E. Coli
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Evolved in the lab, found in nature: Uncovering hidden pH sensing abilities
In a groundbreaking study led by Sarah Worthan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Behringer Lab at Vanderbilt University, scientists have successfully evolved microbial cultures that possess the ability to sense pH changes, enabling rapid responses to environmental fluctuations. Read MoreOct 1, 2024
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Vanderbilt biochemists contribute to breakthrough discovery of first new antibacterial class in decades
Led by Neil Osheroff, Vanderbilt researchers are the first to undertake a systematic analysis of the mechanism of action of gepotidacin, a first-in-class triazaacenaphthylene antibacterial, against its targets in Escherichia coli—the type II topoisomerases gyrase and topoisomerase IV—and the mechanistic basis for drug resistance. E. coli is the etiological agent of most urinary tract infections. Read MoreMar 28, 2024
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Trio of Vanderbilt Researchers Identify Variable Outcomes in Experimental Evolution
Sarah Worthan, along with Robert McCarthy and Megan Behringer, led a new effort to understand the effects of the environment on the outcome of experimental evolution studies. Read MoreApr 11, 2023
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Study describes how E. coli co-opts cells, causes recurrent UTIs
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered why the uropathogenic bacterium E. coli, the leading cause of urinary tract infections, is so tenacious; their findings could lead to new ways to prevent recurrent UTIs. Read MoreAug 25, 2022
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The Hunger Games: E.coli Edition demonstrates how mutualism and cooperative behavior shape species
Vanderbilt and Arizona State University microbiologists explore the effects of feast and famine cycles on E. coli, providing insight into how the bacterial communities that reside in our guts, with our crops, in lakes and streams, and beyond become so complex. Read MoreJun 9, 2022
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Recurrent UTIs linked to hidden reservoir
Bacterial invasion of vaginal cells sets up a protective niche and a reservoir for recurrent urinary tract infections, Vanderbilt researchers demonstrated. Read MoreJul 9, 2020
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Bacterial signaling systems
Vanderbilt researchers have identified a unique example of communication between bacterial signaling systems, which may have relevance for antibiotic resistance. Read MoreFeb 3, 2017
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Bacteria expert Hultgren to deliver Discovery Lecture
Scott Hultgren, Ph.D., an expert on the interactions between bacteria and human hosts, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, March 7. Read MoreFeb 28, 2013