https://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/issue/feedProgress In Microbes & Molecular Biology2024-06-14T14:11:11+08:00PMMB Editorial Officeinquiries@hh-publisher.comOpen Journal Systems<p> </p> <table style="height: 522px; width: 706px;"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 66px;"> <td style="width: 248px; height: 127px;" rowspan="2"> <img src="http://journals.hh-publisher.com/public/journals/1/journalThumbnail_en_US.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="313" /></td> <td style="width: 357px; height: 66px;"> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Progress in Microbes and Molecular Biology</strong></em> publishes rigorously peer-reviewed research across a complete range of microbiology and molecular biology. This journal is devoted to advancing and disseminating knowledge in the human microbiome, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, applied microbiology, virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and biotechnology. Covering the fundamentals, application, and advances of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and biological sciences.</p> <p><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <p><em><strong>Progress in Microbes and Molecular Biology</strong></em> accepts original research articles, review articles, focused review articles, mini reviews, systematic reviews, methods, case reports, mini reports, genome reports, and editorials on microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and biological sciences.</p> <p>eISSN: 2637-1049</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="text-align: Left;"><em><strong><a href="http://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions">ONLINE SUBMISSION</a> </strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: Left;"><strong>CiteScore: 10.0</strong></p> <p style="text-align: Left;"><strong>Journal Rank: <a href="https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/21101094440">Q1</a> (Top 7%) </strong><sub>[<em>Scopus: Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)</em>]</sub></p> <p style="text-align: Left;"><strong>Article Processing Charge</strong>: USD 2550 <sub>(Original Research Article)</sub> or USD 1750 <sub>(Review and other article formats)</sub></p> <p style="text-align: Left;"><sub>*Author requests for APC waivers and discounts will be considered case-by-case.</sub></p>https://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/1025Role of SarA in Staphylococcus aureus: A Virulence Target For Therapeutic Strategies 2024-06-14T14:11:11+08:00Yi He KuaiYi-He.Kuai@monash.eduJodi Woan-Fei Lawjodi.law1@monash.eduYong Sze Ongong.yongsze@monash.eduVengadesh Letchumananvengadesh.letchumanan1@monash.eduLearn-Han Leelearn-han.lee@nottingham.edu.cnLoh Teng-Hern Tanloh-teng-hern.tan@nottingham.edu.cn<p>Methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA) infection gives rise to significant morbidity and carries a grave prognosis, resulting in the demise of approximately 21.8% of afflicted individuals on a yearly basis <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> has the capability to induce a myriad of diverse diseases, a phenomenon attributed to its extensive array of virulence factors and formation of biofilms. The regulation of key virulence determinants, crucial for pathogenicity, is intricately controlled by the staphylococcal accessory regulatory (<em>sarA</em>) system. SarA plays a crucial role in the pathogenic mechanisms of <em>S. aureus</em> and the development of biofilms, while simultaneously modulating the synthesis of multiple virulence factors and influencing the expression of specific colonization determinants, and mutations in <em>sarA</em> partially limit the extent of <em>S. aureus</em> biofilms formation. In this review, we present an overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of <em>sarA</em> gene expression, with a particular emphasis on its relevance in the development and sustenance of antimicrobial resistance, along with in the processes of biofilm formation and activation of virulence genes in MRSA. This review demonstrated that suppressing the expression of <em>sarA</em> gene exerts a notable impact on both biofilm development and the pathogenicity of MRSA strains, thereby offering a hopeful approach to the efficient management and treatment of MRSA infections.</p>2024-06-14T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Yi He Kuai, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Yong Sze Ong, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Learn-Han Lee, Loh Teng-Hern Tanhttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/942Lutein Suppresses the Maturation and Function of Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells2024-04-18T12:59:09+08:00Seulah Choiseulah45@gmail.comTae Sung Kimtskim@korea.ac.krHui Xuan Limhuixuanl@sunway.edu.my<p>Lutein, nonivamide, and baicalein, organic compounds found in a variety of plants, are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects in animal cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and link the innate and adaptive immune systems. DCs can be directed into fully mature APCs