Friday, November 21, 2008
Legionella book review
Writing in a recent issue of "Microbiology Today", Norman Fry of the Health Protection Agency, UK reviews a book on Legionella published by Caister Academic Press:
"The first three chapters of this book provide general introductions to the field. The excellent opening chapter on history and clinical findings provides comprehensive and fascinating insights into LD ... (other chapters) describe in detail the unique nature of legionella as intracellular parasite, its ability to infect macrophages and its extracellular lifestyle. There are also comprehensive reviews on the flagellar system, genomics, secretion, export, survival mechanisms including Dot/Icm, nutrient acquisition and assimilation strategies and the use of L. pneumophila as a model organism. Overall the book is good series of expert reviews ... providing a useful state-of-the-art reference"
Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson
Publication date: March 2008
ISBN: 978-1-904455-26-4
Price: GB £150 or US $300 (hardback).
Pages: x + 249 + colour plate
Further reading: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
"The first three chapters of this book provide general introductions to the field. The excellent opening chapter on history and clinical findings provides comprehensive and fascinating insights into LD ... (other chapters) describe in detail the unique nature of legionella as intracellular parasite, its ability to infect macrophages and its extracellular lifestyle. There are also comprehensive reviews on the flagellar system, genomics, secretion, export, survival mechanisms including Dot/Icm, nutrient acquisition and assimilation strategies and the use of L. pneumophila as a model organism. Overall the book is good series of expert reviews ... providing a useful state-of-the-art reference"
Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson
Publication date: March 2008
ISBN: 978-1-904455-26-4
Price: GB £150 or US $300 (hardback).
Pages: x + 249 + colour plate
Further reading: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Labels: book review, legionella
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bacterial Secretion Systems - Type II
Gram-negative bacteria have evolved several secretory pathways to release proteins or toxic factors into their surrounding environment. Many virulence determinants, including extracellular toxins and proteases, are secreted by the type II secretion system (T2SS) which is widely conserved and common among γ-proteobacteria.
Typical T2SSs are composed of 12 to 16 proteins termed Gsp (General secretion pathway) proteins. These components associate in a multiprotein complex that constitutes a large structure (the secreton) that spans the periplasm and is thought to connect inner and outer membranes. Exoproteins that use the T2SS are characterized by the presence of a leader peptide (or signal peptide) at their N terminus and are secreted in the extracellular medium by a two-step process involving a transient periplasmic intermediate. The T2SS is unique in its ability to promote secretion of large multimeric proteins that are folded in the periplasm. The system is also characterized by a species-specificity, which is mainly related to the GspC and GspD components, the gatekeepers.
Although relatively little attention has been payed to the regulation of T2SSs, it was observed that expression of most of the genes encoding T2SS-dependent exoproteins is growth phase-dependent or strictly regulated by environmental signals. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, T2SS assembly and most of the T2SS-dependent exoproteins are regulated via quorum sensing, a mechanism that senses the density of a surrounding bacterial population.
Besides typical T2SSs, some secretory systems are found which contain all the T2SS components but in a different genetic organization. Some incomplete systems have also been described which contain genes homologous to T2SS but dispersed on the bacterial chromosome. Components of these systems can either associate with classical T2SS components to constitute a functional hybrid machinery or represent peculiar systems with strictly defined functions.
from Michel and Voulhoux in Bacterial Secreted Proteins
Further reading:
Typical T2SSs are composed of 12 to 16 proteins termed Gsp (General secretion pathway) proteins. These components associate in a multiprotein complex that constitutes a large structure (the secreton) that spans the periplasm and is thought to connect inner and outer membranes. Exoproteins that use the T2SS are characterized by the presence of a leader peptide (or signal peptide) at their N terminus and are secreted in the extracellular medium by a two-step process involving a transient periplasmic intermediate. The T2SS is unique in its ability to promote secretion of large multimeric proteins that are folded in the periplasm. The system is also characterized by a species-specificity, which is mainly related to the GspC and GspD components, the gatekeepers.
