Journal of Microbiology

Full articles

Prebiotic potential of proso millet and quinoa: Effects on gut microbiota composition and functional metabolic pathways: Jinwoo Kim, Jiwoon Kim, Yewon Jung, Gyungcheon Kim, Seongok Kim, Hakdong Shin; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(7):e2503002. Published online July 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2503002

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Prebiotics are indigestible dietary components that improve host health by stimulating the growth and metabolic activity of beneficial intestinal microbes. The whole grains are rich in non-digestible carbohydrates, which may confer prebiotic potential. Among them, millet and quinoa have gained attention as dietary alternatives due to the growing popularity of gluten-free diets. In this study, we examined the effects of proso millet and quinoa on the human gut microbiota using an in vitro fecal incubation model. Both grains altered alpha diversity metrics, including microbial richness, evenness, and phylogenetic diversity. Beta diversity analysis showed that the proso millet and quinoa treatment groups exhibited distinct clustering patterns compared to the control, highlighting their impact on microbial community structure. Taxonomic analysis showed an increase in beneficial genera, including Bifidobacterium, and a decrease in taxa such as Enterobacteriaceae and Flavonifractor. To assess metabolic changes associated with microbial fermentation, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) intensities were measured. The intensities of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were significantly higher in the proso millet- and quinoa-treated groups compared to the control group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundances of Bifidobacterium and Blautia were significantly positively associated with SCFA intensities. Furthermore, predicted functional pathway analysis identified enrichment of carbohydrate-related pathways in proso millet and quinoa treatments. Quinoa supplementation led to a broader enhancement of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathways, whereas proso millet enriched galactose metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. These findings suggest that proso millet and quinoa influence gut microbial diversity, composition, and function.

Bacteroides celer sp. nov. and Bacteroides mucinivorans sp. nov., isolated from human feces, and the reclassification of Bacteroides koreensis Shin et al. 2017 and Bacteroides kribbi Shin et al. 2017 as later heterotypic synonyms of Bacteroides ovatus Eggerth and Gagnon 1933 (Approved Lists 1980): Ah-In Yang, Bora Kim, Woorim Kang, Hae-In Joe, Na-Ri Shin; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(6):e2502006. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2502006; Correction in: J. Microbiol 2025;63(7):e2507100

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Two novel, Gram-stain-negative, anaerobic, and non-motile bacterial strains, designated KFT8^T and CG01^T, were isolated from the feces of healthy individuals without diagnosed diseases and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both strains belong to the genus Bacteroides, with < 99.0% similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequences to B. facilis NSJ-77^T and B. nordii JCM 12987^T. Within the genus Bacteroides, strain KFT8^T exhibited the highest Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity value of 94.7% and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 63.7% with B. ovatus ATCC 8483^T, whereas strain CG01^T showed the highest values of 95.3% and 63.3%, respectively, with B. nordii JCM 12987^T. The values between the two novel strains were 74.8% and 21.4%, respectively, which are below the species delineation thresholds, supporting their classification as novel species. The major fatty acid of strain KFT8^T was C_18:1 ω9c, whereas strain CG01^T predominantly contained summed feature 11 (comprising iso-C_17:0 3OH and/or C_18:2 DMA). The only respiratory quinone was MK-11, the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Both strains produced succinic acid and acetic acid as common metabolic end-products of fermentation, while lactic acid and formic acid were detected individually in each strain. Based on polyphasic characterization, strains KFT8^T (= KCTC 15614^T = JCM 36011^T) and CG01^T (= KCTC 15613^T = JCM 36010^T) represent two novel species within the genus Bacteroides, for which the names Bacteroides celer sp. nov. and Bacteroides mucinivorans sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. Additionally, genome-based analyses and phenotypic comparisons revealed that B. koreensis and B. kribbi represent the same strain, showing genomic relatedness to B. ovatus that exceeds the threshold for species delineation. Consequently, we propose the reclassification of B. koreensis Shin et al. 2017 and B. kribbi Shin et al. 2017 as later heterotypic synonyms of B. ovatus Eggerth and Gagnon 1933 (Approved Lists 1980).

