Microbial metabolites play a critical role in regulating ecosystems, including the human body and its microbiota. However, understanding the physiologically relevant role of these molecules, especially through liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomics, poses significant challenges and often requires manual parsing of a large amount of literature, databases, and webpages. To address this gap, we established the Collaborative Microbial Metabolite Center knowledgebase (CMMC-KB), a platform that fosters collaborative efforts within the scientific community to curate knowledge about microbial metabolites. The CMMC-KB aims to collect comprehensive information about microbial molecules originating from microbial biosynthesis, drug metabolism, exposure-related molecules, food, host-derived molecules, and, whenever available, their known activities. Molecules from other sources, including host-produced, dietary, and pharmaceutical compounds, are also included. By enabling direct integration of this knowledgebase with downstream analytical tools, including molecular networking, we can deepen insights into microbiota and their metabolites, ultimately advancing our understanding of microbial ecosystems.

To improve annotation in non-targeted metabolomics studies, authors develop a Multiplexed Chemical Metabolomics (MCheM) platform, combining post-column derivatization with integrated data processing. ...

BARNSTABLE – A cyanobacteria alert has been issued for a Barnstable pond. Town officials have been notified of the potentially toxic blooms for Hinckley’s Pond. Officials urge visitors …

Cyanobacteria, a.k.a. blue-green algae, is a common problem on some cottage lakes. Could a virus hold the key to fighting it?

A new study examines how a cyanobacteria manipulates its environment to give itself advantages to take over the water column, leading to harmful algal blooms and mats in lakes during hot summers.

Human exposure to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and its derivatives, aminoethyl glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), through environmental and dietary sources has been implicated in ne...

Halogenated indole natural products have been isolated from a variety of organisms, including plants, marine algae, marine invertebrates, and bacteria. Aquatic cyanobacteria, in particular, are rich p...

The ever-increasing human population necessitates an urgent demand for ensuring food sovereignty through sustainable agriculture practices. Cyanobacteria, resilient photosynthetic microorganisms throughout the course of evolution, are found either freely or in symbiotic associations with a diverse range of lower and higher plants. Cyanobacteria-plants interactions are beneficial associations for both cyanobionts and crops. These symbiotic interactions benefit crop plants by producing valuable bioactive compounds to promote their growth and induce abiotic and biotic stress resistance. In this chapter, the first section pinpoints the genetically modified (GM) cyanobacteria and their potential in sustainable agriculture; it discusses the genetic engineering techniques employed in cyanobacteria and highlights some successful case studies showcasing the efficacy of GM cyanobacteria in agricultural settings. Then, cyanobacteria-plants interactions are explored, focusing on the intricate processes occurring in the rhizosphere. Finally, the associations of agricultural crops with different cyanobacterial strains are discussed. The lifestyle and ecological niches of cyanobacteria are also highlighted with an emphasis on their significance in establishing successful symbiotic relationships with crops. In addition, key benefits of cyanobacteria-plants symbiosis are outlined, including enhanced nutrient acquisition, increased plant growth, etc. Overall, we hope to broaden a deeper understanding of these mechanisms and interactions by harnessing the capabilities of cyanobacteria in promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing countries.