by exposure to bacterial or viral components, resulting in inflammatory situations. The manipulation of DC maturation provides a strategy for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of lutein, nonivamide, and baicalein on the maturation and activation of DCs. Compared to nonivamide and baicalein, lutein significantly and dose-dependently reduced the levels of maturation-associated cell surface markers, including CD40, co-stimulatory molecule CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (I-A<sup>b</sup>) molecule in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated DCs. Lutein also decreased IL-12p40 and IL-6 gene expression and secretion in LPS-stimulated DCs. Furthermore, lutein significantly enhanced the endocytic ability of LPS-stimulated DCs. These results demonstrated that lutein may exhibit immunosuppressive activity by inhibiting the phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs, and provide new evidence for the value of lutein in the search for novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.</p>2024-04-18T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Seulah Choi, Tae Sung Kim, Hui Xuan Limhttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/892Purification of Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis MPT64 Immunoglobulin-Y from Egg-Yolk Supernatant Using Thiophilic Adsorption Chromatography 2023-11-21T10:27:29+08:00Sri Agung Fitri Kusumas.a.f.kusuma@unpad.ac.idMuhammad Fadhlillahputudinata@gmail.comIntan Timur Maisyarahintan.timur@unpad.ac.idShintani Ayunda Khairunnisashintani18001@mail.unpad.ac.idMuhammad Yusufm.yusuf@unpad.ac.idYaya Rukayadiyaya_rukayadi@upm.edu.myToto Subrotot_subroto@unpad.ac.id<p>The significance of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) as a particular antibody equal to mammalian IgG is well understood. However, due to a lack of reliable purification procedures, producing highly pure IgY remains problematic. In this study, we aimed to optimize the recovery of pure IgY anti-MPT64 using thiophilic adsorption chromatography. The purification of IgY anti-MPT64 was achieved by initial PEG lipid precipitation, then an optimized purification by varying the gradient concentration of elution buffer into five steps gradient (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100%v/v) for three injection column volume (CV) each and two steps gradient (0-50 and 50-100%v/v) in eight CV for each concentration. The obtained IgY was characterized by SDS-PAGE and dot-blot then determined its content levels using the Lowry method. The results showed that the five steps gradient purification was found to provide a better purity level of IgY than the two steps gradient. However, the IgY content obtained in the two steps gradient purification (2.2632± 0.011 mg/mL) was higher than the five steps gradient purification (1.35482 ± 0.023 mg/mL). Nevertheless, both purified IgY results can recognize MPT64 protein through a dot blot test. Therefore, it can be summarized that thiophilic adsorption chromatography with five steps gradient of purification was an efficient process to obtain a higher purity of IgY anti-MPT64, especially to be targeted as a diagnostic kit component for MPT64 detection.</p>2024-03-19T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Sri Agung Fitri Kusuma, Muhammad Fadhlillah, Intan Timur Maisyarah, Shintani Ayunda Khairunnisa, Muhammad Yusuf, Yaya Rukayadi, Toto Subrotohttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/941Genomic and Resistome Analyses of Elizabethkingia anophelis Strain B2D isolated from Dental Plaque of Patient2024-04-17T15:30:10+08:00Share Yuan Gohyuanny_goh@hotmail.comKah-Ooi Chuakahooi@um.edu.mySaad Ahmed Khansaadkhanz@gmail.comNoor Hayaty Abu Kasimnhayaty@um.edu.myYvonne Jing Mei Liewyvonneljm@um.edu.myYin Yin LauLauYY@ucsiuniversity.edu.myKar-Wai Hongsebastian_karwai@yahoo.comWai-Fong Yinyinwaifong@yahoo.comHoi-Sen Yongyong@um.edu.myChien-Yi Changchienyi.chang@newcastle.ac.ukKok-Gan Chankokgan@um.edu.my<p>In this study, strain B2D isolated from a dental plaque sample of a human patient was studied for its general characteristics, taxonomic identification, genome features, and resistome profile. The bacterium exhibited antibiotic resistance to all beta-lactam antibiotics, nitrofuran, and sulfonamides, with high minimum inhibitory concentrations. It was only sensitive to the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin and intermediately susceptible to aminoglycoside tobramycin. A preliminary identification through 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that it shared the highest sequence identity with <em>Elizabethkingia anophelis</em> subsp. <em>endophytica</em> JM-87<sup>T</sup> (100%) and <em>Elizabethkingia anophelis</em> subsp. <em>anophelis </em>R26<sup>T</sup> (99.31%). The draft genome of strain B2D was approximately 3.9 Mbp with 50 contigs and 35.5% GC content. A 16S rRNA gene and core genes-based phylogenetic analyses revealed a close phylogenetic relationship between strain B2D and the other <em>Elizabethkingia</em> type strains. An above species level threshold average nucleotide identity value confirmed its taxonomic identity as <em>Elizabethkingia anophelis</em>. Furthermore, we conducted a resistome analysis of strain B2D and <em>Elizabethkingia</em> type strains, revealing the presence of widespread antibiotic resistance genes, including beta-lactamases and genes associated with cationic antiseptic resistance and glycopeptide resistance. Overall, the multidrug resistant profile of strain B2D as elucidated and confirmed through whole genome analysis indicated its potential as a reservoir of beta-lactamase genes. Moreover, its presence within dental plaque in the human oral cavity prompts speculation regarding its role as an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.