Bacteria assemble a variety of structures on their cell surface, including extended fibers generally termed pili or fimbriae. These pili mediate interactions with other bacteria, the host, and the environment.

Pili often function as adhesins, dictating specific binding to and colonization of biological as well as non-biological surfaces. Pili are critical virulence factors for pathogenic bacteria, initiating infection and determining how and where bacterial colonization may occur. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes. Pili have a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces.

Further reading:

1. Pili and Flagella
2. Bacterial Secreted Proteins
3. Microbiology Books

Labels: adhesins, colonization, fimbriae, flagella, motility, pathogenesis, pathogenic, pili, type IV pili, virulence

Pili and Flagella: Current Research and Future Trends
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Ken Jarrell
Publication date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-48-6
A recommended text for all microbiology laboratories and an essential volume for anyone involved in microbial adhesion, pathogenesis, virulence, structural biology, host colonization and motility.
further information

Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: Biomolecular Separation and Analysis
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly
Publication date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-47-9
A skillful selection of topics of exceptional importance to current science ensures that this book will be of major value to a wide range of molecular biologists, clinical scientists, microbiologists, biochemists and anyone interested in LOC technology or developing applications for LOC devices.
further information

Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: Fabrication and Microfluidics
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly
Publication date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-46-2
This comprehensive volume presents the current technologies in the field and includes theoretical and technical information to enable both the understanding of the technology and the reproduction of experiments. The book aims to help the reader to understand current LOC technologies, to perform similar experiments, to design new LOC systems and to develop new methodologies and applications.
further information

Bacterial Polysaccharides: Current Innovations and Future Trends
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Matthias Ullrich
Publication date: June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-45-5
Essential reading for everyone with an interest in bacterial polysaccharides, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist, as it provides a timely review of the current and most topical areas of research.
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Microbial Toxins: Current Research and Future Trends
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Thomas Proft
Publication date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-44-8
Written by internationally respected scientists, topics reviewed include: toxins carried by mobile genetic elements, botulinum neurotoxins, anthrax, subtilase cytotoxin, Pasteurella toxin, RTX toxins, vacA toxin, immune evasion toxins and fungal ribotoxins.
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Acanthamoeba: Biology and Pathogenesis
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Author: Naveed Khan
Publication date: February 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-43-1
This book provides the first comprehensive review of Acanthamoeba research to be published. Everything that is known about Acanthamoeba is critically reviewed and divided into easy-to-follow sections.
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Bacterial Secreted Proteins: Secretory Mechanisms and Role in Pathogenesis
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Karl Wooldridge
Publication date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-42-4
The book constitutes a broad and in-depth description of the current knowledge of bacterial protein secretion and its role in pathogenesis. A recommended reference volume for all microbiology libraries.
further information

Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editors: Åsa Ljungh and Torkel Wadström
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-41-7
This major new work focuses on recent research on the molecular biology and genomics of Lactobacillus. Written by an international team of scientists the volume is an essential reference for all medical researchers, dairy technologists, microbiologists and biotechnologists in the academic and industrial sectors.
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Mycobacterium: Genomics and Molecular Biology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Tanya Parish and Amanda Brown
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-40-0
Expert scientists critically review the current and most recent advances in the genomics and molecular biology of mycobacteria. The focus is on the topical and most relevant aspects and the authors aim to give readers an insight into the current understanding of the subject and the future direction of research.
further information

Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Julie Logan, Kirstin Edwards and Nick Saunders
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-39-4
This essential manual presents a comprehensive guide to the most up-to-date technologies and applications as well as providing an overview of the theory of this increasingly important technique.
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Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editors: Holger Brüggemann and Gerhard Gottschalk
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-38-7
The first major focus of the book is the genetics and molecular biology of the major clostridial toxins including: botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, C. difficile large exotoxins, C. perfringens enterotoxin, pore-forming and binary bacterial toxins. Other topics include: molecular epidemiology of C. botulinum and C. difficile, metabolic networks in C. acetobutylicum, development of genetic knock-out systems for clostridia, surface structures, anti tumor potential of clostridia, and antibiotic resistance determinants in C. difficile.
further information

