{"title":"Terrabacteria: redefining bacterial envelope diversity, biogenesis and evolution","authors":"Basile Beaud Benyahia, Najwa Taib, Christophe Beloin, Simonetta Gribaldo","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01088-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-024-01088-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The bacterial envelope is one of the oldest and most essential cellular components and has been traditionally divided into Gram-positive (monoderm) and Gram-negative (diderm). Recent landmark studies have challenged a major paradigm in microbiology by inferring that the last bacterial common ancestor had a diderm envelope and that the outer membrane (OM) was lost repeatedly in evolution to give rise to monoderms. Intriguingly, OM losses appear to have occurred exclusively in the Terrabacteria, one of the two major clades of bacteria. In this Review, we present current knowledge about the Terrabacteria. We describe their diversity and phylogeny and then highlight the vast phenotypic diversity of the Terrabacteria cell envelopes, which display large deviations from the textbook examples of diderms and monoderms, challenging the classical Gram-positive–Gram-negative divide. We highlight the striking differences in the systems involved in OM biogenesis in Terrabacteria with respect to the classical diderm experimental models and how they provide novel insights into the diversity and biogenesis of the bacterial cell envelope. We also discuss the potential evolutionary steps that might have led to the multiple losses of the OM and speculate on how the very first OM might have emerged before the last bacterial common ancestor.</p>","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":88.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142085754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From soil to battling antimicrobial resistance","authors":"Agustina Taglialegna","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01096-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01096-0","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, Li, Feng et al. identify an antimicrobial compound produced by plant root-associated Pseudomonas fluorescens with potent activity against drug-resistant, Gram-positive bacteria.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 10","pages":"596-596"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142007383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Testing fast with uRAST","authors":"Agustina Taglialegna","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01097-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01097-z","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, Kim, Kang, Jang et al. report a phenotype-based, ultra-rapid and blood culture-free antimicrobial susceptibility testing approach.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 10","pages":"596-596"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142007594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tagging for degradation — bacteria do it too","authors":"Francesca Ester Morreale","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01094-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01094-2","url":null,"abstract":"In this Journal Club, Francesca Ester Morreale revisits a paper reporting that arginine phosphorylation marks proteins for degradation in bacteria.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 11","pages":"669-669"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142002818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Harnessing the plant microbiome for sustainable crop production","authors":"Stéphane Compant, Fabricio Cassan, Tanja Kostić, Linda Johnson, Günter Brader, Friederike Trognitz, Angela Sessitsch","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01079-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-024-01079-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Global research on the plant microbiome has enhanced our understanding of the complex interactions between plants and microorganisms. The structure and functions of plant-associated microorganisms, as well as the genetic, biochemical, physical and metabolic factors that influence the beneficial traits of plant microbiota have also been intensively studied. Harnessing the plant microbiome has led to the development of various microbial applications to improve crop productivity in the face of a range of challenges, for example, climate change, abiotic and biotic stresses, and declining soil properties. Microorganisms, particularly nitrogen-fixing rhizobia as well as mycorrhizae and biocontrol agents, have been applied for decades to improve plant nutrition and health. Still, there are limitations regarding efficacy and consistency under field conditions. Also, the wealth of expanding knowledge on microbiome diversity, functions and interactions represents a huge source of information to exploit for new types of application. In this Review, we explore plant microbiome functions, mechanisms, assembly and types of interaction, and discuss current applications and their pitfalls. Furthermore, we elaborate on how the latest findings in plant microbiome research may lead to the development of new or more advanced applications. Finally, we discuss research gaps to fully leverage microbiome functions for sustainable plant production.</p>","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":88.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141986312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeting the spread of antimicrobial resistance plasmids","authors":"Ashley York","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01095-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01095-1","url":null,"abstract":"A recent study demonstrates targeting plasmid-encoded bacterial proteins containing immunoglobulin-like domains to prevent the conjugation and spread of antimicrobial resistance plasmids.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 10","pages":"595-595"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141973776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Towards improved biofilm models","authors":"Kendra P. Rumbaugh, Marvin Whiteley","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01086-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-024-01086-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Biofilms are complex microbial communities that have a critical function in many natural ecosystems, industrial settings as well as in recurrent and chronic infections. Biofilms are highly heterogeneous and dynamic assemblages that display complex responses to varying environmental factors, and those properties present substantial challenges for their study and control. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing improved biofilm models to offer more precise and comprehensive representations of these intricate systems. However, an objective assessment for ascertaining the ability of biofilms in model systems to recapitulate those in natural environments has been lacking. In this Perspective, we focus on medical biofilms to delve into the current state-of-the-art in biofilm modelling, emphasizing the advantages and limitations of different approaches and addressing the key challenges and opportunities for future research. We outline a framework for quantitatively assessing model accuracy. Ultimately, this Perspective aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of medically focused biofilm models, with the intent of inspiring future research aimed at enhancing the biological relevance of biofilm models.</p>","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"83 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":88.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141899718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Designer antibiotics","authors":"Andrea Du Toit","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01091-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01091-5","url":null,"abstract":"This study used structure-based drug design and modular synthesis to identify small molecules with antimicrobial activity.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 10","pages":"595-595"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141791111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Derek Cocker, Gabriel Birgand, Nina Zhu, Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano, Raheelah Ahmad, Kondwani Jambo, Anna S. Levin, Alison Holmes
{"title":"Healthcare as a driver, reservoir and amplifier of antimicrobial resistance: opportunities for interventions","authors":"Derek Cocker, Gabriel Birgand, Nina Zhu, Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano, Raheelah Ahmad, Kondwani Jambo, Anna S. Levin, Alison Holmes","doi":"10.1038/s41579-024-01076-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41579-024-01076-4","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that threatens humans, animals and the environment. Evidence is emerging for a role of healthcare infrastructure, environments and patient pathways in promoting and maintaining AMR via direct and indirect mechanisms. Advances in vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapies together with integrated surveillance, rapid diagnostics, targeted antimicrobial therapy and infection control measures offer opportunities to address healthcare-associated AMR risks more effectively. Additionally, innovations in artificial intelligence, data linkage and intelligent systems can be used to better predict and reduce AMR and improve healthcare resilience. In this Review, we examine the mechanisms by which healthcare functions as a driver, reservoir and amplifier of AMR, contextualized within a One Health framework. We also explore the opportunities and innovative solutions that can be used to combat AMR throughout the patient journey. We provide a perspective on the current evidence for the effectiveness of interventions designed to mitigate healthcare-associated AMR and promote healthcare resilience within high-income and resource-limited settings, as well as the challenges associated with their implementation. In this Review, Holmes and colleagues explore the mechanisms by which healthcare functions as a driver, reservoir and amplifier of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and they explore opportunities and innovative solutions to mitigate healthcare-associated AMR and promote healthcare resilience.","PeriodicalId":18838,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Microbiology","volume":"22 10","pages":"636-649"},"PeriodicalIF":69.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141755100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}