Czech National Centre of the European Research Infrastructure Consortium INSTRUCT ERIC

This study describes a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism by which bacteria detect the presence of an antibiotic and rapidly activate protective gene expression. By analysing promoter architecture and transcriptional responses, the work provides new insight into how bacterial cells sense environmental stress and adapt their transcriptional programs. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of antibiotic response and bacterial resilience.

Sudzinová et al.: Bacteria sense the antibiotic rifampicin through a widespread dual‑promoter‑based alarm system

Nucleic Acids Research, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf1407

The leishmaniases are vector-borne diseases transmitted by female sand flies (Phlebotomus spp.). To assess Leishmania transmission risk, host exposure can be monitored via antibodies against vector salivary proteins. This study developed ELISA assays using recombinant salivary antigens from P. tobbi and P. papatasi to detect specific antibodies in dog sera from endemic areas in Türkiye.

Kolářová et al.: Development of new screening tools to evaluate dog exposure to Phlebotomus tobbi and Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies

Parasites & Vectors, DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07286-4

This study focuses on the structure‑guided engineering of a fungal quercetin 2,3‑dioxygenase to redirect its activity toward artificial flavonols. By combining structural analysis with targeted mutagenesis, the work demonstrates how substrate specificity and catalytic performance can be systematically modified. The results provide insight into structure–function relationships in metalloenzymes and highlight their potential use in tailored biocatalytic applications.

Kotik et al.: Redirecting a fungal quercetin 2,3‑dioxygenase toward artificial flavonols

ChemCatChem, DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202501823