Review

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Indications, Methods, and Challenges.: Jee Young Lee, Yehwon Kim, Jiyoun Kim, Jiyeun Kate Kim; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(12):1057-1074. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00184-3

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Abstract PDF

Over the past two decades, as the importance of gut microbiota to human health has become widely known, attempts have been made to treat diseases by correcting dysbiosis of gut microbiota through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Apart from current knowledge of gut microbiota, FMT to treat disease has a long history, from the treatment of food poisoning in the fourth century to the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections in the twentieth century. In 2013, FMT was recognized as a standard treatment for recurrent C. difficile because it consistently showed high efficacy. Though recurrent C. difficile is the only disease internationally recognized for FMT efficacy, FMT has been tested for other diseases and shown some promising preliminary results. Different FMT methods have been developed using various formulations and administration routes. Despite advances in FMT, some issues remain to be resolved, such as donor screening, manufacturing protocols, and unknown components in the fecal microbiota. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms, clinical indications, methods, and challenges of current FMT. We also discuss the development of alternative therapies to overcome the challenges of FMT.

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Transplantation of Fecal Flora from Patients with Atherosclerosis to Mice Can Increase Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Affect Intestinal Flora and Its Metabolites
Liang Feng, Jianting Feng, Li He, Fu Chen, Xin Feng, Suwen Wang
Applied Microbiology.2025; 5(1): 29. CrossRef
Management of refractory checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis
Anas Zaher, Maria Julia Moura Nascimento Santos, Hassan Elsaygh, Stephen J. Peterson, Carolina Colli Cruz, Anusha Shirwaikar Thomas, Yinghong Wang
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety.2025; : 1. CrossRef
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) in Clostridium difficile Infection: A Paradigm Shift in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Modulation
Muhammad Hamza Saeed, Sundas Qamar, Ayesha Ishtiaq, Qudsia Umaira khan, Asma Atta, Maryam Atta, Hifza Ishtiaq, Marriam Khan, Muhammad Rawal Saeed, Ayesha Iqbal
Cureus.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploring the gut microbiome’s influence on cancer-associated anemia: Mechanisms, clinical challenges, and innovative therapies
Ayrton Bangolo, Behzad Amoozgar, Maryam Habibi, Elizabeth Simms, Vignesh K Nagesh, Shruti Wadhwani, Nikita Wadhwani, Auda Auda, Daniel Elias, Charlene Mansour, Robert Abbott, Nisrene Jebara, Lili Zhang, Sarvarinder Gill, Kareem Ahmed, Andrew Ip, Andre Goy
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Microbiome Therapeutics for Clostridioides difficile Infection
Christine W. Lucky, Brendan J. Kelly, Jennie H. Kwon, Michael H. Woodworth, Rachel L. Medernach
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Laboratory preparation methods for human-derived fecal microbial suspensions for fecal microbiota transplantation: a review and standardization perspectives
Jinhua Gong, Yuchi Liu, Liuye Huang
Frontiers in Microbiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Improving fecal transplantation precision for enhanced maturation of intestinal function in germ-free mice through microencapsulation and probiotic intervention
Furong Ba, Wei Wang, Yilun Huang, Shuobo Zhang, Bo Qiu, Siyuan Xie, Lvwan Xu, Wang Gao, Xiaoqin Zhang, Zhenyu Wen, Qifan Wang, Hainv Gao, Guoping Sheng, Björn Berglund, Ping Li, Lanjuan Li, Mingfei Yao
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Fecal microbiota transplantation as salvage therapy for disseminated strongyloidiasis in an immunosuppressed patient: a case report
Wei Fu, Na Peng, Yan Geng
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Journal Articles

The Impact of Makgeolli Consumption on Gut Microbiota: An Enterotype-Based Preliminary Study: Gyungcheon Kim, Seongok Kim, Hayan Jung, Seohyun Kang, Gwoncheol Park, Hakdong Shin; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(11):965-972. Published online October 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00176-3