Plant Pathogenic Bacteria: Genomics and Molecular Biology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Robert W. Jackson
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-37-0
With contributions from some of the pioneering bacterial plant pathogen genome sequencers, this book is essential reading for every plant pathogen researcher, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist, as it provides a timely review of the current and most topical areas of research.
further information

Microbial Production of Biopolymers and Polymer Precursors: Applications and Perspectives
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Editor: Bernd H. A. Rehm
Publication date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904455-36-3
Topics include the biochemistry and genetics of biosynthesis of xanthan, alginate, cellulose, cyanophycin, poly(gamma-glutamic acid), levan, hyaluronic acid, organic acids, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and polyhydroxyalkanoates. A recommended book for all biotechnology and microbiology laboratories.
further information

Labels: books, flagella, lab on a chip, pili, publications

The following conferences have been added to our list of Microbiology Conferences

January 25 - 30, 2009 Molecular Approaches for Emergent/Re-Emergent Tropical Diseases
Galveston, TX, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. The first part "Molecular and Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interactions" will be devoted to basic research involving different aspects of invertebrate / vertebrate host interaction, such as invasion, homing/latency and transmission. The second segment will focus on "Strategies for Disease Control" as they relate to possible testing in the field.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology Books

March 1 - 6, 2009 Antimicrobial Peptides
Ventura, CA, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Understanding health and disease through antimicrobial host defense peptides. a wide range of topics, such as structure/function analysis, regulation of expression, mechanisms of action, microbial avoidance strategies, human disease associations and model systems, and development of antimicrobial peptides as therapeutics. Invited speakers represent a diverse variety of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, microbiology, animal and plant biology, structural biology, medicine, innate immunity, signaling, and drug development.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology Books

June 7 - 12, 2009 Viruses and Cells
Lucca (Barga), Italy Further information
Gordon Research Conference. The premier conference in the field of virology, will cover all aspects of virus infection, from entry into the cell through replication and assembly, to uncovering the molecular basis of pathogenesis, to prevention and therapy. Topics will include: entry and receptors; assembly, budding and release, dynamics of cellular trafficking, viral replication and gene expression, immune response and pathogenesis, cellular inhibition of virus replication; innate immune response and virus counter response; exploiting host functions, and epidemiology, prevention and therapy.
Suggested reading: Virology Books

June 21 - 26, 2009 Mycotoxins and Phycotoxins
New London, NH, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Presentation of leading-edge research on fungal, algal, and cyanobacterial toxins and the organisms that produce them. This multidisciplinary gathering will encompass the biology, ecology, genetics, chemistry and the public health and economic impacts
Suggested reading: Mycology Books The Cyanobacteria: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Evolution

July 19 - 24, 2009 Microbial Population Biology
Andover, NH, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Will include sessions on the evolution of infectious diseases, social evolution, the evolution of symbioses, experimental evolution, adaptive landscapes, community dynamics, and the evolution of protein structure and function. While genomic approaches continue to make inroads, broadening our knowledge and encompassing new questions, the conference will also emphasize the use of experimental approaches to test hypotheses decisively.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology Books

July 26 - 31, 2009 Archaea: Ecology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology
Waterville Valley, NH, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Expands on a number of emerging topics highlighting new paradigms in archaeal metabolism, genome function and systems biology; information processing; evolution and the tree of life; the ecology and diversity of archaea and their viruses; and industrial applications. Brings more than 35 internationally renowned speakers who will review the current state of progress and knowledge in the field of the metabolism, molecular biology and ecology of archaea.
Suggested reading: Archaea: New Models for Prokaryotic Biology

July 26 - 31, 2009 Microbial Adhesion and Signal Transduction
Newport, RI, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Themes covered in the conference include (but are not limited to) bacterial-bacterial interactions and communication, bacterial and protozoan interactions (both symbiotic and pathogenic) with animal and human hosts, gene regulation and regulatory networks, cell signaling and information processing, cell structures and assembly, cell biology, and microbial evolution.
Suggested reading: Pili and Flagella

August 2 - 7, 2009 Periodontal Diseases
New London, NH, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Eight sessions that address current issues in periodontal disease including microbial genomics, virulence attributes of oral microorganisms, bacterial biofilm dynamics, host-microbe recognition, innate immunity, cell signaling, controlling inflammation, cellular control at the epigenetic and microRNA level, antigen presentation and adaptive immunity and systems biology.
Suggested reading: Molecular Oral Microbiology

