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New sequencing methods have enabled the assembly of whole microbial genomes in a matter of days, greatly expanding the volume and scope of microbial sequencing efforts. This article reviews the current capabilities of the various high-throughput sequencing technologies and data analysis tools in the context of their application to microbial genomics.
Bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) was recently identified as a second messenger in bacteria that regulates a wide range of phenotypes, including biofilm formation and motility. The discovery that the enzymes that make and break c-di-GMP are widespread in the bacterial world highlighted their central importance in bacterial physiology, but raised questions about the specificity of the signalling. Regine Hengge describes the mechanisms and evolutionary variations of c-di-GMP signalling.
Neisseria meningitidisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeshare extensive genetic and antigenic similarities but have distinct lifestyles and niche preferences. In this Review, Mumtaz Virji examines the mechanisms underlying niche establishment and the challenges posed by the rapidly modulated surface structures of these bacteria to vaccine development.
Synthetic biology will provide the potential to redesign, or even build from scratch, specialized organisms to carry out complex tasks. In this Opinion article, Nitin Baliga and colleagues argue that to achieve the integrated framework for such complex bioengineering, a convergence of the fields of synthetic biology and systems biology will be required.
Viruses are widespread and come in many shapes and sizes. They play an important part in the evolution of many species. But are they alive and should they be included as part of the tree of life? Moreira and López-García discuss ten reasons why they should be excluded.
Rhizobia are a diverse group of soil bacteria that induce the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of legumes. In this Opinion article, a group of proteins that are secreted by rhizobia, some of which have homologues in bacterial pathogens, are used to support the hypothesis that some pathogenic pathways have been co-opted by rhizobia for symbiotic purposes.