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Makgeolli, a traditional Korean liquor, contains components such as lactic acid bacteria and dietary fiber, which can induce changes in the gut microbiome. Since variations in microbiome responses may exist between enterotypes-classifications based on the dominant bacterial populations in the gut-we hypothesized that the consumption of makgeolli leads to enterotype-dependent differences in gut microbial structures among healthy participants. This study aimed to determine the effect of makgeolli consumption on gut microbial structures by stratifying all participants into two enterotype groups: Bacteroides-dominant type (B-type, n = 7) and Prevotella-dominant type (P-type, n = 4). The B-type showed an increase in alpha diversity, while no significant difference was observed in the P-type following makgeolli consumption. The composition of gut microbiota significantly changed in the B-type, whereas no noticeable alteration was observed in the P-type after makgeolli consumption. Notably, Prevotella exhibited the most significant changes only in the P-type. In line with the increased abundance of Prevotella, the genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, including pentose/glucuronate interconversions, fructose/mannose metabolism, starch/sucrose metabolism and amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism were significantly enriched following makgeolli consumption in the P-type. These findings suggest that makgeolli consumption induces enterotype-dependent alterations in gut microbial composition and metabolic pathways, highlighting the potential for personalized dietary interventions.

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The prebiotic potential of dietary onion extracts: shaping gut microbial structures and promoting beneficial metabolites
Yebeen Yoo, Seongok Kim, WonJune Lee, Jinwoo Kim, Bokyung Son, Kwang Jun Lee, Hakdong Shin, Aviâja Lyberth Hauptmann
mSystems.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Dietary Fiber Intake Improves Osteoporosis Caused by Chronic Lead Exposure by Restoring the Gut–Bone Axis
Ruijian Wang, Jin Shen, Chunqing Han, Xiaodong Shi, Yan Gong, Xiping Hu, Zhongtang Jia, Miaomiao Wang, Yu Wu
Nutrients.2025; 17(9): 1513. CrossRef
Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Cacao: Insights from an In Vitro Model
Jinshil Kim, Sunil Jung, Gyungcheon Kim, Jinwoo Kim, Bokyung Son, Hakdong Shin
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2025; 47(6): 414. CrossRef

The Gut Microbiota Mediates the Protective Effects of Spironolactone on Myocardial Infarction: Lu Li, Jian-Yong Sun, Yu-Lin Li, Shi-Wei Zhu, Sheng-Zhong Duan; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(10):883-895. Published online September 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00164-7

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Myocardial infarction (MI) is a type of cardiovascular disease that influences millions of human beings worldwide and has a great rate of mortality and morbidity. Spironolactone has been used as a critical drug for the treatment of cardiac failure and it ameliorates cardiac dysfunction post-MI. Despite these findings, whether there is a relationship between the therapeutic effects of spironolactone and the gut microorganism after MI has not been determined. In our research, we used male C57BL/6 J mice to explore whether the gut microbiota mediates the beneficial function of spironolactone after myocardial infarction. We demonstrated that deletion of the gut microbiota eliminated the beneficial function of spironolactone in MI mice, displaying exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, cardiac infarct size. In addition, the gut microbiota was altered by spironolactone after sham or MI operation in mice. We also used male C57BL/6 J mice to investigate the function of a probiotic in the myocardial infarction. In summary, our findings reveal a precious role of the gut flora in the therapeutic function of spironolactone on MI.

