Current Microbiology最新文献

Echinocandin B (ECB) biosynthesis in Aspergillus nidulans is primarily governed by multiple genes located within the biosynthetic echinocandin (ecd) gene cluster. The contributory functions of many genes, including transcription factors and tailoring enzymes of the ecd gene cluster, have been previously studied. The present study focused on determining the role of transporter proteins, EcdLp, EcdCp, and EcdDp, in ECB efflux using in silico and biochemical approaches. The molecular docking analysis revealed that ECB relatively showed higher binding affinity for EcdLp than the other co-clustered MFS transporters EcdCp and EcdDp, suggesting a preferred substrate of EcdLp. These results were further confirmed by heterologous integration of the ecdL gene in the ABC transporters-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae AD1-8u⁻, confirming active efflux. However, the binding of ECB in EcdLp is distinct from the R6G binding, overlapping the promiscuous site of farnesol, resulting in inhibition of R6G efflux in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these results decipher the ECB binding and efflux mechanism and unveil the evolutionarily specialized architecture of EcdLp that permits targeted metabolite export in addition to environmental responsiveness, and lay the groundwork for optimizing ECB production via transporter engineering.

Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), caused by fowl adenovirus (FAdV) species D and E, results in significant economic losses for the poultry industry. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of an inactivated trivalent FAdV vaccine in SPF chickens, specifically assessing the effects of antigen payload, thimerosal addition, and booster immunization on antibody titers. Results demonstrated a clear dose-response, with higher antigen payloads eliciting a more prolonged immune response compared to the lowest dose. Thimerosal was confirmed to be a safe preservative, showing no negative impact on antibody development. Furthermore, a booster immunization significantly increased antibody levels, but this effect was observed only in the group receiving the high-payload vaccine, with peak titers at weeks 2 and 3 post-vaccination. These findings indicate that a high-dose trivalent inactivated FAdV vaccine, administered with a booster, is highly immunogenic and represents a promising strategy for the effective prevention and control of IBH.

Microplastic (MPs) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern globally, posing threats to ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity. Prior reviews treat biological, engineering, and policy interventions in silos and largely catalog findings without a comparative, decision-oriented synthesis that maps efficacy, limits, scalability, and readiness to concrete deployment contexts. Therefore, this review work provides an integrated, decision-oriented synthesis that jointly evaluates biological, technological, and policy interventions for mitigation. The study finds that filtration is the most deployment-ready option but suffers from fouling and limited capture of the smallest particles, advanced oxidation can work yet is energy- and cost-intensive, while biological/enzymatic routes are promising but slow and scale is limited. Engineered strains can outperform wild types but introduce biosafety and regulatory risks. Looking forward, it emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary research and novel technological solutions to address the persistent challenges of MP pollution. The paper concludes with a call for urgent, coordinated action across sectors to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for mitigating this widespread environmental issue.

Trichoderma species are widely distributed soil fungi known for their biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting properties. However, the diversity of Trichoderma in island ecosystems, such as the Canary Islands, remains underexplored. In this study, we describe Trichoderma ichasaguae sp. nov., a novel species isolated from banana rhizosphere soils in southwestern Tenerife (the island with the largest cultivated area in the Canary archipelago). The species was identified through multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, tef1-α, rpb2) and detailed morphological characterization. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Trichoderma ichasaguae forms a distinct lineage within the Harzianum section, closely related to T. hortense, T. rugulosum, and T. orarium, but with clear genetic and morphological differentiation. The description of Trichoderma ichasaguae expands our understanding of fungal biodiversity in the Canary Islands and underscores the need for further taxonomic studies in these insular ecosystems.

Candida species are components of the normal intestinal microbiota and are under constant exposure to bacterial metabolites, including secondary bile salts. Secondary bile salts are produced by commensal bacteria in the intestine and not only affect lipid absorption through emulsification but also have great effects on other microorganisms. Here, we examined the effect of a secondary bile salt, sodium deoxycholate (NaDCA), on the formation of biofilms by Candida tropicalis. In contrast to C. albicans, C. tropicalis tended to maintain its absolute biofilm biomass and surface hydrophobicity in the presence of NaDCA. Fluorescent 3D microscopic imaging of the biofilm revealed that NaDCA treatment reduced filamentous projection to the top of the biofilm. RNA-seq analysis revealed that some genes, especially those associated with iron metabolism, were differentially expressed in NaDCA-treated C. tropicalis. Although NaDCA altered the appearance of C. tropicalis biofilms, analysis of the expression of key virulence factor genes encoding agglutinin-like sequences and candidalysin revealed that these genes were less affected by NaDCA in C. tropicalis than in C. albicans. High-iron exposure had a negative effect on C. tropicalis biofilm biomass. These results suggest a difference in the intestinal niche occupied by C. albicans and C. tropicalis according to the local availability of secondary bile salts.

