Plasmids have a key role in bacterial ecology and evolution because they mobilize
accessory genes by horizontal gene transfer. However, recent studies have revealed that …

Bacteria have evolved a wide range of mechanisms to harm and kill their competitors,
including chemical, mechanical and biological weapons. Here we review the incredible …

With the specter of resurgence of pathogens due to the propagation of antibiotic-resistance
genes, innovative antimicrobial strategies are needed. In this review, we summarize the …

Most bacteria live in communities, often with closely related strains and species with whom
they must compete for space and resources. Consequently, bacteria have acquired or …

Cooperation exists across all scales of biological organization, from genetic elements to
complex human societies. Bacteria cooperate by secreting molecules that benefit all …

Behaviors that cause the death of an actor are typically strongly disfavored by natural
selection, and yet many bacteria undergo cell lysis to release anti-competitor toxins [1–5] …

Most bacteria use toxins to exclude competitors. As the synthesis and delivery of these
molecules entail considerable costs for the producers, their expression is tightly regulated …

Bacteria produce a diverse array of antagonistic compounds to restrict growth of microbial
rivals. Contributing to this warfare are bacteriocins: secreted antibacterial peptides, proteins …

Biotechnological production processes are sustainable approaches for the production of
biobased components such as amino acids for food and feed industry. Scale‐up from ideal …

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a subgroup of E. coli causing human
diseases. Methods to control STEC in livestock and humans are limited. These and other …