Detection of Vancomycin Resistant Genes in Intrinsically Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria from the Gut Microbiota of Indonesian Individuals.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern that has been exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, leading to the emergence of resistant bacteria. The gut microbiota, often influenced by antibiotic usage, plays a crucial role in overall health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistant genes in the gut microbiota of Indonesian coastal and highland populations, as well as to identify vancomycin-resistant bacteria and their resistant genes. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 22 individuals residing in Pacet, Mojokerto, and Kenjeran, Surabaya Indonesia in 2022. The read count of antibiotic resistant genes was analyzed in the collected samples, and the bacterium concentration was counted by plating on the antibiotic-containing agar plate. Vancomycin-resistant strains were further isolated, and the presence of vancomycin-resistant genes was detected using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The antibiotic resistant genes for tetracycline, aminoglycosides, macrolides, beta-lactams, and vancomycin were found in high frequency in all stool samples (100%) of the gut microbiota. Meanwhile, those meant for chloramphenicol and sulfonamides were found in 86% and 16% of the samples, respectively. Notably, vancomycin-resistant genes were found in 16 intrinsically resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains. Among the detected vancomycin-resistant genes, vanG was the most prevalent (27.3%), while vanA was the least prevalent (4.5%). Conclusion: The presence of multiple vancomycin resistance genes in intrinsically resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains demonstrated the importance of the gut microbiota as a reservoir and hub for the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistant genes.

Predictable and stable epimutations induced during clonal plant propagation with embryonic transcription factor.

Clonal propagation is frequently used in commercial plant breeding and biotechnology programs because it minimizes genetic variation, yet it is not uncommon to observe clonal plants with stable phenotypic changes, a phenomenon known as somaclonal variation. Several studies have linked epigenetic modifications induced during regeneration with this newly acquired phenotypic variation. However, the factors that determine the extent of somaclonal variation and the molecular changes underpinning this process remain poorly understood. To address this gap in our knowledge, we compared clonally propagated Arabidopsis thaliana plants derived from somatic embryogenesis using two different embryonic transcription factors- RWP-RK DOMAIN-CONTAINING 4 (RKD4) or LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) and from two epigenetically distinct founder tissues. We found that both the epi(genetic) status of the explant and the regeneration protocol employed play critical roles in shaping the molecular and phenotypic landscape of clonal plants. Phenotypic variation in regenerated plants can be largely explained by the inheritance of tissue-specific DNA methylation imprints, which are associated with specific transcriptional and metabolic changes in sexual progeny of clonal plants. For instance, regenerants were particularly affected by the inheritance of root-specific epigenetic imprints, which were associated with an increased accumulation of salicylic acid in leaves and accelerated plant senescence. Collectively, our data reveal specific pathways underpinning the phenotypic and molecular variation that arise and accumulate in clonal plant populations.

Soil Mineral Composition and Salinity Are the Main Factors Regulating the Bacterial Community Associated with the Roots of Coastal Sand Dune Halophytes.

Soil salinity and mineral deficiency are major problems in agriculture. Many studies have reported that plant-associated microbiota, particularly rhizosphere and root microbiota, play a crucial role in tolerance against salinity and mineral deficiency. Nevertheless, there are still many unknown parts of plant-microbe interaction, especially regarding their role in halophyte adaptation to coastal ecosystems. Here, we report the bacterial community associated with the roots of coastal sand dune halophytes Spinifex littoreus and Calotropis gigantea, and the soil properties that affect their composition. Strong correlations were observed between root bacterial diversity and soil mineral composition, especially with soil Calcium (Ca), Titanium (Ti), Cuprum (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) content. Soil Ti and Zn content showed a positive correlation with bacterial diversity, while soil Ca and Cu had a negative effect on bacterial diversity. A strong correlation was also found between the abundance of several bacterial species with soil salinity and mineral content, suggesting that some bacteria are responsive to changes in soil salinity and mineral content. Some of the identified bacteria, such as Bacillus idriensis and Kibdelosporangium aridum, are known to have growth-promoting effects on plants. Together, the findings of this work provided valuable information regarding bacterial communities associated with the roots of sand dune halophytes and their interactions with soil properties. Furthermore, we also identified several bacterial species that might be involved in tolerance against stresses. Further work will be focused on isolation and transplantation of these potential microbes, to validate their role in plant tolerance against stresses, not only in their native hosts but also in crops.

Fermentation of Jamaican Cherries Juice Using Lactobacillus plantarum Elevates Antioxidant Potential and Inhibitory Activity against Type II Diabetes-Related Enzymes.

Jamaican cherry (Muntinga calabura Linn.) is tropical tree that is known to produce edible fruit with high nutritional and antioxidant properties. However, its use as functional food is still limited. Previous studies suggest that fermentation with probiotic bacteria could enhance the functional properties of non-dairy products, such as juices. In this study, we analyze the metabolite composition and activity of Jamaican cherry juice following fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC 0027 in various substrate compositions. The metabolite profile after fermentation was analyzed using UPLC-HRMS-MS and several bioactive compounds were detected in the substrate following fermentation, including gallic acid, dihydrokaempferol, and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone. We also found that total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and inhibition of diabetic-related enzymes were enhanced after fermentation using L. plantarum. The significance of its elevation depends on the substrate composition. Overall, our findings suggest that fermentation with L. plantarum FNCC 0027 can improve the functional activities of Jamaican cherry juice.