STEAM Connections: Painting with Bacteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-307
Author(s):  
Regina Wu ◽  
Caren Brinkema ◽  
Michaela Peterson ◽  
Adam Waltzer ◽  
Jeanne Chowning
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Works Of Art ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Related Science ◽  
Science Activities

Arts-related science activities provide unique opportunities to engage students' strengths and motivate different types of learners (Jolly, 2014). Incorporating arts into the discussion of gene expression and microbiology introduces students to a multidisciplinary approach to STEM and provides an opportunity to explore the use of science in different fields such as design, art, and industry. In this protocol extension students create living works of art on agar plates by “painting” with E. coli that express fluorescent proteins of various colors.

scholarly journals Differential Gene Expression of Three Mastitis-Causing Escherichia coli Strains Grown under Planktonic, Swimming, and Swarming Culture Conditions

mSystems ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Lippolis ◽  
Brian W. Brunelle ◽  
Timothy A. Reinhardt ◽  
Randy E. Sacco ◽  
Tyler C. Thacker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Bacterial Motility ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Iron Regulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Compare Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Levels

ABSTRACT Bacteria can exhibit various types of motility. It is known that different types of motilities can be associated with virulence. In this work, we compare gene expression levels in bacteria that were grown under conditions that promoted three different types of E. coli motility. Better understanding of the mechanisms of how bacteria can cause an infection is an important first step to better diagnostics and therapeutics. Bacterial motility is thought to play an important role in virulence. We have previously shown that proficient bacterial swimming and swarming in vitro is correlated with the persistent intramammary infection phenotype observed in cattle. However, little is known about the gene regulation differences important for different motility phenotypes in Escherichia coli. In this work, three E. coli strains that cause persistent bovine mastitis infections were grown in three media that promote different types of motility (planktonic, swimming, and swarming). Using whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing, we identified a total of 935 genes (~21% of the total genome) that were differentially expressed in comparisons of the various motility-promoting conditions. We found that approximately 7% of the differentially expressed genes were associated with iron regulation. We show that motility assays using iron or iron chelators confirmed the importance of iron regulation to the observed motility phenotypes. Because of the observation that E. coli strains that cause persistent infections are more motile, we contend that better understanding of the genes that are differentially expressed due to the type of motility will yield important information about how bacteria can become established within a host. Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate bacterial motility may provide new approaches in the development of intervention strategies as well as facilitate the discovery of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. IMPORTANCE Bacteria can exhibit various types of motility. It is known that different types of motilities can be associated with virulence. In this work, we compare gene expression levels in bacteria that were grown under conditions that promoted three different types of E. coli motility. Better understanding of the mechanisms of how bacteria can cause an infection is an important first step to better diagnostics and therapeutics.

scholarly journals Endolysosomal Cation Channels and MITF in Melanocytes and Melanoma

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1021
Author(s):  
Carla Abrahamian ◽  
Christian Grimm
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Signaling Cascades ◽  
Cation Channels ◽  
Pore Channel ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Canonical Wnt ◽  
The Relationship

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is the principal transcription factor regulating pivotal processes in melanoma cell development, growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation and invasion. In recent years, convincing evidence has been provided attesting key roles of endolysosomal cation channels, specifically TPCs and TRPMLs, in cancer, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, bladder cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma. In this review, we provide a gene expression profile of these channels in different types of cancers and decipher their roles, in particular the roles of two-pore channel 2 (TPC2) and TRPML1 in melanocytes and melanoma. We specifically discuss the signaling cascades regulating MITF and the relationship between endolysosomal cation channels, MAPK, canonical Wnt/GSK3 pathways and MITF.

scholarly journals PSIV-11 Effects of very low-dose antibiotics on gene expression profiles in ileal mucosa of weaned pigs infected with a pathogenic E. coli

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 286-286
Author(s):  
Kwangwook Kim ◽  
Sungbong Jang ◽  
Yanhong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Gene Expression Profiles ◽  
Post Inoculation ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Ileal Mucosa ◽  
E Coli

Abstract Our previous studies have shown that supplementation of low-dose antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) exacerbated growth performance and systemic inflammation of weaned pigs infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). The objective of this experiment, which is extension of our previous report, was to investigate the effect of low-dose AGP on gene expression in ileal mucosa of weaned pigs experimentally infected with F18 E. coli. Thirty-four pigs (6.88 ± 1.03 kg BW) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of three treatments (9 to 13 pigs/treatment). The three dietary treatments were control diet (control), and 2 additional diets supplemented with 0.5 or 50 mg/kg of AGP (carbadox), respectively. The experiment lasted 18 d [7 d before and 11 d after first inoculation (d 0)]. The F18 E. coli inoculum was orally provided to all pigs with the dose of 1010 cfu/3 mL for 3 consecutive days. Total RNA [4 to 6 pigs/treatment on d 5; 5 to 7 pigs/treatment on 11 post-inoculation (PI)] was extracted from ileal mucosa to analyze gene expression profiles by Batch-Tag-Seq. The modulated differential gene expression were defined by 1.5-fold difference and a cutoff of P < 0.05 using limma-voom package. All processed data were statistically analyzed and evaluated by PANTHER classification system to determine the biological process function of genes in these lists. Compared to control, supplementation of recommended-dose AGP down-regulated genes related to inflammatory responses on d 5 and 11 PI; whereas, feeding low-dose AGP up-regulated genes associated with negative regulation of metabolic process on d 5, but down-regulated the genes related to immune responses on d 11 PI. The present observations support adverse effects of low-dose AGP in our previous study, indicated by exacerbated the detrimental effects of E. coli infection on pigs’ growth rate, diarrhea and systemic inflammation.