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Probiotics and Prebiotics in Post-Myocardial Infarction Rehabilitation: Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Directions
Georgy Leonov, Elena Livantsova, Yurgita Varaeva, Antonina Starodubova
Current Nutrition Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Research Trends and Hotspots of Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis
Kaixuan Zhang, Yajun Shi, Lirong Peng, Xiaofei Zhang, Nanbo Zheng, Jiajing Xin, Junbo Zou, Fei Luan
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2025; Volume 18: 5125. CrossRef
The role of the gut microbiota in the onset and progression of heart failure: insights into epigenetic mechanisms and aging
Giulia Matacchione, Francesco Piacenza, Lorenzo Pimpini, Yuri Rosati, Serena Marcozzi
Clinical Epigenetics.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Identification of avaC from Human Gut Microbial Isolates that Converts 5AVA to 2-Piperidone: Qiudi Zhou, Lihui Feng; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):367-379. Published online June 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00141-0

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2-piperidone is a crucial industrial raw material of high-value nylon-5 and nylon-6,5. Currently, a major bottleneck in the biosynthesis of 2-piperidone is the identification of highly efficient 2-piperidone synthases. In this study, we aimed to identify specific strains among 51 human gut bacterial strains capable of producing 2-piperidone and to elucidate its synthetic mechanism. Our findings revealed that four gut bacterial strains, namely Collinsella aerofaciens LFYP39, Collinsella intestinalis LFYP54, Clostridium bolteae LFYP116, and Clostridium hathewayi LFYP18, could produce 2-piperidone from 5-aminovaleric acid (5AVA). Additionally, we observed that 2-piperidone could be synthesized from proline through cross-feeding between Clostridium difficile LFYP43 and one of the four 2-piperidone producing strains, respectively. To identify the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 5AVA to 2-piperidone, we utilized a gain-of-function library and identified avaC (5-aminovaleric acid cyclase) in C. intestinalis LFYP54. Moreover, homologous genes of avaC were validated in the other three bacterial strains. Notably, avaC were found to be widely distributed among environmental bacteria. Overall, our research delineated the gut bacterial strains and genes involved in 2-piperidone production, holding promise for enhancing the efficiency of industrial biosynthesis of this compound.

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Metabolite biomarkers of screening neonatal congenital hypothyroidism based on dried blood spot metabolomics
Xingyu Guo, Feng Suo, Yuting Wang, Di Yu, Yi Wang, Bulian Dong, Lingshan Gou, Xinhui Gan, Benjing Wang, Chaowen Yu, Xiaoxiang Xie, Dandan Linghu, Xinyu Liu, Maosheng Gu, Guowang Xu
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.2025; 417(13): 2889. CrossRef

Review

Balancing Act of the Intestinal Antimicrobial Proteins on Gut Microbiota and Health: Ye Eun Ra, Ye‑Ji Bang; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(3):167-179. Published online April 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00122-3

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Abstract PDF

The human gut houses a diverse and dynamic microbiome critical for digestion, metabolism, and immune development, exerting profound efects on human health. However, these microorganisms pose a potential threat by breaching the gut barrier, entering host tissues, and triggering infections, uncontrolled infammation, and even sepsis. The intestinal epithelial cells form the primary defense, acting as a frontline barrier against microbial invasion. Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), produced by these cells, serve as innate immune efectors that regulate the gut microbiome by directly killing or inhibiting microbes. Abnormal AMP production, whether insufcient or excessive, can disturb the microbiome equilibrium, contributing to various intestinal diseases. This review delves into the complex interactions between AMPs and the gut microbiota and sheds light on the role of AMPs in governing host-microbiota interactions. We discuss the function and mechanisms of action of AMPs, their regulation by the gut microbiota, microbial evasion strategies, and the consequences of AMP dysregulation in disease. Understanding these complex interactions between AMPs and the gut microbiota is crucial for developing strategies to enhance immune responses and combat infections within the gut microbiota. Ongoing research continues to uncover novel aspects of this intricate relationship, deepening our understanding of the factors shaping gut health. This knowledge has the potential to revolutionize therapeutic interventions, ofering enhanced treatments for a wide range of gut-related diseases.

