Research Highlights in 2013

Two studies reveal thatChlamydiaspecies possess peptidoglycan-containing cell walls.

This proof-of-concept study shows that the gut microbiota is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders via circulating metabolites.

A study in transplant recipients shows that virome composition and size depends on immunocompetence.

A 'multi-omics', systems-based approach reveals the details of electron flow in a syntrophic relationship between twoGeobacterspecies.

FtsA has a dual role in FtsZ network assembly and rearrangement.

A new study shows that, in mice, motile commensal bacteria are prevented from crossing the mucosal barrier by the TLR5-induced production of anti-flagellin antibodies, which both immobilize the bacteria and downregulate flagellar gene expression.

A study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis shows a potential role of the gut bacteriumPrevotella copriin the development of this autoimmune disease.

Two newStaphylococcus aureusvirulence factors convert neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to deoxyadenosine, which triggers macrophage apoptosis.

Two studies report novel approaches to eradicate bacterial persisters, both of which involve proteolysis by the ClpP protease.

In the archaeonHaloferax volcanii, origin depletion results in a fitness advantage and replication is initiated by homologous recombination.

The first visualization and detailed characterization of the DNA-uptake apparatus that is involved in natural transformation inVibrio cholerae.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidisreleases soluble mycotoxins that inhibitXenopus laevislymphocyte proliferation by inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis.

The identification of a quorum sensing antagonist that inhibitsPseudomonas aeruginosavirulence factor expression and biofilm formation.

This study shows that binding of leukotoxin ED to the chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils is crucial forStaphylococcus aureuspathogenesis.

A study shows that bacteria can counteract CRISPR–Cas immunity against beneficial plasmids by inactivating or deleting CRISPR–Cas loci.

A metagenomic study of gut and environmental samples identifies a sibling phylum to Cyanobacteria, the non-photosynthetic Melainabacteria.

A new study reveals a role for a bacterial argonaute protein in silencing foreign nucleic acids.

Two studies identify a novel HIV restriction factor, MX2, which inhibits HIV infection in response to interferon-α treatment.

A new study shows that the larvae of a herbivorous insect exploits its bacterial symbionts to evade plant defences.

This study provides evidence that non-legumes can respond to rhizobial symbiotic signals.