scholarly journals Identifying cell types from single-cell data based on similarities and dissimilarities between cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (S3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Li ◽  
Ping Luo ◽  
Yi Lu ◽  
Fang-Xiang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Spectral Clustering ◽  
Incidence Matrix ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Clustering Method ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Cell Data ◽  
Spectral Clustering Method

Abstract Background With the development of the technology of single-cell sequence, revealing homogeneity and heterogeneity between cells has become a new area of computational systems biology research. However, the clustering of cell types becomes more complex with the mutual penetration between different types of cells and the instability of gene expression. One way of overcoming this problem is to group similar, related single cells together by the means of various clustering analysis methods. Although some methods such as spectral clustering can do well in the identification of cell types, they only consider the similarities between cells and ignore the influence of dissimilarities on clustering results. This methodology may limit the performance of most of the conventional clustering algorithms for the identification of clusters, it needs to develop special methods for high-dimensional sparse categorical data. Results Inspired by the phenomenon that same type cells have similar gene expression patterns, but different types of cells evoke dissimilar gene expression patterns, we improve the existing spectral clustering method for clustering single-cell data that is based on both similarities and dissimilarities between cells. The method first measures the similarity/dissimilarity among cells, then constructs the incidence matrix by fusing similarity matrix with dissimilarity matrix, and, finally, uses the eigenvalues of the incidence matrix to perform dimensionality reduction and employs the K-means algorithm in the low dimensional space to achieve clustering. The proposed improved spectral clustering method is compared with the conventional spectral clustering method in recognizing cell types on several real single-cell RNA-seq datasets. Conclusions In summary, we show that adding intercellular dissimilarity can effectively improve accuracy and achieve robustness and that improved spectral clustering method outperforms the traditional spectral clustering method in grouping cells.

scholarly journals Refactoring of a synthetic raspberry ketone pathway with EcoFlex

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Moore ◽  
Yonek B. Hleba ◽  
Sarah Bischoff ◽  
David Bell ◽  
Karen M. Polizzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Combinatorial Libraries ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Golden Gate ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fine Chemical ◽  
Raspberry Ketone

Abstract Background  A key focus of synthetic biology is to develop microbial or cell-free based biobased routes to value-added chemicals such as fragrances. Originally, we developed the EcoFlex system, a Golden Gate toolkit, to study genes/pathways flexibly using Escherichia coli heterologous expression. In this current work, we sought to use EcoFlex to optimise a synthetic raspberry ketone biosynthetic pathway. Raspberry ketone is a high-value (~ £20,000 kg−1) fine chemical farmed from raspberry (Rubeus rubrum) fruit. Results  By applying a synthetic biology led design-build-test-learn cycle approach, we refactor the raspberry ketone pathway from a low level of productivity (0.2 mg/L), to achieve a 65-fold (12.9 mg/L) improvement in production. We perform this optimisation at the prototype level (using microtiter plate cultures) with E. coli DH10β, as a routine cloning host. The use of E. coli DH10β facilitates the Golden Gate cloning process for the screening of combinatorial libraries. In addition, we also newly establish a novel colour-based phenotypic screen to identify productive clones quickly from solid/liquid culture. Conclusions  Our findings provide a stable raspberry ketone pathway that relies upon a natural feedstock (L-tyrosine) and uses only constitutive promoters to control gene expression. In conclusion we demonstrate the capability of EcoFlex for fine-tuning a model fine chemical pathway and provide a range of newly characterised promoter tools gene expression in E. coli.

scholarly journals E. coli NF73-1 Isolated From NASH Patients Aggravates NAFLD in Mice by Translocating Into the Liver and Stimulating M1 Polarization

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Zhang ◽  
Weiwei Jiang ◽  
Jun Xu ◽  
Na Wu ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Comparative Genomics ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Metabolic Switch ◽  
M1 Macrophages ◽  
E Coli

