University of Iowa Health Care’s Post

👨🔬👩🔬 How do bacteria hijack our cells and cause disease❓❓ 🦠 A team of researchers led by Professor Peter Walter, Dr. Advait Subramanian , Dr. Lan Wang and Professor Shaeri Mukherjee has uncovered a fascinating mechanism by which a pathogenic bacterium called Legionella pneumophila manipulates the protein synthesis machinery in the cells it infects. This allows the bacterium to propagate, evade host cell defenses, and ultimately regulate host cell lysis to release more bacteria for further rounds of infection. 😱 🔴 The researchers discovered that Legionella secretes a toxin called SidI into the infected cell. SidI is very unique, as it combines two functions: it acts as an enzyme that modifies host cell ribosomes, and it mimics the shape and size of a molecule of tRNA, which are essential for protein synthesis. 🧬 🔴 SidI pretends to be a tRNA and tricks the ribosome into accepting it, but instead of bringing an amino acid to the ribosome, it stops the ribosome from translating. This results in a traffic jam on the "protein synthesis freeway", as the modified ribosome on an mRNA moves much more slowly than the ribosome trailing it, causing ribosome collisions. 🚗🚗 🔴 These collided ribosomes are sensed by host cells to activate a stress response pathway that culminates in the accumulation of a master regulator of gene expression called activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). 🔴 Remarkably, even while most protein synthesis is inhibited, ATF3 protein escapes this mRNA translation block and is induced at high levels. ATF3 enters the nucleus of cells and initiates a process that regulates cell lysis. This mechanism might be important for the escape of replicated bacteria, facilitating further rounds of infection. 💥 This research is a game-changer in the field of molecular biology and infectious diseases, as it reveals how pathogens employ molecular mimicry to hijack processes that are critical for optimal host cell function which could be essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat bacterial infections. 💊 🙌 The link to the full paper is below. https://lnkd.in/dcAyEdAi #Legionella #SidI #protein #synthesis #molecular #mimicry #ATF3 #cell #lysis #infection #bacteria #toxin #ribosome #tRNA #Nature #science #microbiology #disease #health #medicine #currentresearch

Hello Professors and Researchers, We have recently launched a special research topic, 'Bacteriophages and Phage-Engineered Products for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications,' in collaboration with the Frontiers in Microbiology journal. The goal of this research topic is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of bacteriophages, the challenges, and implications for revolutionizing the landscape of antibacterial and anticancer applications, with a strong emphasis on both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. We encourage the submission of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications, opinion articles, methods, and others that collectively cover a wide spectrum of areas, attracting a broad audience. Kindly consider submitting your research to this special issue, as it is meticulously reviewed by a dedicated editorial team in Bacteriophage research. Bacteriophage.news George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology BIOENGINEERING COMMUNITY Bacteriophage india Ibadan Bacteriophage Research Team Frontiers AntibioticResistance WS Virology

Hi there, I am guest editing the special issue "Cellular and Molecular Study in Immunopharmacology" in Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark journal.  I invite you to submit original research articles, brief reports, reviews, mini-reviews, and opinions that encompass the following recent advancements: • Immunomodulators that have the ability to specifically enhance or suppress immune responses. • Vaccines and vaccine adjuvants that augment the antigen-specific immune response, resulting in increased protection. • Infections (caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens) that induce immunological changes. • Novel findings in autoimmunity, and potential therapeutic approaches. https://lnkd.in/gF-hMEqZ Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam Guest Editor

🔬 Revolutionizing Biomarker Quantification with Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS) 🚀 The global scientific response to COVID-19 underscored the urgent need for increased throughput in bioanalytical laboratories. Acoustic ejection mass spectrometry (AEMS) emerges as a game-changer, offering ultra-fast and precise protein biomarker quantification. This innovative technology enables rapid screening of acute phase response (APR) protein markers from plasma and SARS-CoV-2 peptides from nasopharyngeal swabs, achieving unprecedented speed and accuracy. Key highlights include: Quantification of APR proteins in 267 plasma samples in just 4.8 hours. SARS-CoV-2 peptide quantification from 145 viral swabs in only 10 minutes. AEMS offers a 15-fold speed improvement over traditional LC-MS methods. This breakthrough in bioanalytical technology promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of large-scale biomarker screening, paving the way for faster and more accurate disease diagnostics. #BiomarkerQuantification #AEMS #COVID19 #BioanalyticalScience #HealthcareInnovation https://lnkd.in/d6XS7Hbi

