav I
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41263575 · Full text
SUMMARYEarly in evolution, cells acquired the ability to use energy to export waste and toxic products against a concentration gradient. In Gram-negative bacteria, the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamil...
SUMMARYEarly in evolution, cells acquired the ability to use energy to export waste and toxic products against a concentration gradient. In Gram-negative bacteria, the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily of multi-subunit efflux pumps transport toxic molecules to the extracellular milieu. RND efflux pumps require cell-membrane proton motive force to export a wide range of substrates. Within the RND superfamily, Hydrophobe/Amphiphile Efflux 1 (HAE-1) family members have been studied extensively for their critical role in exporting structurally diverse antibiotics and, consequently, their contributions to multidrug resistance. However, HAE-1 RND efflux pumps are also required for pathogen survival in the mammalian host when antibiotics are absent. Here, we investigate the role of HAE-1 RND efflux pumps as virulence determinants. We analyze the genetic evidence that Gram-negative bacterial pathogens require HAE-1 RND efflux pumps to cause infection and briefly discuss the development of therapeutic and prophylactic approaches to interfere with HAE-1 RND efflux pump activity as a complement to existing antibiotics.
The future of .
Detweiler CS
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41217166 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
A roadmap to chemically reactive species: how diverse oxidants affect and other fungi.
Swenson KA, Alberti L, Teele K … +3 more , Yadav A, Shah SJ, Konopka JB
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41217165 · Full text
SUMMARYFungal pathogens cause widespread disease in humans, plants, and animals. Surviving in diverse environments requires fungi to resist attack by a wide range of reactive chemicals, including reactive oxygen species,...
SUMMARYFungal pathogens cause widespread disease in humans, plants, and animals. Surviving in diverse environments requires fungi to resist attack by a wide range of reactive chemicals, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and redox-reactive metal ions. Some of these reactive species are from environmental sources or are the byproducts of cellular metabolism. However, in the case of human pathogens, a major threat is attack by the host immune system that employs chemically reactive species. Previous research on chemical attack by the immune system has often focused on hydrogen peroxide as a model oxidant. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in defining how the broad range of chemically reactive species generated by the immune system damage fungal cells, and the mechanisms used by cells to resist this attack. In particular, the pathways used by s to protect against chemical attack by the host will be highlighted, as the importance of this common human fungal pathogen has made it a focus of much recent research in this area.
Enhancement of viral infection by antibodies and consequences.
Morvan C, Nekoua MP, Debuysschere C … +2 more , Alidjinou EK, Hober D
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41201257 · Full text
SUMMARYAntibodies neutralize the infectivity of viruses, but they can also, on the contrary, enhance the infection by these agents. This harmful effect of antibodies has been described and/or and concerns both DNA and...
SUMMARYAntibodies neutralize the infectivity of viruses, but they can also, on the contrary, enhance the infection by these agents. This harmful effect of antibodies has been described and/or and concerns both DNA and RNA viruses. The dengue virus, belonging to the family, has been particularly studied, as well as members of other families of enveloped viruses but also of non-enveloped viruses, in particular viruses of the genus of the family. Antibodies can enhance the infection of Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-bearing cells as well as cells that do not possess FcγR. Enhancement of infection is achieved because antibodies directed against viruses increase the entry of these agents into cells or inhibit the antiviral immune response. The enhancing activity of antibodies is improved by several factors, such as antibody afucosylation, low antibody affinity, or epitope accessibility, but is also inhibited by specific geometrical arrangements of antibody-virus complexes. The enhancement of viral infection by antibodies may play a role in the pathophysiology of viral diseases and virus-associated chronic pathologies, as well as in the occurrence of epidemics, which was analyzed using mathematical models. In addition, the existence of these enhancing antibodies is considered in the design of active or passive antiviral immunotherapy to fight viruses. This review addresses the issue of enhancement of viral infections by antibodies and their relevance through a critical examination of available arguments provided by and studies.
Effects of cooling on 's DNA organization, structure, and gene expression.
Arsh AM, Azevedo MM, Ribeiro AS
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41196046 · Full text
SUMMARYBacteria are frequently subject to potentially lethal temperature shifts in their natural environments. We review the changes in the structure and dynamics of the gene regulatory network of the bacterium during c...
SUMMARYBacteria are frequently subject to potentially lethal temperature shifts in their natural environments. We review the changes in the structure and dynamics of the gene regulatory network of the bacterium during cold shocks. First, we describe the effects of cold shocks on higher-order cellular structures (cytoplasm and membrane) and functions (growth, division, and biofilm formation). Next, we focus on the nucleoid, DNA supercoiling, topoisomerases, ATP, and nucleoid-associated proteins. Afterward, we describe the mutual effects of changes in transcription dynamics and DNA supercoiling during cold shocks, followed by the consequent genome-wide, time-lapse changes in the transcriptome. Finally, we briefly describe the post-transcriptional effects of cold shocks and the cellular processes of acclimatization. In the end, we discuss how studying this topic can assist in developing temperature-sensitive synthetic genetic circuits, efficient bioindustrial processes, and new means to cope with bacterial antibiotic tolerance.
New chemicals fuel the evolution of microbial biodegradation.
Wackett LP
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41196045 · Full text
Most known chemicals originate from humans, thousands enter industrial usage annually, and new chemicals pose a continuous challenge to microbial evolution. The evolution of microbes to biodegrade new chemicals is crucia...
Most known chemicals originate from humans, thousands enter industrial usage annually, and new chemicals pose a continuous challenge to microbial evolution. The evolution of microbes to biodegrade new chemicals is crucial in protecting human and ecosystem health. New chemical biodegradation requires the evolution of new enzymes and metabolic pathways to meet the challenge. The rate of this process is determined by the structures of the new chemicals and preexisting enzymes, and the available metabolic pathways of the host microbe. Existing metabolism evolved over billions of years in response to naturally occurring chemicals. Natural petroleum is one example. Its diverse chemical structures have provided a training ground for microbial evolution. Similarly, studies on the biodegradation of petroleum have elucidated mechanisms that microbes have recruited to degrade industrial chemicals. Such studies have also led to the concepts of co-oxidation, co-metabolism, and enzyme promiscuity, which underlie new enzyme evolution. The focus of the present review is on evolutionary adaptations leading to the microbial biodegradation of non-polymeric industrial organic molecules. The greatest challenges to microbes and evolution are chemicals synthesized to resist biodegradation. A major current example is for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, often known as PFAS. Most recently, directed evolution and artificial intelligence are being applied to the problems posed by highly resistant chemicals.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe