Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists
Microbiology news and views to help the busy scientist keep up-to-date on current research, forthcoming conferences, hot research topics, high impact publications, and much more.
Transcriptional Profiling of the Yersinia pestis Life Cycle
from B. Joseph Hinnebusch, Florent Sebbane, and Viveka Vadyvaloo writing in Yersinia: Systems Biology and Control:
DNA microarray technology enables a comprehensive, systems biology approach to investigate the microbial gene expression program associated with adaptation to different environments. Monitoring the whole-genome transcriptional response of pathogens within infected tissues has rarely been achieved, but has been possible with Yersinia pestis. The transcriptional profiles of Y. pestis in infective fleas and in the lymph node of rats during bubonic plague were compared to identify important adaptational responses associated with successful colonization of the flea, transmission, and the establishment of disease in the mammal. The differential patterns of gene expression indicate metabolic reprogramming, response to different stresses, and specific induction of virulence and transmission factors as Y. pestis alternates between its two hosts.
Further reading: Yersinia: Systems Biology and Control
Transcriptional Profiling of Yersinia enterocolitica-host Cell Interactions
from Reinhard Hoffmann, Ekaterina Lenk, and Jürgen Heesemann writing in Yersinia: Systems Biology and Control:
The infection of the host is a complex biological process which prompted infection biologists to pursue reductionist approaches to unravel molecular events of pathogen-host interaction. DNA microarray provides us with a systems biology approach to gain a more holistic picture. Transcriptional profiling of host cell-pathogen interactions results in vast data sets which have to be carefully analyzed by considering the pathogen on a clonal level, the particular cell type (cell lines or primary cells) and the infection model. Here we summarize and discuss the available transcriptional profiling data obtained from Yersinia enterocolitica infection models in relation to the general gene expression program of host cells to microbial infection.
Further reading: Yersinia: Systems Biology and Control
Two-component Regulators in the Vibrio fischeri-Euprymna scolopes Symbiosis
from Valerie A. Ray and Karen L. Visick writing in Two-Component Systems in Bacteria:
The symbiotic relationship between the marine bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and its host, the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes, depends upon the ability of the two partners to sense and respond to each other. V. fischeri colonizes a specialized squid organ called the light organ in three general stages: initiation, accommodation, and persistence. To respond to the different environments encountered during these stages of colonization, V. fischeri utilizes specialized two-component signal transduction systems to regulate processes such as biofilm formation, motility and chemotaxis, and luminescence. In this chapter, we discuss in detail the two component systems that regulate these processes and how they impact successful colonization of the squid host.
Further reading: Two-Component Systems in Bacteria
Small DNA Tumour Viruses review
"This is a good review of how viruses can hijack a host cell and induce unrestrained cellular replication. It will serve as a good reference and review for scientists working in this field as well as those developing vaccines and therapies for tumor-promoting viruses." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas, USA) writing in Doodys read more ...
 | Edited by: Kevin Gaston "a good reference and review" (Doodys)ISBN: 978-1-904455-99-8 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: March 2012 Cover: hardback |
Real-Time PCR in Food Science
Written by experts in the field, this book is an indispensable manual for scientists in the food industry. The first section provides an introduction to real-time PCR, discusses the use of PCR diagnostics in food science, describes the principles and methods of sample preparation, and covers the verification and control of PCR procedures. The eleven chapters in the second section cover the use of real-time PCR to detect various pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, viruses and parasites. Also included is a chapter on the standardisation of real-time PCR methods in food microbiology. In the final section authors cover the use of real-time PCR for the analysis of genetically modified organisms, food allergens and for identification of animal or plant species. An invaluable book for anyone involved in food microbiology or the detection of foodborne pathogens and a recommended volume for all microbiology laboratories read more ...
 | Edited by: David Rodriguez-Lazaro read more ...ISBN: 978-1-908230-15-7 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2013 Cover: hardback |
Two-component Regulatory Systems in Prokaryotes
from David E. Whitworth writing in Bacterial Regulatory Networks:
Two-component systems (TCSs) are signalling pathways found abundantly in prokaryotes, and they are the dominant mechanism for stimulus-responsive adaptation in such organisms. An ever-increasing number of physiological phenomena are known to be regulated by TCSs, including cell cycle progression, pathogenesis, motility, and biofilm formation. The basic TCS comprises a receptor protein (sensor kinase) which autophosphorylates in response to a stimulus. The phosphoryl group is then directly transferred to a response regulator protein (the second component) that has a phosphorylation-dependent effector function. While the most basic TCSs are relatively well understood, there are many 'atypical' systems, which exhibit additional mechanistic features (for instance, regulation of sub-cellular location, intrinsic and extrinsic phosphatase activities, and cross-communication between TCSs), adding complexity to their signalling properties. The relatively recent availability of complete prokaryotic genome sequences has also provided new opportunities to appreciate global features of TCS function. For example, analyses have provided insights into TCS evolution, which in turn have yielded computational methods for evaluating TCS protein partnerships. This chapter provides an overview of the common features of TCSs from a historical perspective, and then describes current understanding regarding the mechanisms of TCS function. Finally, outstanding questions regarding TCS function are discussed.
Further reading: Bacterial Regulatory Networks Related publications