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Host-directed therapies modulating innate immunity against infection in hematologic malignancies
Qiong Wang, Kristján Hermannsson, Egill Másson, Peter Bergman, Guðmundur Hrafn Guðmundsson
Blood Reviews.2025; 70: 101255. CrossRef
Progress in the Identification and Design of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides Against Pathogenic Microorganisms
Shengwei Sun
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.2025; 17(2): 918. CrossRef
Comparison of naturalization mouse model setups uncover distinct effects on intestinal mucosa depending on microbial experience
Henriette Arnesen, Signe Birkeland, Harriet Stendahl, Klaus Neuhaus, David Masopust, Preben Boysen, Harald Carlsen
Discovery Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Oral administration of LEAP2 enhances immunity against Edwardsiella tarda through regulation of gut bacterial community and metabolite in mudskipper
Ting-Fang Zhu, Hai-Peng Guo, Li Nie, Jiong Chen
Fish & Shellfish Immunology.2025; 158: 110128. CrossRef
Pharmacology of Intestinal Inflammation and Repair
Céline Deraison, Nathalie Vergnolle
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology .2025; 65(1): 301. CrossRef
Microbiome dysbiosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection: implication for pathophysiology and management strategies of COVID-19
Shukur Wasman Smail, Niaz Albarzinji, Rebaz Hamza Salih, Kalthum Othman Taha, Sarah Mousa Hirmiz, Hero M. Ismael, Marwa Fateh Noori, Sarkar Sardar Azeez, Christer Janson
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Radwa A. Amen, Yaser M. Hassan, Rawan A. Essmat, Rana H. Ahmed, Marwan M. Azab, Nadia R. Shehata, Mariam M. Elgazzar, Wael M. El-Sayed
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.2025; 17(4): 1938. CrossRef
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Eswar Marcharla, A Vishnuprasadh, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Saranya Vinayagam, Thanigaivel Sundaram, Swamynathan Ganesan
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
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Edward Xiangtai Meng, George Nicholas Verne, Qiqi Zhou
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Host-Associated Microbiome
Woo Jun Sul
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Journal Article

Hydroxychloroquine an Antimalarial Drug, Exhibits Potent Antifungal Efficacy Against Candida albicans Through Multitargeting: Sargun Tushar Basrani, Tanjila Chandsaheb Gavandi, Shivani Balasaheb Patil, Nandkumar Subhash Kadam, Dhairyasheel Vasantrao Yadav, Sayali Ashok Chougule, Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil, Ashwini Khanderao Jadhav; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):381-391. Published online April 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00111-6

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Candida albicans is the primary etiological agent associated with candidiasis in humans. Unrestricted growth of C. albicans can progress to systemic infections in the worst situation. This study investigates the antifungal activity of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and mode of action against C. albicans. HCQ inhibited the planktonic growth and yeast to hyphal form morphogenesis of C. albicans significantly at 0.5 mg/ml concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC(50)) of HCQ for C. albicans adhesion and biofilm formation on the polystyrene surface was at 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml respectively. Various methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, exploration of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, cell cycle analysis, and assessment of S oxygen species (ROS) generation, were employed to investigate HCQ exerting its antifungal effects. HCQ was observed to reduce ergosterol levels in the cell membranes of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HCQ treatment caused a substantial arrest of the C. albicans cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which impeded normal cell growth. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of SOD2, SOD1, and CAT1 genes after HCQ treatment, while genes like HWP1, RAS1, TEC1, and CDC 35 were downregulated. The study also assessed the in vivo efficacy of HCQ in a mice model, revealing a reduction in the pathogenicity of C. albicans after HCQ treatment. These results indicate that HCQ holds for the development of novel antifungal therapies.

