Microbiology

Talking microbes - p1

doi:10.1038/nchembio.762

Understanding the molecules and mechanisms that microbes use to interact with each other and their environments can lead to better antimicrobial drug design as well as a richer understanding of bacterial physiology, ecology and evolution.

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Microbiology

What counters antibiotic resistance in nature? - pp2 - 5

Remy Chait, Kalin Vetsigian & Roy Kishony

doi:10.1038/nchembio.745

Antibiotics promote the spread of resistance in the clinic, but various mechanisms may exist in natural environments that tilt the balance toward antibiotic sensitivity. Studying such mechanisms could help us understand the evolutionary dynamics of resistance and sensitivity in the wild, which may inspire new therapeutic strategies.

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Microbiology

Microbial environments confound antibiotic efficacy - pp6 - 9

Henry H Lee & James J Collins

doi:10.1038/nchembio.740

Despite our continued efforts to assert control over pathogens, more and more bacteria are saying “no” to drugs. It is becoming increasingly apparent that microbial environments, influenced by intracellular and extracellular metabolic processes, modulate antibiotic susceptibility in bacteria. A deeper understanding of these environmental processes may prove crucial for the development of new antibacterial therapies.

Full Text - Microbial environments confound antibiotic efficacy | PDF (1.06 MB) - Microbial environments confound antibiotic efficacy

Microbiology

Sociomicrobiology in engineered landscapes - pp10 - 13

Jodi L Connell, Marvin Whiteley & Jason B Shear

doi:10.1038/nchembio.749

A growing body of evidence points to the importance of microcolonies in the dissemination of bacteria, yet there is a dearth of tools for systematically assessing the behavior of cells within such communities. New strategies for landscaping three-dimensional culture environments on microscopic scales may have a critical role in revealing how bacteria orchestrate antibiotic resistance and other social behaviors within small, dense aggregates.

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Microbiology

Bacterial outer membrane evolution via sporulation? - pp14 - 18

Waldemar Vollmer

doi:10.1038/nchembio.748

The distinction between different cell-envelope architectures has defined much of our thinking about bacterial systematics, but the evolution of different envelope layers has been harder to understand. A recent publication focused on the non-model organism Acetonema longum provides important clues to the possible origin of the second membrane typical of Gram-negative bacteria.

Full Text - Bacterial outer membrane evolution via sporulation? | PDF (860 KB) - Bacterial outer membrane evolution via sporulation?

Microbiology

Microbial metabolic exchange–the chemotype-to-phenotype link - pp26 - 35

V V Phelan, W-T Liu, K Pogliano & P C Dorrestein

doi:10.1038/nchembio.739

Abstract - Microbial metabolic exchange–the chemotype-to-phenotype link | Full Text - Microbial metabolic exchange–the chemotype-to-phenotype link | PDF (1.23 MB) - Microbial metabolic exchange–the chemotype-to-phenotype link

Microbiology

Bacteria and host interactions in the gut epithelial barrier - pp36 - 45

H Ashida, M Ogawa, M Kim, H Mimuro & C Sasakawa

doi:10.1038/nchembio.741

Abstract - Bacteria and host interactions in the gut epithelial barrier | Full Text - Bacteria and host interactions in the gut epithelial barrier | PDF (960 KB) - Bacteria and host interactions in the gut epithelial barrier

Microbiology

Bugs, drugs and chemical genomics - pp46 - 56

T Roemer, J E Davies, G Giaever & C Nislow

doi:10.1038/nchembio.744

Abstract - Bugs, drugs and chemical genomics | Full Text - Bugs, drugs and chemical genomics | PDF (1.33 MB) - Bugs, drugs and chemical genomics