Journal of Microbiology

Research article

Prophase roles of replication protein A in crossover formation and meiotic progression: Rose M. Lee, Keun Pil Kim, Jeong H. Joo; J. Microbiol. 2026;64(6):e2604001. Published online June 18, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2604001

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are subsequently processed to generate single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Replication protein A (RPA), a heterotrimeric ssDNA-binding complex, plays essential roles in DNA replication, repair, and recombination; however, the specific functions of RPA in meiotic recombination progression and chromosome morphogenesis remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of RPA in recombination and meiotic progression by conditionally depleting Rfa1, the large subunit of the RPA complex, using an auxin-inducible degron (AID) system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that Rfa1 depletion causes severe defects in meiotic recombination, including impaired DSB processing, defective chromosome axis assembly, compromised synaptonemal complex formation, and failure of ZMM-dependent crossover recombination. Notably, inhibition of Mek1 protein kinase activity, which bypasses the recombination checkpoint, does not rescue these defects in Rfa1-depleted cells. Together, these findings identify RPA as a key factor that stabilizes recombination intermediates and coordinates prophase I events with chromosome synapsis and crossover formation during meiosis.

Review

Structural analysis of dual specificity phosphatases, the only type of protein tyrosine phosphatases found in humans and across diverse microorganisms: Bonsu Ku; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(10):e2506006. Published online October 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2506006

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Dual specificity phosphatases (DUSPs), a subfamily of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family, dephosphorylate not only phosphotyrosine but also phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues. Beyond the 26 members of this family in humans, DUSPs represent the only type of PTPs found across a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, and viruses. This review presents a comprehensive structural analysis of human and microbial DUSPs. These proteins commonly share core features, such as a typical DUSP fold, shallow active site pocket, signature active site motif known as the P-loop, and conserved aspartate residue that acts as a general acid/base. However, DUSPs from diverse microorganisms also display unique structural and functional characteristics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa TpbA is the only bacterial DUSP identified to date, while a second candidate was proposed in this review. Archaeal DUSPs are hyperthermostable, contain a unique motif in their P-loops, and employ dual general acid/base residues. Poxviral DUSPs are characterized by the formation of domain-swapped homodimers. The presence of DUSPs across all domains of life and viruses, along with their low specificity for phosphorylated amino acids and structural similarity to classical PTPs, suggests that DUSPs represent the ancestral form of PTPs.

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DUSP family phosphatases in cell signaling, inflammation, and chronic diseases
Chia-Wen Wang, Huai-Chia Chuang, Tse-Hua Tan
Journal of Biomedical Science.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

Article

Cryo-EM structure of the glycosylated protein CgeA in the crust of Bacillus subtilis endospores: Migak Park, Doyeon Kim, Yeongjin Baek, Eunbyul Jo, Jaekyung Hyun, Nam-Chul Ha; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(10):e2504013. Published online October 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2504013

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: The Bacillus subtilis spore crust is an exceptionally robust proteinaceous layer that protects spores under extreme environmental conditions. Among its key components, CgeA, a glycosylation-associated protein, plays a critical role in modifying crust properties through its glycosylated moiety, enhancing spore dispersal in aqueous environments. In this study, we present the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the core region of CgeA at 3.05 Å resolution, revealing a doughnut-like hexameric assembly. The N-terminal regions are disordered, whereas the C-terminal region forms the core of the hexamer. Although the loop containing Thr112 was not resolved in the density map, its location can be inferred from surrounding residues, suggesting that Thr112 is situated on the exposed surface of the hexamer. On the opposite face, a distinct electrostatic pattern is observed, featuring a negatively charged central pore and a positively charged outer surface. Modeling and biochemical studies with the putative glycosyltransferase CgeB provide insights into how the glycosyl group is transferred to Thr112. This study offers a molecular-level understanding of the assembly, glycosylation, and environmental adaptability of the B. subtilis spore crust, with valuable implications for controlling spore formation in industrial applications.

Article

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.

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Red quinoa hydrolysate as a plant-based therapeutic alternative for damage induced by high cadmium concentrations to the vascular system in rats
Samia Hassan Husein Kanaan, Paola Zambelli Moraes, Katye Yasmin de Souza de Oliveira, Fernando Barbosa, José Eudes Gomes Pinheiro, Franck Maciel Peçanha, Dalton Valentim Vassallo, Marta Miguel-Castro, Giulia Alessandra Wiggers
Food & Function.2026; 17(8): 3749. CrossRef
Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum): Nutritional Composition, Functional Attributes, and Health Implications
Sangeeta Yadav, Pratiksha Singh, Mazia Ahmed, Pinki Saini
Future Postharvest and Food.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

