Phase variation, the reversible alternation between genetic states, enables infection by pathogens and colonization by commensals. However, the diversity of phase variation remains underexplored. We developed the PhaseFinder algorithm to quantify DNA inversion-mediated phase variation. A systematic search of 54,875 bacterial genomes identified 4686 intergenic invertible DNA regions (invertons), revealing an enrichment in host-associated bacteria. Invertons containing promoters often regulate extracellular products, underscoring the importance of surface diversity for gut colonization. We found invertons containing promoters regulating antibiotic resistance genes that shift to the ON orientation after antibiotic treatment in human metagenomic data and in vitro, thereby mitigating the cost of antibiotic resistance. We observed that the orientations of some invertons diverge after fecal microbiota transplant, potentially as a result of individual-specific selective forces.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6543533 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aau5238 | DOI Listing |
J Am Chem Soc
January 2025
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China.
The rapid advancements in 3C electronic devices necessitate an increase in the charge cutoff voltage of LiCoO to unlock a higher energy density that surpasses the currently available levels. However, the structural devastation and electrochemical decay of LiCoO are significantly exacerbated, particularly at ≥4.5 V, due to the stress concentration caused by more severe lattice expansion and shrinkage, coupled with heterogeneous Li intercalation/deintercalation reactions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlzheimers Dement
December 2024
Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Background: The X-chromosome remains largely unexplored in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We performed the first, stratified X-wide association study (XWAS) of AD to chart the role of X-chromosome genetic variation in AD sexual dimorphism and heterogeneity of APOE*4-related AD risk.
Method: The study overview is shown in Figure 1A.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg
January 2025
Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica.
Background: The genus Metlapilcoatlus was recently erected to include six species of stout venomous snakes, known as the jumping pitvipers, which inhabit mountainous areas of Mesoamerica. This group maintains affinity with Atropoides picadoi, another jumping pitviper with restricted distribution in Costa Rica and Panama. Although the venom of A.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Chem Phys
January 2025
School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Diblock copolyelectrolytes have significant potential in applications such as solid-state single-ion conductors, but precisely controlling their nanostructures for efficient ion transport remains a challenge. In this study, we explore the phase behavior and microphase transitions of AX BY-type diblock copolyelectrolytes under alternating electric fields using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. We systematically investigate the effects of various electric field features, including unipolar and bipolar square-waves, as well as offset and non-offset sine-waves, focusing on how field strength and period influence the self-assembling morphology of the copolyelectrolytes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci
December 2024
Department of Clinical Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address:
Introduction: High-dose systemic prednisolone is the cornerstone treatment of many autoimmune- and inflammatory diseases. Since prednisolone shows non-linear protein binding at higher serum concentrations, quantification of the unbound prednisolone concentration is important to understand prednisolone pharmacokinetics. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay to quantify protein-unbound prednisolone in serum.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!