MAY 2012
A F F I L I AT E S L E T T E R The official newsletter for FEMS Affiliates
Also in this issue: Publications corner: • Journal highlight from FEMS Microbiology Ecology • Virtual issues from FEMS Microbiology Letters • FEMS Microbiology Reviews Special Issue Grants page: • June 15 deadlines -- FEMS Research Fellowships and FEMS Visiting Scientists Grants
European Commission Chief Scientific Advisor Anne Glover joined other microbiologists of different specializations in the “Impact of Microbiology” scientific session of the European Microbiology Forum in Brussels, Belgium on April 25, 2012. The event was held in the premises of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) under the supervision of EMF Chairman Dr Cesar Nombela. Dr Nombela opened the session followed by Dr Glover’s talk titled, “Why little things matters the most”.
The “Impact of Microbiology” scientific session was held in Brussels, Belgium
Society Page: • Finnish Biochemical, Biophysical and Microbiological Society Initiatives News: • Deadlines for Registration and Abstract Submission to the EAM Coinfections meeting 2012 extended
Dr John Glasspool, Vice President of the European Vaccine Manufacturers (EVM) tackled “EVM’s contribution to global public health: from microbiology to vaccines” afterwards.
Dr Glover speaking at the EMF’s “Impact of Microbiology” event
EC turns 100 Grants deadlines List of FEMS-sponsored meetings in May and June
Her talk was followed by Dr Jan van Impe’s “Predictive food microbiology: mathematical models at the service of public health”. Dr Van Impe specializes in Food Microbiology and is a Researcher at the Catholic University of Leuven.
Dr Glover focused on the importance of microbiology in Europe and discussed the impact and helpfulness of microbes not only in everyday life but in the future.
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Dr Ron Fouchier, Virologist of the Erasmus MC who discovered that that H5N1 virus can be transmitted via aerosols presented a talk on his research titled “Studies on H5N1 virus pathogenesis and transmission”. The last talk was on “Microbiological Risks and Food Safety Control” given by Dr Xavier van Huffel of the Belgian Food Safety Agency.
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JO U R N A L H IG H L IG H T S
System approaches to elucidate ecosystem functioning constitute an emerging area of research within microbial ecology. Such approaches aim at investigating all levels of biological information (DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites) to capture the functional interactions occurring in a given ecosystem and track down characteristics that could not be accessed by the study of isolated components. In this context, the study of the proteins collectively expressed by all the microorganisms present within an ecosystem (metaproteomics) is not only crucial but can also provide insights into microbial functionality. Overall, the success of metaproteomics is closely linked to metagenomics, and with the exponential increase in the availability of metagenome sequences, this field of research is starting to experience generation of an overwhelming amount of data, which requires systematic analysis. Metaproteomics has been employed in very diverse environments, and this review discusses the recent advances achieved in the context of human biology, soil, marine and freshwater environments as well as natural and bioengineered systems. Siggins et al. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 80,2, 2012 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01284.x/abstract
2 VIRTUAL ISSUES from FEMS Microbiology Letters. • Pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacteria • Salmonella enterica Grab them now. (click on the issues to get your copy)
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7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina P U B L I C AT I O N S PA G E
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This Thematic Issue covers persistence mechanisms of intracellular pathogens including prominent examples from viruses (Hepatitis C virus, Herpes simplex virus, HIV, measles virus), bacteria (Salmonella, Bartonella, Brucella, M. tuberculosis, UPEC) and protozoa (Trypanosoma, Toxoplasma, Microsporidia). These examples illustrate the diversity of pathogenicity mechanisms involved in establishing a persistent state and highlight common features in the host immune responses triggered. The Editors hope that this Thematic Issue will not only enlighten the paradigms of persistent intracellular infection at the molecular and cellular level, but will also stimulate the development of new anti-infectives to combat the emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases that are related to persistent infections. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/fmr.2012.36.issue-3/issuetoc
