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This month, microbiologists gather at ISME12 in Australia to deliberate advances in microbial ecology that could benefit the planet. What are the key challenges for this blossoming field?
Methanogenic archaea with and without cytochromes have been identified. This Review focuses on differences in energy conservation during the reduction of CO2 with H2 to CH4. In methanogens with cytochromes, the first and last steps are coupled chemiosmotically, and the authors propose that in methanogens without cytochromes, these steps are coupled by a cytoplasmic enzyme complex that mediates flavin-based electron bifurcation.
The shewanellae are masters of metabolism and can catabolize numerous carbon sources either aerobically or anaerobically using a range of electron acceptors. Ubiquitous among microbial communities from marine to soil environments, this genus is important in carbon cycling and bioremediation. Systems-biology approaches could shed new light on the ecophysiology of these bacteria.
Microbial bioenergy could be used to generate large amounts of carbon-neutral alternatives to fossil fuels. This article discusses the contribution of genomic resources to the generation of bioenergy by bacteria and archaea.
Using the process of carbon catabolite repression (CCR), bacteria control gene expression and protein activity to preferentially metabolize the carbon sources that are most easily accessible and allow fastest growth. Recent findings have provided new insight into the mechanisms that different bacteria use to control CCR.
Central nervous system infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Here, Kwang Sik Kim summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in traversal of the blood–brain barrier by selected meningitis-causing microorganisms.
Autoinducer 2 (AI2) is the only quorum-sensing signal that is shared by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Because AI2 biosynthesis, specified by theluxS gene, is linked to S-adenosyl homocysteine recycling, determining whether luxSbiofilm phenotypes are due to signalling or effects on bacterial metabolism is not straightforward, and is discussed here.