📃Scientific paper: Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes detected in Ciprofloxacin non-susceptible Escherichia coli and Klebsiella isolated from children under five years at hospital discharge, Kenya Abstract: Background The increasing spread of fluoroquinolone resistant enteric bacteria is a global public health concern. Children recently discharged from the hospital are at high risk of carriage of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to frequent exposure to antimicrobials during inpatient stays. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlates of ciprofloxacin (CIP) non-susceptibility, and distribution of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella spp isolated from children under five years being discharged from two Kenyan Hospitals. Methods E. coli and Klebsiella spp were isolated from fecal samples from children discharged from hospital and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by disc diffusion and E-test. CIP non-susceptible isolates were screened for seven PMQR genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Poisson regression was used to determine the association between the carriage of CIP non-susceptible isolates and patient characteristics. Results Of the 280 CIP non-susceptible isolates: 188 E. coli and 92 Klebsiella spp isolates identified among 266 discharged children, 195 (68%) were CIP-non-susceptible with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≥ 1 µg/mL. Among these 195 isolates, 130 (67%) had high-level CIP MIC =  ≥ 32 µg/mL). Over 80% of the isolates had at least one PMQR gene identified: aac(6’)lb-cr (60%), qnrB (24%) , oqxAB (22%), qnrS (16%), and qepA (6%), howev... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/aOwhD ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

PhD Position: Viral proteases of important human pathogens -------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Viral proteases are indispensable for successful viral replication as well as important pathogenic factors. Better understanding of their action is important for future therapies. The work will focus mainly to proteases from flaviviruses (Zika, Dengue), coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) and retroviruses (HIV). The experimental work will include cloning, protein expressions, purifications, biophysical characterizations and crystallizations, handling with small-compounds libraries and biological libraries, tissue culture work and analyses (microscopy, flow cytometry), development and adaptation of enzymological and cell based phenotypic assays. The outputs will help to better understand pathogenesis and possibilities of targeting of viral proteases. Field of study: Physical chemistry more information: https://lnkd.in/dbNYGdS5

📃Scientific paper: Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes detected in Ciprofloxacin non-susceptible Escherichia coli and Klebsiella isolated from children under five years at hospital discharge, Kenya Abstract: Background The increasing spread of fluoroquinolone resistant enteric bacteria is a global public health concern. Children recently discharged from the hospital are at high risk of carriage of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to frequent exposure to antimicrobials during inpatient stays. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlates of ciprofloxacin (CIP) non-susceptibility, and distribution of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella spp isolated from children under five years being discharged from two Kenyan Hospitals. Methods E. coli and Klebsiella spp were isolated from fecal samples from children discharged from hospital and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by disc diffusion and E-test. CIP non-susceptible isolates were screened for seven PMQR genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Poisson regression was used to determine the association between the carriage of CIP non-susceptible isolates and patient characteristics. Results Of the 280 CIP non-susceptible isolates: 188 E. coli and 92 Klebsiella spp isolates identified among 266 discharged children, 195 (68%) were CIP-non-susceptible with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≥ 1 µg/mL. Among these 195 isolates, 130 (67%) had high-level CIP MIC =  ≥ 32 µg/mL). Over 80% of the isolates had at least one PMQR gene identified: aac(6’)lb-cr (60%), qnrB (24%) , oqxAB (22%), qnrS (16%), and qepA (6%), howev... Discover the rest of the scientific article on es/iode ➡️https://etcse.fr/aOwhD

Many of the most important medicines developed in the last 30 years to treat malignant or inflammatory diseases are humanised #antibodies and a significant proportion of ongoing efforts in drug discovery by global pharmaceuticals is based on making new antibody medicines. German bacteriologist and Nobel Laureate Paul Erlich described antibodies as ‘Zauberkugel’ or Magic Bullets, because they target and treat the #microbial #pathogens without harming the human host. The concept of Zauberkugel is one of the foundational principles that underlies all drug discovery in modern Medicine today. In the latest issue of the School’s quarterly magazine MediCine, Associate Professor Paul MacAry from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at #NUSMedicine discusses the history of Zauberkugel and how it has taken the world over a century to realise this concept in modern medicine. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dMNAEj_A

I am thrilled to announce that my paper, titled “ELISA for leptospiral 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase in urine is a promising screening tool for acute leptospirosis” has been published in Access Microbiology! This research was conducted as part of my MSc at Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya. This would not have been possible without the incredible support and guidance from my Supervisors, Prof Chandika Gamage and Prof Claudia Toma. Their expertise and mentorship were invaluable throughout this journey. Congratulations to my co-authors Pavani Senarathne, Prof M.Pathirage, Mr Athula Kumara & Ms T.Herath who contributed to this project and supported me along the way. Summary of the research: Our study focuses on leptospirosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease. We explored the potential of leptospiral 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (3-HADH) as a biomarker for diagnosing leptospirosis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unlike current serological methods, detecting 3-HADH in urine indicates the direct presence of the pathogen, offering a promising approach for screening acute leptospirosis in suspected patients. Check out the paper here: https://lnkd.in/eby6BtAz I invite anyone interested in this research to view the article and share your thoughts. #Research #TropicalDiseases #Leptospirosis #Biomarkers #ELISA #Diagnostics #Publication #TeamWork