In order to understand the influence of different parts of the low-temperature Daqu (LTD) on the fermentation of Jiupei. In this study, Jiupei was prepared separately using the peel and core of Houhuo LTD. The physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and microbial community structures of the two groups of Jiupei were subsequently analyzed using conventional physical and chemical assays, electronic tongue sensing, electronic nose sensing, and high-throughput sequencing. In terms of physicochemical indicators, the pH (3.08), protein content (5.97%), and reducing sugar content (3.70%) of peel-fermented Jiupei were significantly higher than those of core-fermented Jiupei (P < 0.05). In terms of taste, peel-fermented Jiupei exhibited significantly higher sourness, astringency, and aftertaste-A, whereas core-fermented Jiupei showed significantly stronger bitterness and umami intensity (P < 0.05). Moreover, core-fermented Jiupei was richer in aromatic compounds, whereas peel-fermented Jiupei contained higher levels of organic sulfides (P < 0.05). Finally, microbial analysis revealed that core-fermented Jiupei had significantly higher bacterial richness, bacterial diversity, and fungal diversity than peel-fermented Jiupei (P < 0.05). Notably, peel-fermented Jiupei was enriched with Lactobacillus (86.38%) and Saccharomycopsis (70.94%), while Bacillus (6.04%), Saccharomyces (29.32%), and Pichia (2.35%) showed dominance in core-fermented Jiupei (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Lentilactobacillus, Saccharomycopsis, and Saccharomyces were the key genera influencing the physicochemical and sensory qualities of Jiupei. These findings demonstrate that core-fermented Jiupei exhibits richer microbial diversity, stronger umami taste, and higher aromatic compound levels. From this, it can be seen that Jiupei was prepared using the core of Houhuo LTD is beneficial for the growth of microorganisms and the formation of flavor quality in the Jiupei.

Passiflora edulis (P. edulis Sims) is prevalent in tropical regions, and its distinctive taste and aroma are highly appreciated due to its unique nutritional profile. With the increasing recognition of the added value of P. edulis Sims wine, an expanding number of researchers have begun to focus on the related studies concerning the brewing process of this wine. Isolating high-quality yeast strains from the natural fermentation broth of P. edulis Sims is crucial for this purpose. In this study, 38 yeast strains were isolated and purified from the fermentation broth of P. edulis Sims. Nine yeast strains were selected using WL medium for further analysis. The fermentation characteristics of these strains were evaluated based on their production of esters, ethanol, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as well as through tolerance tests. The results indicated that the nine yeast strains exhibited favorable fermentation performance characterized by low H₂S production while demonstrating high levels of ester and ethanol production, along with certain antimicrobial activity. Among these strains, GZH-20 displayed a notably low capacity for H₂S production coupled with exceptional abilities in both ester and ethanol generation. Furthermore, this strain demonstrated good tolerance under various conditions, including pH levels ranging from 2.8 to 3.8, a glucose concentration of 200 g/L, and varying sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations between 60 g/L and 360 g/L; it showed superior capacities for producing esters and ethanol under these conditions. Molecular identification confirmed that this strain is classified as Wickerhamomyces anomalus. These findings hold significant implications for advancing our understanding of specialized yeasts involved in P. edulis Sims wine production.

Bacteriophytochrome-derived near-infrared fluorescent proteins (NIR FPs) provide deep tissue penetration, low autofluorescence, and endogenous biliverdin compatibility, enabling non-invasive visualization of viral processes in living systems. Engineering advances (iRFPs, monomeric miRFPs, photoactivatable PAiRFPs) have improved brightness, stability, and genetic encodability for robust use in mammalian models. These reporters support real-time tracking of infection dynamics and host-virus interactions and power diagnostic platforms including reporter viruses, CRISPR-based assays, and nanotechnology-enhanced biosensors. Multimodal integration with photoacoustic tomography and PET further extends their translational utility. Remaining challenges include brightness/photostability limits and the need for broader translational validation, yet progress in structure-guided mutagenesis, computational/AI-assisted protein design, and hybrid imaging strategies promises to close these gaps. This mini-review synthesizes the design principles, viral imaging/detection use cases, and translational prospects of bacteriophytochrome-derived NIR FPs, highlighting their potential to advance viral surveillance, therapeutic evaluation, and precision diagnostics.