Y. Ogura

HlyF, an underestimated virulence factor of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

The paper identifies HlyF as a virulence factor in UPEC strains associated with severe UTIs and urosepsis, showing its link to plasmid-mediated virulence and antimicrobial resistance.

Fetal imidacloprid causes ASD-like impairment of biological motion perception in neonatal chicks

This study shows that fetal exposure to imidacloprid impairs biological motion perception in neonatal chicks, similar to effects seen with valproic acid and nAChR blockade.

Insights into the acquisition of the pks island and production of colibactin in the Escherichia coli population

This study identifies the distribution and functionality of the pks island in E. coli strains, showing its presence across multiple phylogroups and its role in colibactin production.

Genome-wide association study of gastric cancer- and duodenal ulcer-derived Helicobacter pylori strains reveals discriminatory amino acid differences and novel oncoprotein candidates

This study uses GWAS to identify genetic variations in H. pylori strains associated with gastric cancer and duodenal ulcers, revealing amino acid differences and novel oncoprotein candidates.

Prophages integrating into prophages: a mechanism to accumulate type III secretion effector genes and duplicate Shiga toxin-encoding prophages in Escherichia coli

The paper identifies a mechanism where prophages integrate into other prophages in Escherichia coli, leading to the duplication of Shiga toxin-encoding prophages and the accumulation of type III secretion effector genes.

Diversification of the restriction modification system of Streptococcus pyogenes through its acquisition of mobile elements

The paper analyzes methyltransferase diversity in Streptococcus pyogenes by comparing RM systems across genomes and suggests phage-derived MTases contribute to methylome diversity and gene regulation.

Helicobacter small RNA regulates host adaptation and carcinogenesis

This study identifies HPnc4160, a small RNA in H. pylori, that negatively regulates host adaptation and gastric cancer by modulating gene expression and bacterial colonization.

A universal subcuticular bacterial symbiont of a coral predator, the crown-of-thorns starfish, in the Indo-Pacific

This study identifies a universal bacterial symbiont, COTS27, found in the subcuticular space of crown-of-thorns starfish across the Indo-Pacific, suggesting an ancient symbiotic relationship.