Latest Articles
Research ArticleHost Immunity Alters Community Ecology and Stability of the Microbiome in a Caenorhabditis elegans ModelHere, we used a Caenorhabditis elegans microbiome model to demonstrate how genetic differences in innate immunity alter microbiome composition, diversity, and stability by changing the ecological processes that shape these communities. These results provide insight into the role of host genetics in controlling the ecology of the host-associated microbiota, resulting...
PerspectiveCOVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: One Year Later, What Have We Learnt?Lebanon is witnessing an unprecedented crisis with the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), financial meltdown, economic collapse, and the Beirut Port explosion. The first wave began in February 2020, following which the country experienced several episodes and peaks while alternating between lockdowns and phased liftings. One year of the pandemic revealed that effective mitigation could not be separated from the...
Research ArticleDual RNA Sequencing Meta-analysis in Plasmodium Infection Identifies Host-Parasite InteractionsMalaria still causes about 400,000 deaths a year and is one of the most studied infectious diseases. The disease is studied in mice and monkeys as lab models to derive potential therapeutic intervention in human malaria.
Research ArticleGut Dysbiosis and Its Associations with Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve DiseaseOur study expands the current “gut hypothesis” to include gut dysbiosis at the preclinical stage, prior to the onset of heart failure. Gut dysbiosis index increases in proportion to the severity of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and is inversely associated with Clostridium hiranonis, a key bile acid (BA) converter in the gut.
Research ArticleCase-Control Microbiome Study of Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion in Children Points at Streptococcus salivarius as a Pathobiont-Inhibiting SpeciesThe majority of probiotics marketed today target gastrointestinal health. This study searched for bacteria native to the human upper respiratory tract, with a beneficial potential for respiratory and middle ear health.
ObservationIndoor Dust as a Matrix for Surveillance of COVID-19Environmental surveillance to assess pathogen presence within a community is proving to be a critical tool to protect public health, and it is especially relevant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, environmental surveillance tools also allow for the detection of asymptomatic disease carriers and for routine monitoring of a large number of people as has been shown for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring.
Research ArticleBacterial Microcompartments Coupled with Extracellular Electron Transfer Drive the Anaerobic Utilization of Ethanolamine in Listeria monocytogenesListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen causing severe illness, and as such, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to pathogenicity. One carbon source that allows L. monocytogenes to grow in humans is ethanolamine (EA), which is derived from phospholipids present...
Research ArticleLineage-Specific Rewiring of Core Pathways Predating Innovation of Legume Nodules Shapes Symbiotic EfficiencySignificant roles of complex extracellular microbiota in environmental adaptation of eukaryotes in ever-changing circumstances have been revealed. Given the intracellular infection ability, facultative endosymbionts can be considered pioneers within complex extracellular microbiota and are ideal organisms for understanding the early stage of interkingdom adaptation.
Research ArticleQuantifying the Evolutionary Constraints and Potential of Hepatitis C Virus NS5A ProteinMany viruses adapt rapidly to novel selection pressures, such as antiviral drugs. Understanding how pathogens evolve under drug selection is critical for the success of antiviral therapy against human pathogens.
Research ArticleDifferential Patterns of Microbiota Recovery in Symbiotic and Aposymbiotic Corals following Antibiotic DisturbanceCorals are animals whose health is often maintained by symbiotic microalgae and other microorganisms, yet they are highly susceptible to environmental-related disturbances. Here, we used a known disruptor, antibiotics, to understand how the coral mucus microbial community reassembles itself following disturbance.