Although relatively little attention has been payed to the regulation of T2SSs, it was observed that expression of most of the genes encoding T2SS-dependent exoproteins is growth phase-dependent or strictly regulated by environmental signals. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, T2SS assembly and most of the T2SS-dependent exoproteins are regulated via quorum sensing, a mechanism that senses the density of a surrounding bacterial population.
Besides typical T2SSs, some secretory systems are found which contain all the T2SS components but in a different genetic organization. Some incomplete systems have also been described which contain genes homologous to T2SS but dispersed on the bacterial chromosome. Components of these systems can either associate with classical T2SS components to constitute a functional hybrid machinery or represent peculiar systems with strictly defined functions.
from Michel and Voulhoux in Bacterial Secreted Proteins
Further reading:
- Bacterial Secreted Proteins: Secretory Mechanisms and Role in Pathogenesis
- Pseudomonas: Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Microbial Toxins: Current Research and Future Trends
Labels: bacteria, protein, protein secretion, proteins, Pseudomonas, toxin
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Plant Bacteria book review
Writting in the latest issue of the ISPP Newsletter published by the International Society for Plant Pathology, Chris Hayward describes the new book on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria from Caister Academic Press as:
"... comprehensive in coverage ... This book is a timely addition to the literature in a rapidly expanding field which provides ample evidence of hypothesis testing on a broad front."
Further reading: Plant Pathogenic Bacteria: Genomics and Molecular Biology
"... comprehensive in coverage ... This book is a timely addition to the literature in a rapidly expanding field which provides ample evidence of hypothesis testing on a broad front."
Further reading: Plant Pathogenic Bacteria: Genomics and Molecular Biology
Labels: bacteria, book review, plant
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Mycology Conferences and Meetings 2009
A list of conferences, meetings, symposia and workshops relating to all aspects of mycology, yeast and fungal science and medicine.
February 1 - 14, 2009. Comparative analysis of in vitro and in vivo Candida albicans-host interaction systems
Madrid, Spain Further information
Federation of European Biochemical Societies advanced practical and lecture course. The aim of this two-week course is to introduce students to the latest techniques of in vivo infection and ex-vivo/in vitro interaction models between the human pathogen Candida albicans and the host.
Suggested reading: Candida Book
March 17 - 22, 2009. 25th Fungal Genetics Conference
Asilomar, California, USA Further information
Billed as the biggest worldwide conference on genetics of filamentous fungi
March 29 - 31, 2009. British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM) Annual Scientific Meeting
Imperial College London, UK Further information
Translational Research in Medical Mycology
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
May 25 - 29, 2009. The 17th Congress of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology 2009 (ISHAM 2009)
Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Further information
ISHAM2009 will address recent developments in medical, veterinary and environmental mycology with a focus on human and animal health. More than 30 symposia with distinguished speakers are planned, including keynote lectures, luncheon and evening seminars, and a new Poster Forum.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
July 19 - 24, 2009. 24th International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology
Manchester, UK Further information
Key conference themes will include: Cell Cycle and Morphogenesis, Control of Gene Expression, Genomes and Evolution, Protein Trafficking, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology, Yeasts as Cell Factories, Yeasts as Models for Ageing and Human Disease, Yeasts as Pathogens
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
August 26 - 29, 2009. Pasteur's Legacy: Yeast for Health and Biotechnologies (the 27th International Specialised Symposium on Yeast)
Institut Pasteur, Paris, France Further information
September 1 - 4, 2009. British Mycological Society annual scientific meeting
Dundee, UK Further information
The Fungal Cell. Including cellular organisation, metabolism and cellular regulation, fungal growth, morphogenesis and differentiation, and fungal interactions with other organisms including bacteria and plants.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
October 18 - 21, 2009. 4th Trends in Medical Mycology TIMM4
Athens, Greece Further information
Organized jointly by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and by the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (IDG-EORTC). The scientific programme will include plenary sessions on fungal infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts led by an internationally renowned faculty giving plenary talks, round table sessions, and meet-the-expert meetings. The poster session will encourage one-to-one discussions between faculty, presenters and delegates. The meeting is designed for infectious disease specialists, haematologists, oncologists, transplant physicians, microbiologists, immunologists, dermatologists, intensivists and others with interest in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
October 29 - 31, 2009. Mycology MasterClass IV
Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia Further information
Advanced medical mycology course for specialists and trainees in infectious diseases, microbiology, haematology and intensive care medicine and for laboratory scientists/technicians specialising in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular Biology
February 1 - 14, 2009. Comparative analysis of in vitro and in vivo Candida albicans-host interaction systems
Madrid, Spain Further information
Federation of European Biochemical Societies advanced practical and lecture course. The aim of this two-week course is to introduce students to the latest techniques of in vivo infection and ex-vivo/in vitro interaction models between the human pathogen Candida albicans and the host.
