Publications by authors named "Aruna R Menon"

Bacterial pathogens use protein secretion systems to transport virulence factors and regulate gene expression. Among pathogenic mycobacteria, including and , the ESAT-6 system 1 (ESX-1) secretion is crucial for host interaction. Secretion of protein substrates by the ESX-1 secretion system disrupts phagosomes, allowing mycobacteria cytoplasmic access during macrophage infections.

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Unlabelled: Bacterial pathogens use protein secretion systems to translocate virulence factors into the host and to control bacterial gene expression. The ESX-1 (ESAT-6 system 1) secretion system facilitates disruption of the macrophage phagosome during infection, enabling access to the cytoplasm, and regulates widespread gene expression in the mycobacterial cell. The transcription factors contributing to the ESX-1 transcriptional network during mycobacterial infection are not known.

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Sulfide accumulation in oil reservoir fluids (souring) from the activity of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) is of grave concern because of the associated health and facility failure risks. Here, we present an assessment of tungstate as a selective and potent inhibitor of SRM. Dose-response inhibitor experiments were conducted with a number of SRM isolates and enrichments at 30-80 °C and an increase in the effectiveness of tungstate treatment at higher temperatures was observed.

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Article Synopsis
  • Horizontal gene transfer has significantly impacted microbial evolution, and this study explores its role in animals, specifically vinegar flies and aphids.
  • The research identifies the transfer of the cdtB gene, associated with bacterial toxins, into the genomes of these insects, linking these genes to bacteriophage that affect symbiotic bacteria in aphids.
  • Findings suggest that cdtB is actively expressed during vulnerable life stages in these insects and may provide a defense mechanism against natural predators.
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