</p>2024-04-17T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Share Yuan Goh, Kah-Ooi Chua, Saad Ahmed Khan, Noor Hayaty Abu Kasim, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, Yin Yin Lau, Kar-Wai Hong, Wai-Fong Yin, Hoi-Sen Yong, Chien-Yi Chang, Ko Chanhttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/845Environmental Metagenomic Analysis of "ESKAPE" Pathogens in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of General Hospital Yogyakarta Indonesia2023-09-05T01:28:27+08:00Ludhang Pradipta Rizkiludhangpradipta@gmail.comIndah Kartika Murniita_kartika@yahoo.comAbu Tholib Amanabutholibaman@ugm.ac.idTitik Nuryastutit.nuryastuti@ugm.ac.id<p>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that occur while receiving health care, develop in a hospital or other healthcare facility, and first appear 48 hours or more after hospital admission, or within 30 days after having received health care. HAIs are linked to high mortality rates, prolonged stays, increased hospital overhead costs, and financial burdens on patients. Bacterial transmission from medical personnel or the environment, or patient-to-patient contact are all potential causes of these infections. A molecular epidemiology approach is needed to examine the contribution of risk factors and the distribution of "ESKAPE" pathogens within the hospital environment. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the distribution of ESKAPE bacterial pathogens in the environment of pediatric intensive care units over a 30-day time interval using shotgun metagenomics. We collected samples from handwashing sinks, the floor around patients, and ventilator screens and tubes in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in March 2022. We determine taxonomic profiles and also detect resistome, and virulome distribution of ESKAPE pathogens on various environmental surfaces through shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The microbiomes of the floor, sink, and mechanical ventilator exhibit a diverse composition of microbial communities, featuring significant species richness based on Shannon and Simpson’s index. These microbiomes encompass a wide array of microbial species, including ESKAPE bacterial pathogens, as well as profiles related to resistome and virulome. ESKAPE pathogens, especially <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em>, predominated in the PICU environment. Most virulome have been associated with metabolism/nutrition and adhesion. Noteworthy findings include resistome genes characterized by mechanisms like efflux pumps (MDR) and alterations in antibiotic targets.</p>2024-02-07T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Ludhang Pradipta Rizki, Indah Kartika Murni, Abu Tholib Aman, Titik Nuryastutihttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/1022Streptomyces sp. MUM 195J: A Promising Probiotic for Controlling Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infection in Aquaculture2024-06-12T11:53:23+08:00Joanna Xuan Hui Gohjoanna.vetpharm@gmail.comLoh Teng-Hern Tanloh.teng.hern@monash.eduJodi Woan-Fei Lawjodi.law1@monash.eduGiva Kuppusamygiva@gkaqua.com.myJanaranjani Mjana@gkaqua.com.myKooi-Yeong Khawkhaw.kooiyeong@monash.eduWei Hsum Yapweihsum.yap@taylors.edu.myKok-Gan Chankokgan@um.edu.myVengadesh Letchumananvengadesh.letchumanan1@monash.eduLearn-Han Leelearn-han.lee@nottingham.edu.cnBey-Hing Gohbeyhingg@sunway.edu.my<p>Aquaculture is gaining prominence in meeting the increasing global food demand. However, persistent episodes of pathogenic infections have greatly affected production and incurred substantial financial losses to the industry. Regrettably, there is a lack of effective contemporary therapeutic measures to control infectious diseases in aquaculture. The repercussions of antimicrobial resistance have underscored the drawbacks of the contemporary practice of relying solely on antibiotics in disease control. The aquaculture industry needs a safer, environmentally viable, and economically efficient means for disease management. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mangrove-derived <em>Streptomyces </em>sp. probiotics in controlling <em>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</em> infections. <em>In vitro</em> screenings were undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory activity of five <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. isolates. Subsequently, a series of <em>in vivo</em> trials was conducted, with the Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, <em>Macrobrachium rosenbergii</em> larvae as the animal model. Following that, molecular analyses were employed to examine the changes in gene expression. In essence, <em>Streptomyces </em>sp. MUM 195J emerges as a promising probiotic strain that demonstrates a strong inhibitory effect against <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em>. Its application as a feed additive elevates the survival rate of <em>M. rosenbergii</em> threefold, thus demonstrating efficacy at par with florfenicol antibiotic when challenged with<em> the V. parahaemolyticus </em>pathogen. Besides, <em>Streptomyces </em>sp. MUM 195 elevated the growth rate of <em>M. rosenbergii</em> by 17%. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that probiotic supplementation elevated the immune function of the animal. Additionally,<em> Streptomyces</em> sp. MUM 195J demonstrates the potential to ameliorate the quality of the rearing water. </p>2024-06-12T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Joanna Xuan Hui Goh, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Giva Kuppusamy, Janaranjani M, Kooi-Yeong Khaw, Wei Hsum Yap, Kok-Gan Chan, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Learn-Han Lee, Bey-Hing Gohhttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/934Complete Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptomyces sp. MUM 178J, a Potential Anti-Vibrio Agent2024-02-16T14:25:27+08:00Ke-Yan Looke.loo@monash.eduLoh Teng-Hern Tanloh.teng.hern@monash.eduKah-Ooi Chuakahooi@um.edu.myPriyia Pusparajahpriyia.pusparajah@monash.eduKok-Gan Chankokgan@um.edu.myLearn-Han LeeLearn-Han.Lee@nottingham.edu.cnJodi Woan-Fei Lawjodi.law1@monash.eduVengadesh Letchumananvengadesh.letchumanan1@monash.edu<p><em>Streptomyces </em>sp. is a group of filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria notoriously known for their capabilities in producing bioactive compounds that have been used as novel drugs and lead in drug development. The <em>Streptomyces </em>sp. MUM 178J was isolated from a mangrove forest in Malaysia. This isolate was found to harbor anti-<em>Vibrio </em>properties as its crude extract inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant <em>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</em>. Therefore, the strain was subjected to whole genome sequencing to unearth its genomic potential. The genome of <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. MUM 178J consists of 6,699,249 bp with a G+C content of 71.3%. 66 tRNA genes and 18 rRNA genes were also predicted to be present within the genome. Further analysis with the bioinformatics tool, antiSMASH (antibiotics & Secondary Metabolite Analysis Shell), detected nine biosynthetic gene clusters displaying more than 70% similarity to known gene clusters, including one associated with melanin production. Melanin has demonstrated antagonistic activity against the growth of members of the <em>Vibrio </em>family, including <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em>. This indicates the potential correlation between the production of melanin and the anti-<em>Vibrio </em>properties of MUM 178J. The availability of the whole genome sequence of <em>Streptomyces </em>sp. MUM 178J allows for future in-depth investigation and potential exploitation of MUM 178J to harvest useful bioactive compounds.</p>2024-02-16T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Ke-Yan Loo, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Kah-Ooi Chua, Priyia Pusparajah, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee, Jodi Woan-Fei Law, Vengadesh Letchumananhttps://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/pmmb/article/view/987Gut Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review2024-05-16T17:14:22+08:00Safae El Mazourisafae.elmazouri@um5s.net.maTarik Aannizt.aanniz@um5r.ac.maAbdelhakim Bouyahyaa.bouyahya@um5r.ac.maRachid El Jaoudieljaoudi_rachid@yahoo.frMahardian Rahmadimahardianr@ff.unair.ac.idChrismawan Ardiantochrismawan-a@ff.unair.ac.idMouna Ouadghirim.ouadghiri@um5r.ac.ma<p>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interaction. There is increasing evidence of the implication of gut microbiota in ASD. We conducted a systematic review to summarize previously published data to compare the profile of gut microbiota between autistic and neurotypical subjects. The outcomes of interventions such as prebiotics, probiotics, and microbiota transplantation therapy to overcome the symptomatology of ASD were also discussed. The current review allows us to associate gut microbiota dysbiosis and ASD. To date, there is still little consensus on which bacterial species are consistently altered in individuals with autism. Further studies are required to obtain stronger evidence of the relationship between gut microbiota and the severity of ASD conjointly with the effectiveness of dietary/probiotic interventions in reducing autistic behaviors compared to their healthy siblings.</p>2024-05-15T00:00:00+08:00Copyright (c) 2024 Safae El Mazouri, Tarik Aanniz, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Rachid El Jaoudi, Mahardian Rahmadi, Chrismawan Ardianto, Mouna Ouadghiri