Mostly Microbes and Infection - by David Ojcius

Predicted bacteriocin genes reveal potential but not function. This review defines four forms of bacteriocin silence—transcriptional, conditional, phenotypic, and ecological—and outlines a function‑first roadmap using condition‑resolved omics, cue‑dissection, structured assays, and defined consortia to link gene catalogs to real ecological impact.

Researchers identify PfSR1‑MT as a melatonin‑responsive GPCR‑like receptor in Plasmodium falciparum . PfSR1‑MT binds melatonin with high affinity, triggers ECD movement and Ca²⁺ signaling, and is selectively activated by ARL34, which inhibits parasite growth and gametocyte development, highlighting a promising antimalarial target.

SCFA‑producing gut bacteria are depleted in Alzheimer’s disease, weakening microbiota‑gut‑brain axis control of neuroinflammation. SCFAs shape microglial and astrocytic states, suppress NLRP3 activation, and influence amyloid, tau, and synaptic integrity. The review evaluates dietary, probiotic, postbiotic, and FMT strategies and outlines biomarker‑guided, personalized therapeutic approaches.

GLP‑1 analogs rely on structural features that enhance stability, receptor affinity, and half‑life. N‑terminal protection, C‑terminal and backbone stabilization, and lipidation drive potency and duration, while structural variation shapes signaling bias. Multi‑receptor agonists and computational design now guide next‑generation incretin therapies.

A cross‑sectional study of SARS‑CoV‑2 patients reveals reduced gut microbial diversity, lower vitamin D, increased Enterococcus faecalis, and loss of key commensals. Functional assays show Bacteroides uniformis can modulate inflammatory responses without altering viral entry. Findings highlight gut microbes’ potential to influence COVID‑19 outcomes and future preparedness.

Rice uses the circadian regulator Nhd1 to time root exudation and coordinate rhizosphere microbial nitrogen cycling. Day‑peaking quercetin 3‑gentiobioside and baseline baimaside activate microbial N‑cycling genes, boosting ammonium availability when plant demand is highest. Engineering microbes to match this rhythm increased grain yield and NUE in field trials.