Nature Reviews Microbiology contents May 2014 Volume 12 Number 5 pp 309-390

TABLE OF CONTENTS
May 2014 Volume 12 Number 5
Impact Factor 22.49 *	In this issue Editorial Research Highlights News and Analysis Focus on: Synthetic biology Progress Review Also this month  Featured article: Coordination of microbial metabolism Victor Chubukov, Luca Gerosa, Karl Kochanowski & Uwe Sauer
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EDITORIAL		Top
Milestones in synthetic (micro)biology p309 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3261 This Focus issue highlights the growth of synthetic biology as a vibrant and vigorous scientific discipline that has its roots firmly grounded in microbiology. Full Text | PDF
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Top Viral infection: Marburg targets the host oxidative response p311 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3258 Three new studies now reveal the crystal structure of the Marburg virus protein VP24 and provide insights into its role in pathogenesis. PDF Structural biology: Solving the T4SS structural mystery p312 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3254 The first complete structure of a bacterial T4SS, which shows that this apparatus has a unique architecture and mechanism of action. PDF Microbiome: Bacterial imbalance in Crohn's disease p312 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3255 This study shows associations between gut microbiota and Crohn's disease pathogenesis in the largest patient cohort studied so far. PDF IN THE NEWS Ebola virus in West Africa p312 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3267 Ebola virus disease is spreading in West African countries. PDF Synthetic biology: E. coli reporter gets the inside scoop p314 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3256 Engineering Escherichia coli with a genetic memory circuit that can sense and report on antibiotic exposure in the mammalian gut. PDF Techniques and applications: RNAi 'off-targets' pathogen infection p314 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3257 This study shows that many of the off-target effects that are observed in siRNA screens are specific and depend on the siRNA seed sequence. PDF Bacterial physiology: A metabolic milieu p315 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3268 Quinn et al. examine the core metabolic functions within the polymicrobial communities that are present in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. PDF IN BRIEF Synthetic biology: Building a designer yeast genome | Clinical microbiology: Recombination turns one clade into two | Bacterial pathogenesis: sRNA promotes S. aureus persistence PDF Microbiology JOBS of the week Microbiology & Immunology Cancer Immunologist Wake Forest School of Medicine W2-Professor for Molecular Microbiology Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg Professor Director Infectious Diseases Alfred Health, Monash University 2 Senior Group Leaders Institut Pasteur More Science jobs from Microbiology EVENT 2nd European Conference of Microbiology and mmunology 06.06.14 Berlin, Germany More science events from
NEWS AND ANALYSIS		Top
GENOME WATCH Rabid about whole lyssa genomes Eva Archer & Charlotte J. Houldcroft p316 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3263 Sequencing of whole rabies virus genomes is revealing novel genetic variants that influence virulence and transmission. PDF
Focus on: Synthetic biology REVIEWS Top A versatile framework for microbial engineering using synthetic non-coding RNAs Lei S. Qi & Adam P. Arkin p341 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3244 Non-coding RNA devices, such as CRISPR-Cas systems, riboswitches and RNA scaffolds, have emerged as a versatile class of genetic regulatory elements that are used in a broad range of synthetic biology applications. In this Review, Arkin and Qi discuss the design, engineering and application of synthetic non-coding RNA devices for microbial engineering. Abstract | Full Text | PDF Semi-synthetic artemisinin: a model for the use of synthetic biology in pharmaceutical development Chris J. Paddon & Jay D. Keasling p355 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3240 Entry of the antimalarial drug precursor semi-synthetic artemisinin into industrial production is the first major milestone for the application of synthetic biology. In this Review, Paddon and Keasling discuss the metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches that were used to engineer Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to synthesize a precursor of artemisinin, which should aid the development of other pharmaceutical products. Abstract | Full Text | PDF Biotechnological domestication of pseudomonads using synthetic biology Pablo I. Nikel, Esteban Martínez-García & Víctor de Lorenzo p368 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3253 Much of synthetic biology research makes use of model organisms, such as Escherichia coli. Here, Víctor de Lorenzo and colleagues emphasize the need for a wider choice of model organisms and advocate the use of environmental Pseudomonas strains as model organisms that possess the necessary metabolic traits required to meet current and future synthetic biology and biotechnological needs. Abstract | Full Text | PDF PERSPECTIVES Top TIMELINE A brief history of synthetic biology D. Ewen Cameron, Caleb J. Bashor & James J. Collins p381 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3239 In this Timeline article, Collins and colleagues chart the history of synthetic biology since its inception just over a decade ago, with a focus on both the cultural and scientific progress that has been made as well as on key breakthroughs and areas for future development. Abstract | Full Text | PDF
PROGRESS		Top
CRISPR-Cas systems: beyond adaptive immunity Edze R. Westra, Angus Buckling & Peter C. Fineran p317 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3241 Although the CRISPR–Cas system of prokaryotes has an established role in defence, recent studies suggest that this system has other functional roles. Here, Westra and colleagues explore the more unconventional roles of CRISPR–Cas, such as endogenous gene regulation and genome remodelling, and consider their evolutionary implications. Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary information
REVIEW		Top
Coordination of microbial metabolism Victor Chubukov, Luca Gerosa, Karl Kochanowski & Uwe Sauer p327 | doi:10.1038/nrmicro3238 In this Review, Sauer and colleagues outline how microorganisms coordinate common metabolic tasks. By illustrating the information transfer and flux adaptation for key regulatory circuits in Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and yeast, they conclude that cells rely on a few conserved metabolites to report on their global metabolic status and mount appropriate responses. Abstract | Full Text | PDF
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