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Impact of high SAP2 expression on the invasion and adhesion abilities of Candida albicans in vaginal epithelial cells
Lan Xue, Lu Yang, Xize Fu, Wenli Feng, Jing Yang, Yan Ma, Zhiqin Xi
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.2025; 777: 152147. CrossRef
Hydroxychloroquine’s diverse targets: a new frontier in precision medicine
Bin Du, Leqi Li, Jingjing Li, Yiping Liu, Pu Wang
Frontiers in Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Review

Genomic Evolution and Recombination Dynamics of Human Adenovirus D Species: Insights from Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis: Anyeseu Park, Chanhee Lee, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):393-407. Published online March 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00112-5

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Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can infect various epithelial mucosal cells, ultimately causing different symptoms in infected organ systems. With more than 110 types classified into seven species (A-G), HAdV-D species possess the highest number of viruses and are the fastest proliferating. The emergence of new adenovirus types and increased diversity are driven by homologous recombination (HR) between viral genes, primarily in structural elements such as the penton base, hexon and fiber proteins, and the E1 and E3 regions. A comprehensive analysis of the HAdV genome provides valuable insights into the evolution of human adenoviruses and identifies genes that display high variation across the entire genome to determine recombination patterns. Hypervariable regions within genetic sequences correlate with functional characteristics, thus allowing for adaptation to new environments and hosts. Proteotyping of newly emerging and already established adenoviruses allows for prediction of the characteristics of novel viruses. HAdV-D species evolved in a direction that increased diversity through gene recombination. Bioinformatics analysis across the genome, particularly in highly variable regions, allows for the verification or re-evaluation of recombination patterns in both newly introduced and pre-existing viruses, ultimately aiding in tracing various biological traits such as virus tropism and pathogenesis. Our research does not only assist in predicting the emergence of new adenoviruses but also offers critical guidance in regard to identifying potential regulatory factors of homologous recombination hotspots.

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Relationship between adenovirus infection and intussusception via pathological evidence confirms
Lung-Huang Lin, Chi-Jung Huang, Cheng-Yu Lo, Yu-Hsien Lee, Yung-Chuan Chen
Journal of Clinical Pathology.2025; 78(10): 678. CrossRef
In Silico Intensive Analysis for the E4 Gene Evolution of Human Adenovirus Species D
Chanhee Lee, Anyeseu Park, Jeong Yoon Lee
Journal of Microbiology.2024; 62(5): 409. CrossRef

Journal Articles

Effects of Feather Hydrolysates Generated by Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis WHU on Gut Microbiota of Broiler and Common carp: Kamin Ke, Yingjie Sun, Tingting He, Wenbo Liu, Yijiao Wen, Siyuan Liu, Qin Wang, Xiaowei Gao; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(6):473-487. Published online February 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00118-z

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Due to the ever-increasing demand for meat, it has become necessary to identify cheap and sustainable sources of protein for animal feed. Feathers are the major byproduct of poultry industry, which are rich in hard-to-degrade keratin protein. Previously we found that intact feathers can be digested into free amino acids, short peptides, and nano-/micro-keratin particles by the strain Bacillus licheniformis WHU in water, and the resulting feather hydrolysates exhibit prebiotic effects on mice. To explore the potential utilization of feather hydrolysate in the feed industry, we investigated its effects on the gut microbiota of broilers and fish. Our results suggest that feather hydrolysates significantly decrease and increase the diversity of gut microbial communities in broilers and fish, respectively. The composition of the gut microbiota was markedly altered in both of the animals. The abundance of bacteria with potentially pathogenic phenotypes in the gut microbial community of the fish significantly decreased. Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Neisseria spp., Achromobacter spp. were significantly inhibited by the feather hydrolysates. In addition, feather hydrolysates significantly improved proteolytic activity in the guts of broilers and fish. In fish, the expression levels of ZO-1 and TGF-α significantly improved after administration of feather hydrolysates. The results presented here suggest that feather hydrolysates generated by B. licheniformis WHU could be an alternative protein source in aquaculture and could exert beneficial effects on fish.

