Review Articles in 2006

Unlike many other bacterial pathogens, there is little evidence for genetic recombination in theMycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Smith et al. review how this strict clonality has shaped the phylogeny of the M. tuberculosis complex, focusing on the consequences of clonality for the population structure of Mycobacterium boviswithin the British Isles.

Early and accurate disease diagnosis is a pivotal, yet frequently overlooked, component of successful malaria management programmes. Here, David Bell and colleagues discuss the importance of parasite-based diagnosis, and how rapid diagnostic tests have the potential to significantly improve tropical fever management.

MicroRNAs are exciting new regulators of genes involved in cell growth and development. Regulatory roles for microRNAs have been identified in plants and animals, but these tiny regulators have not been found in bacteria or fungi. Here, Sarnow and colleagues discuss the fascinating roles of both virus- and host-cell-encoded microRNAs in virus lifestyles.

Statistical models of vector-borne zoonoses can be useful, but models based on fundamental biological processes are thought to be more powerful in deciphering the mechanisms responsible for the observed distribution patterns. Here, Kurtenbach and colleagues describe the framework needed to develop models of vector-borne zoonoses based on biological processes, using Lyme borreliosis as an example.

Individual cells in clonal microbial populations exhibit significant phenotypic heterogeneity, a phenomenon that provides a dynamic source of diversity and is thought to improve organismal fitness. Here, Simon Avery reviews our understanding of the processes that drive heterogeneity and their impact on biologically important cell phenotypes.

Nucleic-acid aptamers bind tightly to a diverse range of molecular targets, owing to the complex folding of RNA molecules. Here, recent developments in aptamer research are discussed, including the development of potential anti-viral aptamers against pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis C virus and influenza virus.

Integrons are assembly platforms that incorporate exogenous open reading frames through site-specific recombination and convert them to functional genes by ensuring their correct expression. Here, Didier Mazel reviews the biology of integrons and superintegrons and their evolutionary history, and proposes a new model to account for the peculiarities of the integron recombination pathway.

The emerging field of sociomicrobiology has been gaining impetus in recent years, but a limiting factor is the lack of effective communication of social evolution theory to microbiologists. Here, the authors provide a conceptual overview of social evolution theory, emphasizing the aspects most relevant to microorganisms.

Pili were first identified on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria almost 40 years ago, but it is only in the past decade that these structures have been studied in detail. In this Review, the authors summarize what is known about the structure, assembly and function of the pili of Gram-positive bacteria, focusing on the streptococci.

It is well established that microorganisms can convert organic matter into electricity in devices known as microbial fuel cells. Recent discoveries, however, suggest new strategies for the highly efficient microbial conversion of waste into electricity through stable, self-sustaining systems. Here, Derek Lovley reviews the microbiology of electricity production.

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are ancient host defence molecules found in virtually all organisms. Here, the authors discuss how the current repertoire of host CAMPs has been shaped by co-evolution between CAMPs and microbial resistance mechanisms.

To survive in extreme habitats, archaea must assemble a unique cell surface, which requires distinct protein-secretion systems. In this Review, Arnold Driessen and colleagues outline the specialized protein-translocation systems of the Archaea, and explain how these differ from bacteria and eukaryotes.

An increasing number of thermophilic crenarchaeal viruses have been isolated in recent years. Here, the authors present an overview of the crenarchaeal viruses through comparisons of virus isolates, analysis of structural and genetic features and integration of environmental studies.

There is growing evidence to suggest that the interaction between bacteria and platelets is crucial in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular infections. Here, the authors review our current understanding of these interactions and their role in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases.

The opportunistic human pathogensCandida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatusare both important causes of nosocomial infectious disease and pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals. Here, the authors review the signal-transduction pathways that contribute to oxidant-stress adaptation in both these species.

The elaborate and skilful host-cell manipulations ofListeria monocytogenes provide researchers with a powerful model system to study host–pathogen interactions, as well as bacterial pathophysiology and adaptation. In addition, L. monocytogenescan be used as a tool to explore fundamental cellular processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular adhesion.

The non-pathogenic environmental ε-proteobacteria are ubiquitous in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and impact significantly on the biogeochemistry of their habitats. In this review, Campbell, Engel and co-authors present an overview of the basic taxonomy, phylogeny and ecophysiology of this important group of organisms.

Bacteriophages are often devastating to bacterial cultures used in fermentation and bioprocessing. Relying on comparative genomic analysis of bacteriophages, customized phage-defence systems can be constructed and used to inhibit virulent phage propagation, thereby increasing the longevity of industrially important bacteria.

To survive at temperatures as low as −45°C, all components of psychrophilic archaea must be adapted to function in cold conditions. Rick Cavicchioli highlights the diverse roles of archaea in cold environments and reviews the molecular mechanisms of cold adaptation revealed by genomic and functional studies.