Latest Articles
ReviewThe Use of Defined Microbial Communities To Model Host-Microbe Interactions in the Human GutThe human intestinal ecosystem is characterized by a complex interplay between different microorganisms and the host. The high variation within the human population further complicates the quest toward an adequate understanding of this complex system that is so relevant to human health and well-being.
ReviewTaming the Triskelion: Bacterial Manipulation of ClathrinThe entry of pathogens into nonphagocytic host cells has received much attention in the past three decades, revealing a vast array of strategies employed by bacteria and viruses. A method of internalization that has been extensively studied in the context of viral infections is the use of the clathrin-mediated pathway.
ReviewCross-Domain and Viral Interactions in the MicrobiomeThe importance of the microbiome to human health is increasingly recognized and has become a major focus of recent research. However, much of the work has focused on a few aspects, particularly the bacterial component of the microbiome, most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract.
ReviewThe Prodigal Compound: Return of Ribosyl 1,5-Bisphosphate as an Important Player in MetabolismRibosyl 1,5-bisphosphate (PRibP) was discovered 65 years ago and was believed to be an important intermediate in ribonucleotide metabolism, a role immediately taken over by its “big brother” phosphoribosyldiphosphate. Only recently has PRibP come back into focus as an important player in the metabolism of ribonucleotides with the discovery of the pentose bisphosphate pathway that comprises, among others, the intermediates PRibP and...
ReviewPoly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerases in Host-Pathogen Interactions, Inflammation, and ImmunityThe literature review presented here details recent research involving members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family of proteins. Among the 17 recognized members of the family, the human enzyme PARP1 is the most extensively studied, resulting in a number of known biological and metabolic roles.
ReviewMarR Family Transcription Factors from Burkholderia Species: Hidden Clues to Control of Virulence-Associated GenesSpecies within the genus Burkholderia exhibit remarkable phenotypic diversity. Genomic plasticity, including genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer, has been correlated with virulence traits in several species.
ReviewCurli-Containing Enteric Biofilms Inside and Out: Matrix Composition, Immune Recognition, and Disease ImplicationsBiofilms of enteric bacteria are highly complex, with multiple components that interact to fortify the biofilm matrix. Within biofilms of enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella species, the main component of the biofilm is amyloid curli. Other constituents include cellulose,...
ReviewOxidoreductases and Reactive Oxygen Species in Conversion of Lignocellulosic BiomassBiomass constitutes an appealing alternative to fossil resources for the production of materials and energy. The abundance and attractiveness of vegetal biomass come along with challenges pertaining to the intricacy of its structure, evolved during billions of years to face and resist abiotic and biotic attacks.
ReviewInterplay between Peptidoglycan Biology and Virulence in Gram-Negative PathogensThe clinical and epidemiological threat of the growing antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, particularly for β-lactams, the most frequently used and relevant antibiotics, urges research to find new therapeutic weapons to combat the infections caused by these microorganisms. An essential previous step in the development of these therapeutic solutions is to identify their potential targets in the biology of the pathogen....
