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Cited 34 times by journals including Journal of Bacteriology, The EMBO Journal, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Biochemical Society Transactions

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 6: 159-188

Molecular Biology of Microbial Hydrogenases
P.M. Vignais and A. Colbeau

Hydrogenases (H₂ases) are metalloproteins. The great majority of them contain iron-sulfur clusters and two metal atoms at their active center, either a Ni and an Fe atom, the [NiFe]-H₂ases, or two Fe atoms, the [FeFe]-H₂ases. Enzymes of these two classes catalyze the reversible oxidation of hydrogen gas (H₂ <--> 2 H⁺ + 2 e^-) and play a central role in microbial energy metabolism; in addition to their role in fermentation and H₂ respiration, H₂ases may interact with membrane-bound electron transport systems in order to maintain redox poise, particularly in some photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria. Recent work has revealed that some H₂ases, by acting as H₂-sensors, participate in the regulation of gene expression and that H₂-evolving H₂ases, thought to be involved in purely fermentative processes, play a role in membrane-linked energy conservation through the generation of a protonmotive force. The Hmd hydrogenases of some methanogenic archaea constitute a third class of H₂ases, characterized by the absence of Fe-S cluster and the presence of an iron-containing cofactor with catalytic properties different from those of [NiFe]- and [FeFe]-H₂ases. In this review, we emphasise recent advances that have greatly increased our knowledge of microbial H₂ases, their diversity, the structure of their active site, how the metallocenters are synthesized and assembled, how they function, how the synthesis of these enzymes is controlled by external signals, and their potential use in biological H₂ production.

Access full article Curr. Issues Mol. Biol.

Candida species are important human pathogens that are best known for causing opportunist infections in immunocompromised hosts (eg transplant patients, AIDS sufferers, cancer patients). Infections are difficult to treat and can be very serious: 30-40% of systemic infections result in death. The sequencing of the genome of C. albicans and those of several other medically-relevant Candida species has provided a major impetus for Candida comparative and functional genomic analyses. These have provided a fascinating insight into the molecular and cellular biology of these fungi and these should pave the way for the development of more sensitive diagnostic strategies and novel antifungal therapies.

In this timely book international experts provide comprehensive and authoritative reviews of these important organisms. Topics covered include: genome dynamics of C. albicans; molecular epidemiological and population studies of C. albicans; the parasexual cycle in C. albicans; comparative genomics of the hemiascomycetes group and of different Candida species; databases and the challenges that their curators are facing; transcriptome analysis; proteomics; molecular evolution of the genetic code; stress responses; regulation of morphogenesis; cell wall biology; interaction with host cells; analysis of gene function; antifungal resistance mechanisms and much more.

Essential reading for all Candida researchers and a recommended text for scientists working on fungal genomics and molecular biology.

For full details please visit Candida: Comparative and Functional Genomics

The American Society for Microbiology has published reviews on the following books. Overall the reviews are positive and the reviewers recommend the books.

Papillomavirus Research: from Natural History to Vaccines and Beyond
"... comprehensive review of papillomaviruses both human and animal ... recommended for both papillomavirus researchers and those interested in this field." from Michael Hagensee, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans

Mycoplasmas: Molecular Biology, Pathogenicity, and Strategies for Control
" ... a thorough discussion of relevant topics in mycoplasmology. I particularly liked the inclusion of novel chapters that broaden the scope of mycoplasma research" from Christian T. K.-H. Stadtländer, University of St. Thomas Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.


For full details of the books please visit:
Papillomavirus Research: from Natural History to Vaccines and Beyond

Mycoplasmas: Molecular Biology, Pathogenicity, and Strategies for Control

The American Society for Microbiology invites and welcomes scientists from every part of the world to attend and participate in the 107th General Meeting: Toronto, Canada, May 21 - 25, 2007. This meeting will be held in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Workshops precede the meeting and will be held both Sunday and Monday, May 20 and 21. Workshops will be held either at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre or at a nearby University where there are both lecture and laboratory facilities. Transportation to the workshops will be provided.

The scientific program will feature nearly 300 individual colloquia, symposia, roundtable discussions, award lectures, and poster sessions. The 27 division chairs and the General Meeting Program Committee have devoted their energies to creating a well-rounded program.

Further Information