Suggested reading: Candida Book
March 17 - 22, 2009. 25th Fungal Genetics Conference
Asilomar, California, USA Further information
Billed as the biggest worldwide conference on genetics of filamentous fungi
March 29 - 31, 2009. British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM) Annual Scientific Meeting
Imperial College London, UK Further information
Translational Research in Medical Mycology
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
May 25 - 29, 2009. The 17th Congress of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology 2009 (ISHAM 2009)
Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan Further information
ISHAM2009 will address recent developments in medical, veterinary and environmental mycology with a focus on human and animal health. More than 30 symposia with distinguished speakers are planned, including keynote lectures, luncheon and evening seminars, and a new Poster Forum.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
July 19 - 24, 2009. 24th International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology
Manchester, UK Further information
Key conference themes will include: Cell Cycle and Morphogenesis, Control of Gene Expression, Genomes and Evolution, Protein Trafficking, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology, Yeasts as Cell Factories, Yeasts as Models for Ageing and Human Disease, Yeasts as Pathogens
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
August 26 - 29, 2009. Pasteur's Legacy: Yeast for Health and Biotechnologies (the 27th International Specialised Symposium on Yeast)
Institut Pasteur, Paris, France Further information
September 1 - 4, 2009. British Mycological Society annual scientific meeting
Dundee, UK Further information
The Fungal Cell. Including cellular organisation, metabolism and cellular regulation, fungal growth, morphogenesis and differentiation, and fungal interactions with other organisms including bacteria and plants.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
October 18 - 21, 2009. 4th Trends in Medical Mycology TIMM4
Athens, Greece Further information
Organized jointly by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and by the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (IDG-EORTC). The scientific programme will include plenary sessions on fungal infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts led by an internationally renowned faculty giving plenary talks, round table sessions, and meet-the-expert meetings. The poster session will encourage one-to-one discussions between faculty, presenters and delegates. The meeting is designed for infectious disease specialists, haematologists, oncologists, transplant physicians, microbiologists, immunologists, dermatologists, intensivists and others with interest in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Mycology Books
October 29 - 31, 2009. Mycology MasterClass IV
Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia Further information
Advanced medical mycology course for specialists and trainees in infectious diseases, microbiology, haematology and intensive care medicine and for laboratory scientists/technicians specialising in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular Biology
Labels: conference, fungal, fungi, mycology, yeast
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Legionella book review
Writing in a recent issue of "Legionella Enews", Matt Freije reviews a book on Legionella published by Caister Academic Press:
"This book is a must for microbiologists involved with Legionella ... it will make a nice addition to the library of anyone professionally involved with Legionnaires' disease and Legionella bacteria."
Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson
Publication date: March 2008
ISBN: 978-1-904455-26-4
Price: GB £150 or US $300 (hardback).
Pages: x + 249 + colour plate
Further reading: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
"This book is a must for microbiologists involved with Legionella ... it will make a nice addition to the library of anyone professionally involved with Legionnaires' disease and Legionella bacteria."
Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson
Publication date: March 2008
ISBN: 978-1-904455-26-4
Price: GB £150 or US $300 (hardback).
