Mostly Microbes and Infection - by David Ojcius

Using chemically induced  Effector-Triggered Immunity ( ETI) and single-cell transcriptomics in Arabidopsis leaves, researchers show that although pathogen effectors are broadly perceived, individual cell types mount distinct immune responses. A shared defense core is complemented by specialized programs shaped by cell identity and chromatin state. Epidermal regulators are crucial for preventing pathogen entry, revealing a layered, spatially organized plant immune system.

Scientists identified TgPRO, the first dedicated regulator of metabolic gene expression in apicomplexan parasites. In Toxoplasma gondii , TgPRO helps parasites adapt to crowding-induced oxidative stress by controlling genes involved in carbon metabolism and iron-sulfur cluster assembly. Loss of TgPRO increased reactive oxygen species and reduced fitness, revealing a convergently evolved metabolic control mechanism.

Researchers found that insoluble dietary fiber slows colorectal cancer progression in mice by altering gut microbiota and reducing production of the tumor-promoting ganglioside GM3. Fiber lowered levels of Paramuribaculum intestinale and a glycosphingolipid-related microbial enzyme, while GM3 was shown to stimulate tumor growth and inhibit cancer cell apoptosis.

Three Chlamydia species infect humans: C. trachomatis , C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci . C. trachomatis is the leading bacterial sexually transmitted infection, often asymptomatic but capable of causing pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and neonatal infections. It also causes trachoma, a major source of preventable blindness. C. pneumoniae causes respiratory illnesses and may be linked to cardiovascular disease. Chlamydial infections occur worldwide, with trachoma concentrated in poorer regions. Globally, about 89 million new sexually transmitted cases arise annually.    

Many people who walk by Bastille don't realize that there's a pretty little alley a few meters from the crowded cafés.

Clouds are more than water droplets. They host active microbial communities and, potentially, vast numbers of viruses. This article explores evidence that the global cloud virome contains roughly 10²¹ virus particles, examines how virus-bacteria interactions may shape microbial ecology during atmospheric transport, and highlights key research priorities for understanding the ecological role of the cloud virosphere.