HIGHLIGHTS from this special issue The persistent parasite: Mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii persistence and latency Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most successful parasites on Earth, causing opportunistic disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Central to its transmission and pathogenesis is the ability of the proliferative stage (tachyzoite) to convert into latent tissue cysts (bradyzoites). Encystment allows Toxoplasma to persist in the host and affords the parasite a unique opportunity to spread to new hosts without proceeding through its sexual stage, which is restricted to felids. Bradyzoite tissue cysts can cause reactivated toxoplasmosis if host immunity becomes impaired. Greater understanding of this is needed to better manage the disease. We review our knowledge about this persistent form of the parasite, with a focus on how cellular stress can signal for the reprogramming of gene expression needed during bradyzoite development. Sullivan, W. J. and Jeffers, V. (2012), FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 36: 717–733. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00305.x
Mycobacterium tuberculosis: success through dormancy Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health threat, killing nearly 2 million individuals around this globe, annually. The only vaccine, developed almost a century ago,
provides limited protection only during childhood. After decades without the introduction of new antibiotics, several candidates are currently undergoing clinical investigation. Curing TB requires prolonged combination of chemotherapy with several drugs. Moreover, monitoring the success of therapy is questionable owing to the lack of reliable biomarkers. To substantially improve the situation, a detailed understanding of the cross-talk between human host and the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is vital. Principally, the enormous success of Mtb is based on three capacities: reprogramming of macrophages after primary infection/phagocytosis to prevent its own destruction; initiating the formation of well-organized granulomas to create a confined environment for the host–pathogen standoff; and shutting down its own central metabolism, terminate replication, and thereby transit into a stage of dormancy rendering itself extremely resistant to host defense and drug treatment. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, draw conclusions in a working model of mycobacterial dormancy, and highlight gaps in our understanding to be addressed in future research. Gengenbacher, M. and Kaufmann, S. H.E. (2012), Mycobacterium tuberculosis: success through dormancy. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 36: 514–532. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2012.00331.x
COINFECTIONS 2012
7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
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JUNE 15 OF EACH YEAR IS A BIG DATE FOR F ON THAT DAY -- THE FEMS RESEARCH FELLOW GRANTS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO APPLY,
APPLY O FEMS RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS DESCRIPTION
FEMS RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
FEMS Research Fellowships are meant to assist young European scientists in pursuing research up to 3 months in a European country different from that in which she/he lives. These grants are intended to support travel and living costs of the Fellow only.
FEMS Research Fellowships regulations apply to each application for the FEMS Research Fellowships. The requirements consist of, but are not limited to the following:
A FEMS Research Fellowship covers travel (at economy rates) and living costs for the fellow to a maximum of EUR 4 000 (no financial assistance for the host - e.g. bench fees). The deadlines for receipt of applications at FEMS Central Office are December 1 (first round) and June 15 (second round). The regulations and application forms are available electronically. Please read them carefully and check the list at the right before contacting the FEMS Central Office. Upon its receipt at FEMS Central Office, the application is checked for eligibility and completeness. Complete applications are then submitted to the Grants Board. Grants Board formulates its recommendations to the Executive Committee, which then makes the final decision that will be communicated soon thereafter.
COINFECTIONS 2012
7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina ANNOUNCEMENTS
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
You are an active microbiologist You are younger than 36 years old You are a citizen of a European country You are a member of a FEMS member society (at least for 1 year before applying) ✓ You will pursue your project in a European country which is not your country of residence ✓ You have thoroughly read the regulations governing FEMS Research Fellowships ✓ You have completed the relevant application form available on the FEMS website with the following attachments: • Your curriculum vitae • Letter of reference • Letter of acceptance from the host laboratory • Research project proposal written by you • Your photograph
✓ Your application is endorsed by the FEMS Delegate of your society ✓ Send the complete application to grants@ fems-microbiology.org before the deadline of June 15, 2012
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FEMS SINCE TWO BIG GRANTS HAVE DEADLINES WSHIPS AND THE FEMS VISITING SCIENTISTS PLEASE CHECK THE INFORMATION BELOW.