Pages: x + 249 + colour plate
Further reading: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology
Labels: book review, legionella
Conference alert: Molecular Diagnostics
October 22 - 23, 2009. European Meeting on Molecular Diagnostics
Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands Further information
The sixth in a series of meetings, devoted to all aspects of molecular diagnostics in disease and pathology of humans. The Scheveningen Meeting is organised every two years. The scope of the meeting has expanded to include other amplification techniques, general probe technology and more laboratory disciplines. The emphasis of the meetings will continue to be on novel technology and its consequences for (new) clinical molecular diagnostics. The format of the meetings includes general, introductory lectures by internationally renowned experts in combination with free presentations in dedicated workshops, poster session and industrial exhibits.
Suggested reading: Real-Time PCR in Microbiology
Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands Further information
The sixth in a series of meetings, devoted to all aspects of molecular diagnostics in disease and pathology of humans. The Scheveningen Meeting is organised every two years. The scope of the meeting has expanded to include other amplification techniques, general probe technology and more laboratory disciplines. The emphasis of the meetings will continue to be on novel technology and its consequences for (new) clinical molecular diagnostics. The format of the meetings includes general, introductory lectures by internationally renowned experts in combination with free presentations in dedicated workshops, poster session and industrial exhibits.
Suggested reading: Real-Time PCR in Microbiology
Labels: conference
Conference alert: Bacterial Genetics and Ecology
June 15 - 19, 2009. The 10th International Symposium on Bacterial Genetics and Ecology
Uppsala, Sweden Further information
Coexisting on a Changing Planet. The 10th BAGECO conference will focus on bacteria in the world around us, and the implications of a changing climate and other anthropogenic influences on bacterial genetics and ecology. Climate change is now accepted as a serious challenge to global ecosystems, but the extent of its impact on bacterial communities has only begun to be explored.
Uppsala, Sweden Further information
Coexisting on a Changing Planet. The 10th BAGECO conference will focus on bacteria in the world around us, and the implications of a changing climate and other anthropogenic influences on bacterial genetics and ecology. Climate change is now accepted as a serious challenge to global ecosystems, but the extent of its impact on bacterial communities has only begun to be explored.
Labels: conference
Monday, October 27, 2008
Metagenomics
Metagenomics, which can be defined as the science of biological diversity, consists of the genomic analysis of a microbial population with similar but not identical members, by the use of genetic and molecular analysis. A comprehensive metagenomic study provides understanding of the dynamics of a microbial population and includes analysis of nucleotide sequence, structure, regulation and function. Metagenomics has applications in a broad range of areas. For example the metagenomics approach has been used to study the intestinal microflora (Norin et al 2009 in Lactobacillus Molecular Biology), in studies of bioremediation and biodegradation (Díaz 2008 Microbial Biodegradation), and in the study of bacteriophage in the environment (Weinbauer et al 2007 in Bacteriophage: Genetics and Molecular Biology).
Labels: metagenomics
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Bacterial Secretion Systems - Type I
Bacteria have developed numerous systems to secrete proteins or DNA in order to modify their immediate surroundings or to obtain an advantage in a competitive and hostile environment. Since Gram-negative bacteria possess two membranes, the inner (cytoplasmic) membrane and the outer membrane, transport machines for protein secretion have the challenging task of circumventing two barriers to reach the exterior. A rather simple transport apparatus, the Type I secretion machinery, composed of only three proteins residing in the inner and outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria achieve this objective in a single step. The Type I secretion pathway although also present in Gram-positive bacteria, has been analysed in greatest detail in Gram-negative bacteria. Almost all Type I transport substrates are polypeptides, varying from the small Escherichia coli peptide colicin V, (10 kDa) to the large Pseudomonas fluorescens cell adhesion protein LapA of 900 kDa. While these two examples reflect the range of the size of Type I transport substrates, the best characterized are the RTX toxins and the lipases. Type I secretion is also involved in export of non-proteinaceous substrates like cyclic β-glucans or polysaccharides.
from Jenewein et al in Bacterial Secreted Proteins
Further reading:
from Jenewein et al in Bacterial Secreted Proteins
Further reading:
- Bacterial Secreted Proteins: Secretory Mechanisms and Role in Pathogenesis
- Pseudomonas: Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Microbial Toxins: Current Research and Future Trends
Labels: bacteria, protein, protein secretion, proteins, Pseudomonas, toxin
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