August 16 - 21, 2009 Tuberculosis Drug Development
Oxford, UK Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Targets, Technologies and Trials will cover the range of activities involved in producing new antibiotics. The conference will feature discussion of target and compound discovery, new potential antituberculous compounds in development, clinical trial design and early trial results and alternative approaches to tuberculosis treatment.
Suggested reading: Mycobacterium: Genomics and Molecular Biology

August 30 - September 4, 2009 Staphylococcal Diseases
Waterville Valley, NH, USA Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Cutting-edge research on Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococcus. The Conference will feature a wide range of topics, including the evolution of antibiotic resistance; exoproteins; the immune response to infection; regulatory control mechanisms; biofilm production and metabolism; therapeutics and vaccines; and animal models and virulence. Invited speakers include representatives from both academic and industrial settings who are at the forefront of their field.
Suggested reading: Staphylococcus: Molecular Genetics

September 6 - 11, 2009 Malaria
Oxford, UK Further information
Gordon Research Conference. Parasite Biology and Host-Parasite Interactions. This meeting will focus on basic biology of malaria parasites, their interaction with the host and vector, malaria immunology and molecular basis of pathogenic mechanisms in malaria. The latest results from genetic, biochemical and molecular approaches to understand malaria parasite biology and disease mechanisms in malaria will be presented. The application of such new knowledge to the development of novel intervention strategies including drugs and vaccines against malaria will also be covered.
Suggested reading: Malaria Parasites: Genomes and Molecular Biology

Labels: conference, Gordon conference, microbiology conference, microbiology meeting

April 6 - 7, 2009. Economic and Social Impact of Fungal Deteriogens
Manchester, UK Further information

Organised by the British Mycological Society and the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society. Session titles include: Fungal Deteriogen of Materials and their Conservation, Fungal Deteriogens and Food Spoilage, Impact of Fungal Deteriogens on Health, Economic Impact of Fungal Deteriogens. In addition there will be a number of posters.
Suggested reading: Microbial Biodegradation: Genomics and Molecular Biology and Mycology books

Labels: biodegradation, biodeterioration, conference, deteriogens, fungal, microbiology conference, mycology

July 12 - 17, 2009. Gordon Research Conference: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
From Single Cells To The Environment. The topic of the 2009 Gordon Conference on Applied and Environmental Microbiology is: From Single Cells to the Environment. The Conference will present and discuss cutting-edge research on applied and environmental microbiology with a focus on understanding interactions between microorganisms and the environment at levels ranging from single cells to complex communities. The Conference will feature a wide range of topics such as single cell techniques (including genomics, imaging, and NanoSIMS), microbial diversity at scales ranging from clonal to global, environmental "meta-omics", biodegradation and bioremediation, horizontal gene transfer from viruses to bacteria and archaea, animal microbiomes and symbioses. The Conference will bring together investigators who are at the forefront of their field, and will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with extensive discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an ideal setting for scientists from different disciplines to exchange ideas, brainstorm and discuss cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Suggested reading: Environmental Books

Labels: conference, m, microbiology conference, microbiology meeting

The Type V secretion system was first described twenty years ago. Since then, much work has be done to elucidate functional aspects of members of this family and their mechanisms of biogenesis. What was once considered to be a quirky one-off system, with the discovery of the IgA1 protease secretion system of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has been revealed as the largest family of secreted proteins amongst the Gram-negative bacteria.

The type V secretion system (T5SS) is comparatively is less complex than types I to IV. This secretion mechanism has been subdivided into sub-types (a), (b) and (c), as variations upon a theme were discovered. Each polypeptide secreted via the T5SS contains an N-terminal Sec-dependant signal sequence required to direct inner membrane export. The significant functional domain classifying molecules into these secretion systems is the dedicated outer membrane (outer membrane) β-barrel protein domain, through which secretion of the effector molecule is achieved.

from Scott-Tucker and Henderson in Bacterial Secreted Proteins

Further reading:

1. Bacterial Secreted Proteins: Secretory Mechanisms and Role in Pathogenesis
2. Microbiology Books

Labels: bacteria, protein, protein secretion, proteins