J. Clardy

Vaginal lactobacilli produce anti-inflammatory beta-carboline compounds.

This study identifies beta-carboline compounds produced by vaginal lactobacilli that reduce inflammation by suppressing immune signaling pathways and demonstrate therapeutic potential in a mouse model.

Burkholderia from fungus gardens of fungus-growing ants produce antifungals that inhibit the specialized parasite Escovopsis

The paper isolates Burkholderia spp. from fungus-growing ants and identifies two antifungals that inhibit Escovopsis, a parasite of the mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus.

Bacterially produced small molecules stimulate diatom growth

Two diketopiperazines (DKPs) produced by sporulating Bacillus thuringiensis stimulate diatom P. tricornutum growth and increase lipid content.

Enteroendocrine cells sense bacterial tryptophan catabolites to activate enteric and vagal neuronal pathways

This study identifies a molecular pathway by which enteroendocrine cells respond to bacterial tryptophan catabolites, activating enteric and vagal neurons through Trpa1 signaling.

Biogeography and Microscale Diversity Shape the Biosynthetic Potential of Fungus-growing Ant-associated Pseudonocardia

The paper analyzes genetic diversity and biosynthetic potential in Pseudonocardia bacteria associated with fungus-growing ants across a 20km transect, revealing geographic and phylogenetic patterns of microbial diversity.

Cycloheximide-Producing Streptomyces Associated with Xyleborinus saxesenii and Xyleborus affinis Fungus-Farming Ambrosia Beetles

The paper identifies a Streptomyces species producing cycloheximide that inhibits a fungal parasite in ambrosia beetles.

Amycomicin: a potent and specific antibiotic discovered with a targeted interaction screen

This paper discovers a new antibiotic, amycomicin, through a community-based screening approach targeting Staphylococcus aureus.

An Aphrodisiac Produced By Vibrio fischeri Stimulates Mating In The Closest Living Relatives Of Animals

The paper identifies a bacterial protein that induces mating in choanoflagellates, revealing a role for bacterial chondroitin lyases in eukaryotic reproduction.