Review, Reviews
Out with the old: Hsp90 finds amino acid residue more useful than co-chaperone protein
Abbey D. Zuehlke1 and Leonard Neckers1
This article comments on work published by Zuehlke et al (Nat Commun, 2017), which demonstrates that the function of one co-chaperone in yeast is replaced by posttranslational modification (PTM) of a single amino acid within Hsp90 in higher eukaryotes.
Having your cake and eating it – Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants can evolve faster growth rate without losing their antibiotic resistance
Gerrit Brandis1, Sha Cao1, Douglas L. Huseby1 and Diarmaid Hughes1
This article comments on work published by Cao et al. (mBio, 2027), which shows that Staphylococcus aureus can produce small colony variants (SCVs) that are challenging to detect and lead to persistent infections due to mutations affecting respiration and ATP production, with recent findings indicating various evolutionary paths for SCVs to increase growth rate while maintaining antibiotic resistance, suggesting greater adaptability and clinical challenge.
The interplay between transcription and mRNA degradation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Subhadeep Das1, Debasish Sarkar2 and Biswadip Das1
This review summarizes how the integration of mRNA synthesis and degradation, mediated by specialized promoters and "coordinators," shapes the cellular transcriptome and plays a significant role in regulating gene expression profiles in various biological processes and potentially enhances evolutionary rates.
Inhibitors of glycosomal protein import provide new leads against trypanosomiasis
Vishal C. Kalel1, Leonidas Emmanouilidis2,3, Maciej Dawidowski2,3,4, Wolfgang Schliebs1, Michael Sattler2,3, Grzegorz M. Popowicz2,3, Ralf Erdmann1
This article comments on work published by Dawidowski et al. (Science, 2017), which provides the grounds for further development of the glycosome inhibitors into clinical candidates and validates the parasite protein-protein interactions as drug targets.
Protein aggregation triggers a declining libido in elder yeasts that still have a lust for life
Fabrice Caudron
This article comments on work published by Schlissel et al (Science 2017), showing that aging in yeast does not lead to the expected loss of heterochromatin silencing due to Sir2 inactivity, but rather to reduced mating pheromone sensitivity caused by the aggregation of the RNA-binding protein Whi3, which can be reversed by eliminating Whi3's polyglutamine domain.
Post-transcriptional regulation of ribosome biogenesis in yeast
Isabelle C. Kos-Braun and Martin Koš
Microorganisms adapt to environmental changes by regulating their metabolism, and one key survival strategy is to decrease energy use during adverse conditions by halting ribosome production, with recent findings showing yeast can switch between pre-rRNA processing pathways in response to environmental shifts, adding complexity to ribosome biogenesis regulation.
Prohibitins: emerging host targets of bacteria and viruses at the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm
June 3, 2026
Prohibitins are emerging as central host hubs exploited by bacteria and viruses to rewire signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. The current review discusses Prohibitins in host-pathogen interplay and their potential as novel anti-infective targets.
Outer membrane vesicles in Vibrio species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis
June 2, 2026
This review explores current knowledge on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Vibrio species, highlighting their roles in pathogenesis, host interaction, and marine ecology; and identifies major knowledge gaps, outlining key methodological challenges and future prospects for OMV-based applications.
The mechanism of Tat-dependent protein translocation
May 15, 2026
This review integrates mechanistically relevant biochemical, molecular, and structural studies on Tat-dependent translocation of folded proteins into an in its molecular detail new comprehensive explanation of how the Tat system mediates protein transport.
Protein arginine methyltransferases in protozoan parasites: a new path for antiparasitic chemotherapy?
February 12, 2026
This review discusses the activity and the relevance of arginine methyltransferases for the survival of pathogenic kinetoplastids, apicomplexans and amoebas, and how these enzymes could be exploited as drug targets.
Gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis: current insights and future challenges
August 25, 2025
This review explores the growing role of gut microbiota in AS and its potential to reshape targeted treatment strategies and facilitate development of adjunct therapies to address disease onset and progression.
Advancements in vaginal microbiota, Trichomonas vaginalis, and vaginal cell interactions: Insights from co-culture assays
May 15, 2025
This review updates co-culture and co-incubation techniques for studying interactions of Lactobacillus spp., representing a pre-dominant member of the healthy vaginal microbiota; Candida spp., the most abundant yeast in the vagina, and T. vaginalis, responsible for the most widespread nonviral STI worldwide.
Influence of cervicovaginal microbiota on Chlamydia trachomatis infection dynamics
April 15, 2025
This review examines the complex interplay between the cervicovaginal microbiome, C. trachomatis infection, and host immune responses, highlighting the role of metabolites such as short-chain and long-chain fatty acids, indole, and iron in modulating pathogen survival and host defenses.
Unveiling the molecular architecture of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of Acanthamoeba castellanii
March 31, 2025
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mitochondrial res-piratory chain in A. castellanii, focusing on the key alternative components involved in oxidative phosphorylation and their roles in energy metabolism, stress response, and adaptation to various conditions.
Paving the way for new antimicrobial peptides through molecular de-extinction
February 20, 2025
The advancement of artificial intelligence and molecular de-extinction offers a valuable opportunity not only to discover new antimicrobials but also to provide accurate in silico predictions, thereby shortening the path to addressing the global antibiotic resistance crisis.