ObjectiveThe gut microbiota is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We isolated the Escherichia coli strain NF73-1 from the intestines of a NASH patient and then investigated its effect and underlying mechanism.Methods16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) amplicon sequencing was used to detect bacterial profiles in healthy controls, NAFLD patients and NASH patients. Highly enriched E. coli strains were cultured and isolated from NASH patients. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics were performed to investigate gene expression. Depending on the diet, male C57BL/6J mice were further grouped in normal diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) groups. To avoid disturbing the bacterial microbiota, some of the ND and HFD mice were grouped as “bacteria-depleted” mice and treated with a cocktail of broad-spectrum antibiotic complex (ABX) from the 8th to 10th week. Then, E. coli NF73-1, the bacterial strain isolated from NASH patients, was administered transgastrically for 6 weeks to investigate its effect and mechanism in the pathogenic progression of NAFLD.ResultsThe relative abundance of Escherichia increased significantly in the mucosa of NAFLD patients, especially NASH patients. The results from whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics showed a specific gene expression profile in E. coli strain NF73-1, which was isolated from the intestinal mucosa of NASH patients. E. coli NF73-1 accelerates NAFLD independently. Only in the HFD-NF73-1 and HFD-ABX-NF73-1 groups were EGFP-labeled E. coli NF73-1 detected in the liver and intestine. Subsequently, translocation of E. coli NF73-1 into the liver led to an increase in hepatic M1 macrophages via the TLR2/NLRP3 pathway. Hepatic M1 macrophages induced by E. coli NF73-1 activated mTOR-S6K1-SREBP-1/PPAR-α signaling, causing a metabolic switch from triglyceride oxidation toward triglyceride synthesis in NAFLD mice.ConclusionsE. coli NF73-1 is a critical trigger in the progression of NAFLD. E. coli NF73-1 might be a specific strain for NAFLD patients.

Plausibility and Aesthetic Interpretation

1977 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Dutton
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Inquiry ◽  
The Other ◽  
Inquiry Science ◽  
Works Of Art ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Logical Structures ◽  
The One

If a catalogue were made of terms commonly used to affirm the adequacy of critical interpretations of works of art, one word certain to be included would be “plausible.” Yet this term is one which has received precious little attention in the literature of aesthetics. This is odd, inasmuch as I find the notion of plausibility central to an understanding of the nature of criticism. “Plausible” is a perplexing term because it can have radically different meanings depending on the circumstances of its employment. ln the following discussion, I will make some observations about the logic of this concept in connection with its uses in two rather different contexts: the context of scientific inquiry on the one hand, and that of aesthetic interpretation on the other. In distinguishing separate senses of “plausible,” I shall provide reason to resist the temptation to imagine that because logical aspects of two different types of inquiry—science and criticism—happen to be designated by the same term, they may to that extent be considered to have similar logical structures.

scholarly journals Escherichia coli O157:H7 SURVIVAL IN TRADITIONAL AND LOW LACTOSE YOGURT DURING FERMENTATION AND COOLING PERIODS

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Sampaio Cutrim ◽  
Raphael Ferreira de Barros ◽  
Robson Maia Franco ◽  
Marco Antonio Sloboda Cortez
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
The Other ◽  
Lactose Hydrolysis ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Gas Formation ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
Milk Contamination ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Fermentation Period

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 during lactose hydrolysis and fermentation of traditional and low lactose yogurt. It also aimed to verify E. coli O157:H7 survival after 12 h of storage at 4 ºC ±1 ºC. Two different types of yogurts were prepared, two with whole milk and two with pre-hydrolyzed whole milk; in both groups one yogurt was inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and the other one was not inoculated. The survival of E. coli and pH of yogurt were determined during fermentation and after 12-h refrigeration. The results showed that E. coli O157:H7 was able to grow during the fermentation period (from 4.34 log CFU.mL-1 to 6.13 log CFU.mL-1 in traditional yogurt and 4.34 log CFU.mL-1 to 6.16 log CFU.mL-1 in low lactose yogurt). The samples with E. coli O157:H7 showed gas formation and syneresis. Thus, E. coli O157:H7 was able to survive and grow during fermentation of traditional and low lactose yogurts affecting the manufacture technology. Moreover, milk contamination by E. coli before LAB addition reduces the growth of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus especially when associated with reduction of lactose content.

scholarly journals Measuring fast gene dynamics in single cells with time-lapse luminescence microscopy

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 3699-3708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anyimilehidi Mazo-Vargas ◽  
Heungwon Park ◽  
Mert Aydin ◽  
Nicolas E. Buchler
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Luminescence Microscopy ◽  
Cell Cycle Genes ◽  
Light Excitation ◽  
Better Than

Time-lapse fluorescence microscopy is an important tool for measuring in vivo gene dynamics in single cells. However, fluorescent proteins are limited by slow chromophore maturation times and the cellular autofluorescence or phototoxicity that arises from light excitation. An alternative is luciferase, an enzyme that emits photons and is active upon folding. The photon flux per luciferase is significantly lower than that for fluorescent proteins. Thus time-lapse luminescence microscopy has been successfully used to track gene dynamics only in larger organisms and for slower processes, for which more total photons can be collected in one exposure. Here we tested green, yellow, and red beetle luciferases and optimized substrate conditions for in vivo luminescence. By combining time-lapse luminescence microscopy with a microfluidic device, we tracked the dynamics of cell cycle genes in single yeast with subminute exposure times over many generations. Our method was faster and in cells with much smaller volumes than previous work. Fluorescence of an optimized reporter (Venus) lagged luminescence by 15–20 min, which is consistent with its known rate of chromophore maturation in yeast. Our work demonstrates that luciferases are better than fluorescent proteins at faithfully tracking the underlying gene expression.

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