Article

Characteristics of skin microbiome associated with disease severity in systemic sclerosis: Kyung-Ann Lee, Asad Ul-Haq, Hoonhee Seo, Sujin Jo, Sukyung Kim, Ho-Yeon Song, Hyun-Sook Kim; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(1):e.2409018. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2409018

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement. Disruptions in the microbial communities on the skin may contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin. However, current research on the skin microbiome in SSc is lacking. This study aimed to investigate skin microbiome associated with disease severity in SSc. Skin swabs were collected from the upper limbs of 46 healthy controls (HCs) and 36 patients with SSc. Metagenomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was conducted and stratified by cutaneous subtype and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) severity. Significant differences in skin bacterial communities were observed between the HCs and patients with SSc, with further significant variations based on subtype and mRSS severity. The identified biomarkers were Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with high mRSS (≥ 10) and Mycobacterium and Parabacteroides for those with low mRSS (< 10). Gardnerella, Abies, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia were the biomarkers in patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSS) and high mRSS, whereas Coprococcus predominated in patients with lcSS and low mRSS. Cutaneous subtype analysis identified Pediococcus as a biomarker in the HCs, whereas mRSS analysis revealed the presence of Pseudomonas in conjunction with Pediococcus. In conclusion, patients with SSc exhibit distinct skin microbiota compared with healthy controls. Bacterial composition varies by systemic sclerosis cutaneous subtype and skin thickness.

Citations

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Skin Microbiome Profiling in Patients with Primary Sjögren Disease Compared to Healthy Individuals
Sujin Jo, Hoonhee Seo, Kyung-Ann Lee, Sukyung Kim, Md Abdur Rahim, Tapan Indrajeet Barman, Hyun-Sook Kim, Ho-Yeon Song
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploring the Role of Skin Microbiota in Autoimmune Skin Diseases from a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Perspective
Junlin Wang, Xuejun Wang, Xuanjie Tao, Qianru Yang, Meng Zhang, Yimeng Wang, Shengquan Liu
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.2026; Volume 19: 1. CrossRef
Cutaneous leishmaniasis promotes skin microbial dysbiosis and exacerbation of local inflammatory responses
Kanza Muqaddas, Mahnoor, Obaid Hayat, Arshad Islam, Raees Khan, Shumaila Naz
Microbial Pathogenesis.2026; 218: 108655. CrossRef
Adipose tissue-derived stem cell exosomes enhance skin barrier function and show exploratory associations with the skin mycobiome in aging skin
Bo-Yun Choi, Hye-Jin Kim, Myeong Jae Kim, Yoon Jin Roh, Ji Yeon Hong, Kui Young Park, Woo Jun Sul
Journal of Microbiology.2026; 64(6): e2603020. CrossRef
Microbiome therapeutic PMC72 through reverse translational research in gout
Mohammed Solayman Hossain, Hoonhee Seo, Kyung-Ann Lee, Asad ul-Haq, Sukyung Kim, Sujin Jo, Md Abdur Rahim, Hanieh Tajdozian, Fatemeh Ghorbanian, Youjin Yoon, Indrajeet Barman, Md Sarower Hossen Shuvo, Hyun-Sook Kim, Ho-Yeon Song
Journal of Microbiology.2025; 63(5): e2501002. CrossRef
Alterations of the skin microbiome in multiple system atrophy: a pilot study
Daji Chen, Lang Sun, Linlin Wan, Zhao Chen, LinLiu Peng, Jinzi Peng, Riwei Ouyang, Xiafei Long, Kefang Du, Xiao Dong, Xiaokang Wu, Xinying Xiao, Ruqing He, Rong Qiu, Beisha Tang, Hong Jiang
npj Parkinson's Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Analysis of skin mycobiota associated with alopecia in captive cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) based on Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Natthanit Phokkhasub, Suthida Visedthorn, Pavit Klomkliew, Prangwalai Chanchaem, Kittima Phutthawong, Taratorn Kemthong, Vorthon Sawaswong, Ariya Khamwut, Suchinda Malaivijitnond, Sunchai Payungporn
F1000Research.2025; 14: 1228. CrossRef
Alterations in the Gut Microbiome in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Their Correlation with Disease Activity
Hyemin Jeong, Hoonhee Seo, Sukyung Kim, Md Abdur Rahim, Indrajeet Barman, Md Sarower Hossen Shuvo, Sujin Jo, Mohammed Solayman Hossain, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Young Ho Kim, Sung-Soo Jung, Ho-Yeon Song, Chan Hong Jeon
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Article

Inhibition of Virulence Associated Traits by β-Sitosterol Isolated from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Flowers against Candida albicans: Mechanistic Insight and Molecular Docking Studies: Pallvi Mohana, Atamjit Singh, Farhana Rashid, Sharabjit Singh, Kirandeep Kaur, Rupali Rana, Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Neena Bedi, Rajinder Kaur, Saroj Arora; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(12):1165-1175. Published online November 6, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00174-5

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