Conjugative type IV secretion systems enable bacterial antagonism that operates independently of plasmid transfer.

Bacterial cooperation and antagonism mediated by secretion systems are among the ways in which bacteria interact with one another. Here we report the discovery of an antagonistic property of a type IV secretion system (T4SS) sourced from a conjugative plasmid, RP4, using engineering approaches. We scrutinized the genetic determinants and suggested that this antagonistic activity is independent of molecular cargos, while we also elucidated the resistance genes.

Mining the Metabolic Capacity of Clostridium sporogenes Aided by Machine Learning.

Anaerobes dominate the microbiota of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where a significant portion of small molecules can be degraded or modified. However, the enormous metabolic capacity of gut anaerobes remains largely elusive in contrast to aerobic bacteria, mainly due to the requirement of sophisticated laboratory settings. In this study, we employed an in silico machine learning platform, MoleculeX, to predict the metabolic capacity of a gut anaerobe, Clostridium sporogenes, against small molecules.

Polyethylene Degradation by a Strain Isolated from Naturally Weathered Plastic Waste Enrichment.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced synthetic polymer and the most abundant plastic waste worldwide due to its recalcitrance to biodegradation and low recycle rate. Microbial degradation of PE has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we isolated a strain A34 from 609 day enriched cultures derived from naturally weathered plastic waste and identified the potential key PE degradation enzymes.

Identification of Gut Bacterial Enzymes for Keto-Reductive Metabolism of Xenobiotics.

Human gastrointestinal microbiota are known for the keto-reductive metabolism of small-molecule pharmaceuticals; however, the responsible enzymes remain poorly understood. Through biochemical assays, we report the identification of enzymes encoded in the genome of that can reduce the ketone groups of nabumetone, hydrocortisone, and tacrolimus. The homologues to a newly identified enzyme (i.

An -Based Biosynthetic Platform Expands the Structural Diversity of Natural Benzoxazoles.

Benzoxazoles are frequently found in synthetic pharmaceuticals and medicinally active natural products. To facilitate benzoxazole-based drug development, an eco-friendly and rapid platform for benzoxazole production is required. In this study, we have completed the biosynthesis of benzoxazoles in by coexpressing the minimal set of enzymes required for their biosynthesis.