A comprehensive reference on the state of the science for both experienced researchers and for those who are interested in discovering its many promising applications. • Examines c-di-GMP signaling from a variety of angles, beginning with an introductory chapter that compares c-di-GMP to the better-known second messenger cAMP. • Recounts the discovery of c-di-GMP, explains the important role of bioinformatics in the development and continued evolution of the field, and describes the fundamental structure, function, regulation, and integration of c-di-GMP pathways. • Explores the role of c-di-GMP in such diverse processes as flagellar biogenesis and motility, extracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis, biofilm development, virulence, and innate host immunity.
Providing a comprehensive insight into cellular signaling processes in bacteria with a special focus on biotechnological implications, this is the first book to cover intercellular as well as intracellular signaling and its relevance for biofilm formation, host pathogen interactions, symbiotic relationships, and photo- and chemotaxis. In addition, it deals in detail with principal bacterial signaling mechanisms -- making this a valuable resource for all advanced students in microbiology. Dr. Krämer is a world-renowned expert in intracellular signaling and its implications for biotechnology processes, while Dr. Jung is an expert on intercellular signaling and its relevance for biomedicine and agriculture.
This fascinating book encourages many microbiologists and students to enter the new world of signal transduction in microbiology. Over the past decade, a vast amount of exciting new information on the signal transduction pathway in bacteria has been unearthed.
A comprehensive compendium of scholarly contributions relating to bacterial virulence gene regulation. • Provides insights into global control and the switch between distinct infectious states (e.g., acute vs. chronic). • Considers key issues about the mechanisms of gene regulation relating to: surface factors, exported toxins and export mechanisms. • Reflects on how the regulation of intracellular lifestyles and the response to stress can ultimately have an impact on the outcome of an infection. • Highlights and examines some emerging regulatory mechanisms of special significance. • Serves as an ideal compendium of valuable topics for students, researchers and faculty with interests in how the mechanisms of gene regulation ultimately affect the outcome of an array of bacterial infectious diseases.
The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than fifty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with over 400 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today—truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. This new volume presents methods related to the use of bacterial genetics for genomic engineering. The book includes sections on strain collections and genetic nomenclature; transposons; and phage.
The Perfect Slime presents the latest state of knowledge and all aspects of the Extracellular Polymeric Substances, (EPS) matrix – from the ecological and health to the antifouling perspectives. The book brings together all the current material in order to expand our understanding of the functions, properties and characteristics of the matrix as well as the possibilities to strengthen or weaken it. The EPS matrix represents the immediate environment in which biofilm organisms live. From their point of view, this matrix has paramount advantages. It allows them to stay together for extended periods and form synergistic microconsortia, it retains extracellular enzymes and turns the matrix into an external digestion system and it is a universal recycling yard, it protects them against desiccation, it allows for intense communication and represents a huge genetic archive. They can remodel their matrix, break free and eventually, they can use it as a nutrient source. The EPS matrix can be considered as one of the emergent properties of biofilms and are a major reason for the success of this form of life. Nevertheless, they have been termed the “black matter of biofilms” for good reasons. First of all: the isolation methods define the results. In most cases, only water soluble EPS components are investigated; insoluble ones such as cellulose or amyloids are much less included. In particular in environmental biofilms with many species, it is difficult to impossible isolate, separate the various EPS molecules they are encased in and to define which species produced which EPS. The regulation and the factors which trigger or inhibit EPS production are still very poorly understood. Furthermore: bacteria are not the only microorganisms to produce EPS. Archaea, Fungi and algae can also form EPS. This book investigates the questions, What is their composition, function, dynamics and regulation? What do they all have in common?
Over the last two decades there has been a growing interest in cyclic nucleotide research in plants with an emphasis on the elucidation of the roles of cGMP and cAMP. In Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling in Plants: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many approaches to better understand the biological role of this important signaling system. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling in Plants: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientist in further understanding signal transduction and the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling.
This book explores methods to study the complex and evolving interplay between a virus and its host that range from model systems to the detection of chemical molecules. The collection starts with the application of humanized mice and zebrafish as model organisms to study virus-host interactions and induction of innate immune responses. Subsequent chapters outline diverse methods to detect small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, and virus-derived dsRNA from a variety of cells, tissues, and organisms, as well as to interrogating the cytosolic RNA and DNA sensing pathways, including using RNA PAMPs as molecular tools, purification of cGAMP from virus particles and infected cells, and mechanisms to visualize the subcellular localization and activation of the adaptor proteins MAVS and STING. Cutting-edge methods, including high-throughput and genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens, chromosome conformation capture, and whole-exome sequencing, are described to identify novel mediators, pathways, and variants underlying host susceptibility. Given the importance of studying these pathways and players under physiologic conditions, methods describing the isolation of primary mouse sensory neurons and group 2 innate lymphoid cells are also provided. Finally, this collection comes full circle back to the whole organism level and concludes with epidemiological methods to investigate virus-host interactions and the induction of innate immunity. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Innate Antiviral Immunity: Methods and Protocols spans a diverse array of approaches to study and elucidate the intricacies of this vital area of study.
The Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Second Edition is a single-volume comprehensive guide to microbiology for the advanced reader. Derived from the six volume e-only Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Third Edition, it bridges the gap between introductory texts and specialized reviews. Covering topics ranging from the basic science of microbiology to the current "hot" topics in the field, it will be invaluable for obtaining background information on a broad range of microbiological topics, preparing lectures and preparing grant applications and reports. - The most comprehensive single-volume source providing an overview of microbiology to non-specialists - Bridges the gap between introductory texts and specialized reviews - Provides concise and general overviews of important topics within the field making it a helpful resource when preparing for lectures, writing reports, or drafting grant applications