ON TIME FEMS VISITING SCIENTISTS GRANTS DESCRIPTION FEMS provides a limited fund for Visiting Scientist Grants to support special, scientific, microbiology meetings within the European Area (which are not supported with a FEMS Meeting Grant). One Visiting Scientist Grant can be awarded for one outstanding European scientist per meeting. The Visiting Scientist to be supported can not be from the same country where the meeting takes place. The maximum of the grant is 600 EUR, the minimum 300 EUR. The regulations and application forms are available electronically. Please read them carefully and check the list at the right before contacting the FEMS Central Office. Upon its receipt at FEMS Central Office, the application is checked for eligibility and completeness. Complete applications are then submitted to the Grants Board. Grants Board formulates its recommendations to the Executive Committee, which then makes the final decision that will be communicated soon thereafter.
FEMS VISITING SCIENTISTS GRANTS GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST FEMS Visiting Scientists Grants regulations apply to each application for the FEMS Visiting Scientists Grants. The requirements consist of, but are not limited to, the following: ✓ You are a Meeting Organiser ✓ Your meeting will be held between July 1 and December 30, 2012 ✓ You have thoroughly read the regulations governing FEMS Visiting Scientists Grants ✓ You have completed the relevant application form available on the FEMS website with the following attachments: • CV of the visiting scientist • Complete list of publications of the Visiting Scientist • Presentation (title/abstract) of the Visiting Scientist • General and budgetary information of the meeting • Full programme with a list of speakers
✓ Your application is endorsed by the FEMS Delegate of the host country where your meeting will take place ✓ Send the complete application to grants@ fems-microbiology.org before the deadline of June 15, 2012
COINFECTIONS 2012
7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
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www.coinfections2012.com G R AN T S CO R N ER
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Societas biochemica, biophysica et microbiologica Fenniae, ‘Biobio Society’ is a scientific society promoting biological research in Finland. Biobio Society has nine divisions: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Virology, Food Science, Plant Molecular Biology, Peptide research, Glycoscience and Proteomics Divisions. There is also an active local division in the city of Oulu in Northern Finland. Biobio Society currently has 850 members from all the above-mentioned disciplines of biosciences.
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Activities Biobio Society organizes the bi-annual Finnish Bioscience Day Symposium. The topic is selected to represent an actual area in biosciences and both national and international speakers are invited. This event aims to induce discussion and to popularize science. Previous symposium was held in 2011 with the topic ‘Synthetic Biology’. The next symposium will be organized in March 2013 on prospects on new biological medications and therapies.
History Biobio Society has a long history in Finland. It was founded by the Finnish Nobel laureate in Chemistry, Professor A.I. Virtanen in 1945. Prof. Virtanen acted as the chair of the society until 1968.
In the early years of the Society, an exquisite certificate signed by the Nobel laureate Prof. A.I. Virtanen was issued to the newly accepted members.
Originally its name was Societas Microbiologica Fenniae. However, already from the beginning the Society accepted members from multiple disciplines and still today acts to connect experts and students from various fields of biological research.
COINFECTIONS 2012
7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina S O C I E T Y F E AT U R E
Today, the distinguished Society members or Finnish biosciences scholars are awarded an A.I. Virtanen medal portraying the founder of the Society.