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Keratinous bioresources: their generation, microbial degradation, and value enhancement for biotechnological applications
Vijan Lal Vikash, Numbi Ramudu Kamini, Ganesan Ponesakki, Suresh Kumar Anandasadagopan
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) Promotes Recombinant Mycobacteria Intracellular Survival via Regulation of Innate Immunity, and Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis: Tao Xu , Chutong Wang , Minying Li , Jing Wei , Zixuan He , Zhongqing Qian , Xiaojing Wang , Hongtao Wang; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(1):49-62. Published online February 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00101-0

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Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), is a significant global public health problem. Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses a unique family of PE_PGRS proteins that have been implicated in pathogenesis. Despite numerous studies, the functions of most PE_PGRS proteins in the pathogenesis of mycobacterium infections remain unclear. PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) is only found in pathogenic mycobacteria. In this study, we successfully constructed a recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) strain which heterologously expresses the PE_PGRS45 protein. We found that overexpression of this cell wall-associated protein enhanced bacterial viability under stress in vitro and cell survival in macrophages. MS_PE_PGRS45 decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, and TNF-α. We also found that MS_PE_PGRS45 increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and altered macrophage-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, PE_PGRS45 enhanced the survival rate of M. smegmatis in macrophages by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Collectively, our findings show that PE_PGRS45 is a virulent factor actively involved in the interaction with the host macrophage.

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Evolution of the PE_PGRS Proteins of Mycobacteria: Are All Equal or Are Some More Equal than Others?
Bei Chen, Belmin Bajramović, Bastienne Vriesendorp, Herman Pieter Spaink
Biology.2025; 14(3): 247. CrossRef
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Ming-Rui Sun, Jia-Yin Xing, Xiao-Tian Li, Ren Fang, Yang Zhang, Zhao-Li Li, Ning-Ning Song
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection.2025; 58(5): 497. CrossRef
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Zhijing Zhang, Le Dong, Xin Li, Taibing Deng, Qinglan Wang
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Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity Associated with Six Understudied Ectomycorrhizal Trees in the Republic of Korea: Ki Hyeong Park , Seung-Yoon Oh , Yoonhee Cho , Chang Wan Seo , Ji Seon Kim , Shinnam Yoo , Jisun Lim , Chang Sun Kim , Young Woon Lim; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(8):729-739. Published online September 4, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00073-1

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Abstract PDF: Mycorrhizal fungi are key components of forest ecosystems and play essential roles in host health. The host specificity of mycorrhizal fungi is variable and the mycorrhizal fungi composition for the dominant tree species is largely known but remains unknown for the less common tree species. In this study, we collected soil samples from the roots of six understudied ectomycorrhizal tree species from a preserved natural park in the Republic of Korea over four seasons to investigate the host specificity of mycorrhizal fungi in multiple tree species, considering the abiotic factors. We evaluated the mycorrhizal fungal composition in each tree species using a metabarcoding approach. Our results revealed that each host tree species harbored unique mycorrhizal communities, despite close localization. Most mycorrhizal taxa belonged to ectomycorrhizal fungi, but a small proportion of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were also detected. While common mycorrhizal fungi were shared between the plant species at the genus or higher taxonomic level, we found high host specificity at the species/OTU (operational taxonomic unit) level. Moreover, the effects of the seasons and soil properties on the mycorrhizal communities differed by tree species. Our results indicate that mycorrhizal fungi feature host-specificity at lower taxonomic levels.

Chemokine CCL6 Plays Key Role in the Inhibitory Effect of Vitamin A on Norovirus Infection: Heetae Lee , Giljae Lee , You-Hee Cho , Youngcheon Song , GwangPyo Ko; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(5):579-587. Published online May 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00047-3

