g. the obligate methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP and the facultative methanotroph Methylocystis strain H2s). Comparison of the genomes of obligate and facultative methanotrophs with those of facultative methylotrophs could also prove useful in this endeavor. In addition, proteomic and/or metabolomic strategies could be applied to help deduce metabolic pathway(s) used for uptake of multicarbon compounds. Other important questions that remain to be answered include: 1

What environmental conditions promote obligate vs. facultative methanotrophy? Finally, it is interesting to note that not only Methylocystis strains are found in many different environments, but also Methylocella strains. Members of both genera are widely distributed throughout the globe, found not only in peat bogs, but also in acidic forest and arctic soils as well as environments with pH values >7.0 (Bowman, SB203580 ic50 2006; Dedysh, 2009; Rahman et al., 2011). Such findings indicate that facultative methanotrophy may be widespread. “
“The opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata is closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yet it has evolved to survive within mammalian hosts. Which traits help C. glabrata to adapt to this different environment? Which specific

responses are crucial for its survival selleck compound in the host? The main differences seem to include an extended repertoire of adhesin genes, high drug resistance, an enhanced ability to sustain prolonged starvation and adaptations of the transcriptional wiring of key stress response genes. Here, we discuss the properties of C. glabrata with a focus on the differences to related fungi. “
“A growing interest in culturable diversity has required

microbiologists to think seriously about microbial preservation. In addition to the isolation and cultivation of pure strains, adequate preservation without changes in morphological, physiological and Protein kinase N1 genetic traits is necessary. This review consolidates different methods used for preservation of microorganisms with an emphasis on cryopreservation and lyophilization. The critical points of cryopreservation and lyophilization are highlighted to explain how several extrinsic and intrinsic factors affect the cell survival and recovery during the process of long-term preservation. Factors responsible for alteration in genotypic and phenotypic integrity of cultures during preservation and methods used for their evaluation have been incorporated. We emphasize the importance of depositories and highlight their current funding status. Future areas for preservation research, including cell dormancy, ecosystem and community level preservation and the effects of the viable but non-culturable state on post-preservation recovery of the cells are also discussed.