Mostly Microbes and Infection - by David Ojcius

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.

Age-linked loss of beneficial Lactobacillus and rise of L. iners impair endometrial receptivity and embryo transfer outcomes. L. gasseri and its exopollysaccharides (EPSs) counteract senescence, enhance implantation in aged mice, and act through Hippo‑YAP signaling, suggesting microbiome‑based strategies to improve fertility in older women.

Background The relationship between gastric microbiota composition, Helicobacter pylori infection, and eradication outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association of gastric microbiota composition among patients with refractory H. pylori infection with the outcomes of rescue therapy. Material and Methods Patients who failed to respond to second- or third-line eradication therapies were prospectively enrolled. The composition of the gastric microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing prior to rescue therapy. The eradication outcomes were confirmed using the [ 13 C]-urea breath test. Results Among 1,590 screened participants, 23 patients with refractory H. pylori infection who underwent rescue therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing were enrolled. The alpha diversity did not differ between success and failure groups; however, the beta diversity analysis revealed a distinct microbial composition. The success group was enriched in Streptococ...