Under nutritional limitation, modification of the Lactobacillus plantarum cell wall by D-alanylation of teichoic acids is important for host intestinal peptidase expression, and consequently growth of the Drosophila host.

See Matos et al. 2, 1635–1647 (2017)

Recombinant proteins based on APOL1 and APOL3 can kill pathogenic Trypanosoma brucei subspecies, including a variant that is effective against T.b. gambiense infection in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic for sleeping sickness.

See Fontaine, F., Lecordier, L. et al. 2, 1500–1506 (2017)

Viral solar systems

Isolation of a cyanophage encoding photosystem I (PSI) and II (PSII) genes reveals that both PSI and PSII gene products are expressed during infection and inserted into host cyanobacterial membranes, resulting in enhanced electron flow. Phage carrying these PSI and PSII genes are abundant in marine environments.

See Fridman et al. 2, 1350–1357 (2017)

Going straight

Growth of Escherichia coli in curved micro-channels that forced them to grow to a deformed shape, followed by release to allow a return to native form suggests that E. coli utilize mechanical stresses as cues for shape recovery.

See Wong, F, et al. 2, 17115 (2017)

A pinch of salt

Methanonatronarchaeia are a distinct class-level lineage of extremely halophilic methanogens, which lack features of classical methanogenesis and have a high intracellular concentration of potassium, suggesting pottasium-based osmoprotection.

See Sorokin et al. 2, 17081 (2017)

Sending signals

Linear polyubiquitin patches in the Salmonella Typhimurium ubiquitin coat, regulated by E3 ligase LUBAC and deubiquitinase OTULIN, serve as a platform to modulate xenophagy, NF-kB signalling, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial proliferation. 

See van Wijk et al. 2, 17066 (2017) and Noad et al. 2, 17063 (2017)

Exit route  

Single-particle analysis of cryo-electron microscopy structures elucidates the membrane complex of the mycobacterial ESX-5 type VII secretion system. This secretion pathway is used to deliver virulence factors from the bacterial cytoplasm into the host cell through a channel in the bacterial inner membrane. 

See Beckham et al. 2, 17047 (2017)

Cycle proficiency

In the pathogenic blood stage of infection, Plasmodium falciparum cell-cycle progression is directed by the parasite-specific kinase CRK4. Without active CRK4, DNA replication is inhibited and the nuclei are deformed by spindle-like structures.

See Ganter et al. 2, 17017 (2017)

Stopping RSV in its tracks

Crystal structures of two potent RSV antibodies in complex with the RSV fusion protein determine the molecular basis for neutralization of the virus, including a new antigenic site and the basis for cross-reactivity with human metapneumovirus.

see Mousa, J. J. et al. 2, 16271 (2017) and Wen, X. et al. 2, 16272 (2017)

Hot rod

RodA is a glycosyltransferase found in Bacillus subtilis; bacterial extracts may be able to target the peptidoglycan polymerase pathway and serve as an antibiotic.

See Emami et al. 2, 16253 (2017)

Turning the tide on river blindness

Characterization of the genomes of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of river blindness, and its Wolbachia symbiont reveals potential therapeutic targets.

See Cotton et al. 2, 16216 (2016)

Imprinting on infection

Previous infection with Escherichia coli epigenetically alters host epithelial cell maturation and COX-2-mediated inflammation to predispose mice for future recurrent infection.

See O'Brien et al. 2, 16196 (2016)