Inflammation and bacteriophages affect DNA inversion states and functionality of the gut microbiota.

Reversible genomic DNA inversions control the expression of numerous gut bacterial molecules, but how this impacts disease remains uncertain. By analyzing metagenomic samples from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohorts, we identified multiple invertible regions where a particular orientation correlated with disease. These include the promoter of polysaccharide A (PSA) of Bacteroides fragilis, which induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) and ameliorates experimental colitis.

Gut microbial signatures are associated with Lynch syndrome (LS) and cancer history in Druze communities in Israel.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by autosomal dominant mutations, with high probability of early onset for several cancers, mainly colorectal cancer (CRC). The gut microbiome was shown to be influenced by host genetics and to be altered during cancer development. Therefore, we aimed to determine alterations in gut microbiome compositions of LS patients with and without cancer.

Automated device for multi-stage paper-based assays enabled by an electroosmotic pumping valve.

We leverage electroosmotic-flow generation in porous media in combination with a hydrophobic air gap to create a controllable valve capable of operating in either finite dosing or continuous flow mode, enabling the implementation of multi-step assays on paper-based devices. The hydrophobic air gap between two paper pads creates a barrier keeping the valve nominally closed. Electroosmotic actuation, implemented using a pair of electrodes under the upstream pad, generates sufficient pressure to overcome the barrier and connect the two pads.

A Protocol for Simple, Rapid, and Direct Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples, using Reverse Transcribed Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP).

SARS-CoV-2 has quickly spread all around the globe causing illness and wide damages. Most countries were unprepared for such a rapid spread and crisis. This led to various strategies for effective control of the new pandemic.

Direct on-the-spot detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patients.

Humanity is currently experiencing a global pandemic with devastating implications on human health and the economy. Most countries are gradually exiting their lockdown state. We are currently lacking rapid and simple viral detections, especially methods that can be performed in the household.

A Global Analysis of Kinase Function in Hyphal Morphogenesis Reveals a Role for the Endocytosis Regulator Akl1.

The human pathogenic fungus can switch between yeast and hyphal morphologies as a function of environmental conditions and cellular physiology. The yeast-to-hyphae morphogenetic switch is activated by well-established, kinase-based signal transduction pathways that are induced by extracellular stimuli. In order to identify possible inhibitory pathways of the yeast-to-hyphae transition, we interrogated a collection of protein kinases and phosphatases ectopically expressed under the regulation of the TETon promoter.