Review, Reviews

How do yeast sense mitochondrial dysfunction?

Dmitry A. Knorre1, Svyatoslav S. Sokolov1, Anna N. Zyrina2, Fedor F. Severin1,3

Apart from energy transformation, mitochondria play important signaling roles. In yeast, mitochondrial signaling relies on several molecular cascades. However, it is not clear how a cell detects a particular mitochondrial malfunction. In our review we argue that in yeast the major known routes of mitochondrial signaling are moderated by non-mitochondrial inputs.

Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infections

Catherine M. O’Connell and Morgan E. Ferone

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are the most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the US and globally. Ascending infection may result in infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain in some women. In this review we provide an overview of current knowledge regarding epidemiology, disease outcomes and effective treatment of chlamydial genital tract infection and explore potential mechanisms facilitating C. trachomatis infection of genital mucosa identified via bioinformatics and other molecular approaches.

HPV disease transmission protection and control

Neil D. Christensen

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) represent a large collection of viral types associated with significant clinical disease of cutaneous and mucosal epithelium. In this review we present an overview of papillomavirus biology and propose a series of questions that provide a basis for discussion of some areas of interest that continue to represent important gaps in our knowledge in the HPV research field.

Hepatitis B virus and its sexually transmitted infection – an update

Takako Inoue1 and Yasuhito Tanaka1,2

About 5% of the world’s population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and nearly 25% of carriers develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this article is to provide up-to-date information on HBV and HBV infection as a major sexually transmitted infection.

Recent Insights into the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

Juan C. Becerra1, Lukas S. Bildstein2, Johannes S. Gach1

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by chronic infection with the human immunodeficiency virus1 (HIV-1), is one of the most devastating pandemics ever recorded in human history. In this review, we assemble new details on the molecular events from the attachment of the virus, to the assembly and release of the viral progeny.

Gonorrhea – an evolving disease of the new millennium

Stuart A. Hill, Thao L. Masters and Jenny Wachter

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, an obligate human pathogen, and the etiologic agent of the sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea. This review provides insight into the molecular epidemiology, virulence mechanisms, pathogenesis and therapeutic options.

Cryptococcus flips its lid – membrane phospholipid asymmetry modulates antifungal drug resistance and virulence

Erika Shor1, Yina Wang1, David S. Perlin1,2, and Chaoyang Xue1,2

This article comments on work published by Huang et al. (MBio, 2016), which reported that in the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans loss of lipid flippase activity sensitized cryptococcal cells to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and abolished fungal virulence in murine models.

A novel component of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in trypanosomes

Anneliese Hoffmann1,2, Martin Jakob1, and Torsten Ochsenreiter1

This article comments on work published by Trikin et al. (PLoS Pathog, 2016), which described a new component of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei.

Bacterial genotoxin functions as immune-modulator and promotes host survival

R. Guidi1, L. Del Bell Belluz2, T. Frisan2

This article comments on work published by Del Bel Belluz et al. (PLoS Pathog, 2016), which demonstrated that the typhoid toxin of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi esembles an immune-modulatory molecule rather than a toxic agent.

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Efflux pumps: gatekeepers of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

November 11, 2024

This review aims to elucidate the complex relationship between efflux pumps, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in S. aureus with the aim to aid in the development of potential therapeutic targets for combating S. aureus infections, especially those associated with biofilms.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of human diseases: the benefits of fission yeasts

August 2, 2024

Here we collect the latest laboratory protocols and bioinformatics tools for the fission yeasts to highlight the many possibilities available to the research community. In addition, we present several limiting factors that everyone should be aware of when working with yeast models.

Characterising glycosaminoglycans in human breastmilk and their potential role in infant health

July 4, 2024

Glycosaminoglycans are bioactive components present in breast milk and play a potential key role in determining infant health yet are overlooked by many contemporary studies. This review explores their relevance, use and characterisation techniques.

Neutralizing the threat: harnessing broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 for treatment and prevention

July 3, 2024

This review provides an overview of the advancements in HIV- 1-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies and discusses the insights gathered from recent clinical trials regarding their application in treating and preventing HIV-1 infection.

From microbes to medicine: harnessing the gut microbiota to combat prostate cancer

May 23, 2024

The gut microbiome (GM) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. This review highlights the important role that the GM may play in the development and progression of prostate cancer, through its influence on chronic inflammation, immune modulation, and other pathogenic mechanisms.

The cAMP-PKA signalling crosstalks with CWI and HOG-MAPK pathways in yeast cell response to osmotic and thermal stress

March 15, 2024

During industrial fermentation yeast strains are exposed to fluctuations in oxygen concentration, osmotic pressure, pH, ethanol concentration, nutrient availability and temperature. The scope of this review is to outline the advancement of knowledge about the cAMP-PKA signalling and the crosstalk of this pathway with the CWI and HOG-MAPK cascades in response to the environmental challenges heat and hyperosmotic stress.

Phospholipases A and Lysophospholipases in protozoan parasites

October 2, 2023

In this review, we summarize the literature on phospholipases and lysophospholipases in several protozoan parasites of medical relevance, and discuss the growing interest for them as potential drug and vaccine targets.

Biofilm tolerance, resistance and infections increasing threat of public health

September 26, 2023

The review explores the role of biofilms in the development of bacterial resistance mechanisms and proposed therapeutic intervention strategies for biofilm related diseases.

Infinity war: Trichomonas vaginalis and interactions with host immune response

March 31, 2023

Trichomonas vaginalis is the pathological agent of human trichomoniasis with an incidence of 156 million cases worldwide. This review highlights parasite strategies to activate and stimulate or evade variated and complex immunological mechanisms related to the symptoms and clinical complications observed here.

The metabolites of lactic acid bacteria: classification, biosynthesis and modulation of gut microbiota

February 8, 2023

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are ubiquitous microorganisms that can colonize the intestine and participate in the physiological metabolism of the host. In this review, we summarize the metabolites of LAB and their influence on the intestine as well as the underlying regulatory mechanisms and their impact on human health.

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