Articles in 2011

The genome sequence and subsequent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the fungusArthrobotrys oligosporaprovide insight into the carnivorous lifestyle of such nematophagous fungi.

Vaccines have saved hundreds of millions of lives and helped to eradicate several diseases. Plotkin and Plotkin describe how the design of vaccines has developed from the observation that milkmaids seemed to be protected from smallpox, to a science that incorporates microbiology, systems biology and immunology.

Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites to protect their molecular constituents from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Here, Gao and Garcia-Pichel describe our current understanding of the best known examples of these microbial ultraviolet sunscreens, including their biosynthesis, regulation and potential applications.

Until recently, it was though that the microbial degradation of aromatic compounds was absolutely dependent on the use of molecular oxygen for ring cleavage. However, as described here by Fuchs and colleagues, microorganisms have other ways of breaking down these compounds when oxygen is scarce or absent.

Prions are infectious self-replicating proteins that can cause neurodegenerative disorders such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Here, Colby and Prusiner discuss recent advances in the generation of synthetic prion strains that may lead to new insights into the structure of prions and the mechanisms by which they originate and propagate.

Under normal conditions, the components of a toxin–antitoxin (TA) system form a stable complex, blocking toxin activity. However, when the cell is stressed, the antitoxin is degraded, freeing the toxin to cause damage. Here, Yamaguchi and Inouye describe the TA systems found inEscherichia coliand their role in regulating cell growth and death.

The formation of bacterial communities appears to be driven by the protein functions that are present, not the nature of the bacteria themselves.

Calprotectin enhances host killing ofStaphylococcus aureusby inhibiting the ability of the bacterium to respond to the neutrophil oxidative burst.

Our monthly round up of infectious diseases news, which this month includes funding for new antimalarial approaches, an infectious trigger for narcolepsy and mapping the spread of cholera.

Genome Watch describes a new technique for DNA amplification from a single cell.

It is time that the tremendous contribution made by Carl Woese to microbiology, medicine and biology as a whole is rewarded by the Nobel committee.

Trichodermaspp. are common filamentous fungi that interact with other fungi, animals and plants and are used for biological control of plant diseases. In this Review, Kubicek and colleagues highlight how saprotrophy and parasitism on other fungi may have driven the evolution of the interactions ofTrichodermaspp. with plants and animals.

Group AStreptococcuscan cause devastating infections with high mortality rates. Here, Walker and colleagues describe the bacterial virulence factors that allow this species to infect tissues and escape destruction in neutrophils, and discuss how genetic changes in a two-component regulatory system promote pathogenicity.

An engineeredEscherichia coli strain that specifically targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The pili ofGeobacter sulfurreducensconduct electricity across long distances in a similar way to the synthetic organic polymers that are commonly used in the electronics industry.

Plants and fungi can detect the most cooperative partners and reward them with more nutrients.

Translation of the type III secretion system effector SptP is regulated by the ongoing translation of its cognate chaperone, SicP.

Igneous oceanic crusts in the sub-sea floor form the largest aquifer system on earth and represent an under-studied microbial biosphere. In this Progress article, Edwards and colleagues describe our current understanding of microbial life in this environment and outline recent technological advances for studying the sub-sea floor.