Latest Articles
Genetics and Molecular BiologyCatalase Expression in Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 Is Regulated by a Network Consisting of OxyR and Two RpoH Paralogs and Including an RpoE1→RpoH5 Regulatory CascadeIn silico analysis of the A. brasilense genome showed the presence of multiple paralogs of genes involved in oxidative stress response, which included 2 OxyR transcription regulators and 3 catalases. So far, Deinococcus radiodurans and...
Enzymology and Protein EngineeringA New Group of Modular Xylanases in Glycoside Hydrolase Family 8 from Marine BacteriaXylanases play a crucial role in natural xylan degradation and have been extensively used in industries such as food processing, animal feed, and kraft pulp biobleaching. Some marine bacteria have been found to secrete xylanases. Characterization of novel xylanases from marine bacteria has significance for both the clarification of xylan degradation mechanisms in the sea and the development of new enzymes for industrial application....
Environmental MicrobiologyMethanogens and Iron-Reducing Bacteria: the Overlooked Members of Mercury-Methylating Microbial Communities in Boreal LakesDespite the global awareness that mercury, and methylmercury in particular, is a neurotoxin to which millions of people continue to be exposed, there are sizable gaps in the understanding of the processes and organisms involved in methylmercury formation in aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, we shed light on the diversity of the microorganisms responsible for methylmercury formation in boreal lake sediments. All the...
Environmental MicrobiologyChronic Airway Colonization by Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Cystic Fibrosis Patients Is Not Sustained by Their Domestic EnvironmentAchromobacter spp. are worldwide emerging opportunistic pathogens in CF patients, able to chronically colonize the respiratory tract. Apart from regular consultations at the hospital CF center, patients spend most of their time at home. Colonization from nonhuman sources has been suggested, but the presence of...
Environmental MicrobiologyIn Planta Sporulation of Frankia spp. as a Determinant of Alder-Symbiont InteractionsMost Frankia-actinorhiza plant symbioses are capable of high rates of nitrogen fixation comparable to those found on legumes. Yet, our understanding of the ecology and distribution of Frankia spp. is still very limited. Several studies have focused on the distribution patterns of...
Enzymology and Protein EngineeringVersatile Fungal Polyphenol Oxidase with Chlorophenol Bioremediation Potential: Characterization and Protein EngineeringA novel fungal PPO was heterologously expressed and biochemically characterized. Construction of single and double mutants led to the generation of variants with altered specificity against CPs. Through this work, knowledge is gained regarding the effect of mutations on the substrate specificity of PPOs. This work also demonstrates that more potent biocatalysts for the bioremediation of harmful CPs can be developed by applying site-...
Methods | SpotlightBioaerosol Sampler Choice Should Consider Efficiency and Ability of Samplers To Cover Microbial DiversityAssociating bioaerosol exposure and health problems is challenging, and adequate exposure monitoring is a priority for scientists in the field. Conclusions that can be drawn from bioaerosol exposure studies are highly dependent on the design of the study and the methodologies used. The air sampling strategy is the first methodological step leading to an accurate interpretation of what is present in the air. Applying new molecular...
Microbial EcologyMetagenomic Insights into the Degradation of Resistant Starch by Human Gut MicrobiotaManipulation of gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a promising approach to reduce various noncommunicable diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Specific dietary supplements, including resistant starches (RS), are often a focus, yet comprehensive insights into functional responses of microbiota are largely lacking. Furthermore, unresponsiveness in certain individuals is poorly understood. Our data indicate that...
Microbial EcologyDiversity of Active Viral Infections within the Sphagnum MicrobiomeSphagnum-dominated peatlands play an important role in maintaining atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by modifying conditions in the surrounding soil to favor the growth of Sphagnum over that of other plant species. This lowers the rate of decomposition and facilitates the accumulation of fixed...
- Evolutionary and Genomic MicrobiologyPotentially Mobile Denitrification Functional Genes Identified in Azospirillum sp. Strain TSH58