Project description:<p>In this study, a strain isolated from the surface of flue-cured tobacco leaves, identified as <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> HJ-16, was applied in the solid-state fermentation of tobacco leaves. This strain, known for producing thermally stable enzymes, including amylase, cellulase, and protease, significantly improved the sensory qualities of tobacco, enhancing aromatic intensity, density, and softness, while reducing irritation. Whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation revealed that <em>B. velezensis</em> HJ-16 possesses a single circular chromosome containing genes associated with enzyme production and metabolic activities, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified significant changes in non-volatile metabolites induced by fermentation. These metabolites were enriched in pathways related to flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloid biosynthesis, aromatic amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Metagenomic analysis showed that Bacillus became the dominant genus on the tobacco leaf surface following inoculation with <em>B. velezensis</em> HJ-16, altering the microbial community composition, reducing diversity and evenness, and enhancing microbial metabolic activity. These findings underscore the potential of <em>B. velezensis</em> HJ-16 as a biotechnological tool to improve tobacco leaf quality.</p>
Project description:Investigation of the kinetics of whole genome gene expression level changes in Bacillus subtilis NDmed strain during formation of submerged biofilm and pellicle. The Bacillus subtilis NDmed strain analyzed in this study is able to form thick and highly structured submerged biofilms as described in Bridier et al., (2011) The Spatial Architecture of Bacillus subtilis Biofilms Deciphered Using a Surface-Associated Model and In Situ Imaging. PLoS ONE 6(1):e16177.
Project description:Primary objectives: The primary objective is to investigate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) via deep sequencing for mutation detection and by whole genome sequencing for copy number analyses before start (baseline) with regorafenib and at defined time points during administration of regorafenib for treatment efficacy in colorectal cancer patients in terms of overall survival (OS).
Primary endpoints: circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) via deep sequencing for mutation detection and by whole genome sequencing for copy number analyses before start (baseline) with regorafenib and at defined time points during administration of regorafenib for treatment efficacy in colorectal cancer patients in terms of overall survival (OS).
Project description:Investigation of whole genome gene expression level changes in sporulating Bacillus subtilis 168 delta-prpE mutant, compared to the wild-type strain. The mutation engineered into this strain results in impaired germination of spores.