Organization Chairman: prof. Marc Baumann Vice chair: Dr. Jaana Rysä Treasurer: prof. Markus Linder Secretary: Mervi Kuronen, MSc Board members: prof. Mikael Skurnik, Dr. Kaisa Haukka, prof. Jukka Finne, Dr. Kristiina Mäkinen, prof. Ilpo Vattulainen, Dr. Tuula Siljander and Janne Weisell, MSc. Further information on the Society, in Finnish and in English, can be obtained from the society website: www.biobio.org. Text and images by Dr Kaisa Haukka
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7-8 June 2012 | Halle, Germany German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION www.coinfections2012.com EXTENDED TO JUNE 1
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME Thursday, June 7, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
13:00-14:00
Session 4 (cont.): Virus-bacterial interactions: Viral modulation of the immune response to bacteria 09:00-09:30 Influenza and bacterial superinfection
Lunch
Session 1: Microbial communities I: Complex microbial communities and gene and signal exchanges 14:00-14.30 Emerging virus infections in a changing world
Jon McCullers, USA
09:30-10:00
Albert Osterhaus, The Netherlands
14:30-15:00
Impact of biofilms in Coinfections Søren Molin, Denmark
Immunological consequences of helminth-malaria Coinfections Linda Wammes, The Netherlands
10:00-10:30
Coffee break
Session 2: Bacterial/viral symbionts of bacteria: Coinfections with parasites 15:00-15:30 Leishmania RNA virus and Leishmania
Session 5: Microbial communities II: Microbiota in infections and Susceptibility to infection 10:30-11:00 How gut bacteria enhance enteric virus infectivity Julie Pfeiffer, USA
15:30- 16:00 Onchocerca volvulus and the Wolbachia endosymbiont unleashes the immune response eliciting clinical onchocerchiasis Achim Hoerauf, Germany
11:30-12:00
Nicolas Fasel, Switzerland
Diversity and activity of free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria and total bacteria in soils Stephen Cummings, UK
16:00- 16:30 Coffee break Session 3: Significance of Coinfections: Epidemiology 16:30-17:00 Mixed lower respiratory tract infections Birgitta Henriques-Normark, Sweden Session 4: Virus-bacterial interactions: Viral modulation of the immune response to bacteria 17:00-17:30 HIV-1 and the immune response to tuberculosis Robert J. Wilkinson, UK 17:30-19:00 19:30
Poster sessions Dinner
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www.coinfections2012.com I N I T I AT I V E S N E W S
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DEADLINES 1 June 2012 15 December 2012 FEMS National & Regional Congresses Grants
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EC TURNS 100 The FEMS Executive Committee (EC) held its 100th EC meeting to date in Konstanz, Germany where current FEMS President Dr Bernhard Schink is based.
15 June 2012 1 December 2012 FEMS Research Fellowships FEMS Visiting Scientist Grants 1 September 2012 1 April 2013 FEMS Meeting Attendance Grants 1 October 2012 FEMS Advanced Fellowships 1 March 2013 FEMS Meeting Grants (for meetings to be held in 2014)
FEMS-Sponsored Meetings, June - July 2012 2012 June 3 - 7 Europic 2012, France 2012 June 6 - 9 Vth Int’l Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Fungal Cell Wall Biogenesis, Croatia 2012 June 18 - 21 8th INRA-RRI Symposium on Gut Microbiology; Gut Microbiota: Friend or Foe?, France 2012 Jul 9 - 13 3rd Central European Summer Course on Mycology: Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Hungary 2012 Jul 15 - 20 19th Congress of the Int’l Organisation for Mycoplasmology (IOM), France
The FEMS Affiliates Letter is a production of FEMS Central Office
The image above was taken at the steps of the terrace of the University of Konstanz overlooking the Boden See / Lake Konstanz. From left to right: Dr Hans Wolf (Member-at-Large), Dr Roland Koerner (Treasurer), Dr Jean-Claude Piffaretti (Vice President), Dr Jaroslav Spizek (Grants Secretary-elect), Dr Fergus Priest (Former Publications Manager), Mrs Barbara Dartee (Central Office General Manager), Dr Bernhard Schink (President), Dr Tone Tonjum (Secretary General), Dr Stefano Donadio (Secretary General-elect), Dr Vaso Taleski (Grants Secretary).
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