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Abstract PDF: Norovirus (NoV) is the most common viral cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Vitamin A has demonstrated the potential to protect against gastrointestinal infections. However, the effects of vitamin A on human norovirus (HuNoV) infections remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how vitamin A administration affects NoV replication. We demonstrated that treatment with retinol or retinoic acid (RA) inhibited NoV replication in vitro based on their effects on HuNoV replicon-bearing cells and murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) replication in murine cells. MNV replication in vitro showed significant transcriptomic changes, which were partially reversed by retinol treatment. RNAi knockdown of CCL6, a chemokine gene that was downregulated by MNV infection but upregulated by retinol administration, resulted in increased MNV replication in vitro. This suggested a role of CCL6 in the host response to MNV infections. Similar gene expression patterns were observed in the murine intestine after oral administration of RA and/or MNV-1.CW1. CCL6 directly decreased HuNoV replication in HG23 cells, and might indirectly regulate the immune response against NoV infection. Finally, relative replication levels of MNV-1.CW1 and MNV-1.CR6 were significantly increased in CCL6 knockout RAW 264.7 cells. This study is the first to comprehensively profile transcriptomes in response to NoV infection and vitamin A treatment in vitro, and thus may provide new insights into dietary prophylaxis and NoV infections.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Norovirus Outbreaks in Shenyang from 2017 to 2021: Ying Qi , Xinxin Dong , Xiaowei Cheng , Han Xu , Jin Wang , Bing Wang , Ye Chen , Baijun Sun , Linlin Zhang , Yan Yao; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(4):471-478. Published online March 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00033-9

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Norovirus is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks and to provide evidence for public health entities. Specimens and epidemiological survey data were collected to determine if there were differences in the attack rate of norovirus in terms of the year, season, transmission route, exposure setting, and region and to determine whether there were relationships between the reporting interval, the number of illnesses in a single outbreak and the duration of the outbreak. Norovirus outbreaks were reported throughout the year, with seasonal characteristics (i.e., high rates in spring and winter). Among all regions in Shenyang with the exception of Huanggu and Liaozhong, norovirus outbreaks had been reported, and the primary genotype was GII.2[P16]. Vomiting was the most common symptom. The main places of occurrence were childcare institutions and schools. The person-to-person route was the main transmission route. The median duration of norovirus was 3 days (IQR [interquartile range]: 2–6 days), the median reporting interval was 2 days (IQR: 1–4 days), the median number of illnesses in a single outbreak was 16 (IQR: 10–25); there was a positive correlation between these parameters. Norovirus surveillance and genotyping studies still need to be further strengthened to increase knowledge regarding the pathogens and their variant characteristics, to better characterize the patterns of norovirus outbreaks and to provide information for outbreak prevention. Norovirus outbreaks should be detected, reported and handled early. Public health entities and the government should develop corresponding measures for different seasons, transmission routes, exposure settings, and regions.

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Yuan Tian, Xiqiao Du, Hong Gao, Mingyue Yuan, Yingchen Wang, Lei Shang, Yuhui Pan, Tuo Dong, Zhe Zhang
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Global burden of human noroviruses contamination in drinking water sources and drinking water: A systematic review and meta-analysis identifying GII.4 and GII.17 as dominant genotypes
Junshan Gao, Zilei Zhang, Yang Jiao, Yinghuan Xu, Yuanling Chen, Liang Xue
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CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis is Involved in the Recruitment of NK Cells by HMGB1 Contributing to Persistent Airway Inflammation and AHR During the Late Stage of RSV Infection: Sisi Chen , Wei Tang , Guangyuan Yu , Zhengzhen Tang , Enmei Liu; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(4):461-469. Published online February 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00018-8

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We previously showed that both high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and natural killer (NK) cells contribute to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced persistent airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Meanwhile, Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor (chemokine receptor 4, CXCR4) play important roles in recruitment of immune cells. CXCL12 has been reported to form a complex with HMGB1 that binds to CXCR4 and increases inflammatory cell migration. The relationship between HMGB1, NK cells and chemokines in RSV-infected model remains unclear. An anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody and inhibitor of CXCR4 (AMD3100) was administered to observe changes of NK cells and airway disorders in nude mice and BALB/c mice. Results showed that the mRNA expression and protein levels of HMGB1 were elevated in late stage of RSV infection and persistent airway inflammation and AHR were diminished after administration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies, with an associated significant decrease in CXCR4+ NK cells. In addition, CXCL12 and CXCR4 were reduced after HMGB1 blockade. Treatment with AMD3100 significantly suppressed the recruitment of NK cells and alleviated the airway disorders. Thus, CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is involved in the recruitment of NK cells by HMGB1, contributing to persistent airway inflammation and AHR during the late stage of RSV infection.

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