Latest Articles
ObservationExtreme C-to-A Hypermutation at a Site of Cytosine-N4 MethylationMutation produces the raw material for adaptive evolution but also imposes a burden because most mutations are deleterious. The rate of mutation at a particular site is affected by a variety of factors.
Research ArticlePseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola Uses Distinct Modes of Stationary-Phase Persistence To Survive Bacteriocin and Streptomycin TreatmentsPopulations of genetically identical bacteria encompass heterogeneous physiological states. The small fraction of bacteria that are dormant can help the population survive exposure to antibiotics and other stresses, potentially contributing to recurring infection cycles in animal or plant hosts.
Research ArticleEnterovirus 2Apro Cleavage of the YTHDF m6A Readers Implicates YTHDF3 as a Mediator of Type I Interferon-Driven JAK/STAT SignalingIt is believed that ∼7,000 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are subject to N6-methyladenosine modification. The biological significance of this remains mysterious.
Research ArticleSARS-CoV-2 ORF6 Disrupts Bidirectional Nucleocytoplasmic Transport through Interactions with Rae1 and Nup98SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an RNA virus with a large genome that encodes multiple accessory proteins. While these accessory proteins are not required for growth in vitro, they can contribute to the pathogenicity of the virus.
Research ArticleEarly Emergence and Long-Term Persistence of HIV-Infected T-Cell Clones in ChildrenHIV-1 integrates its genome into the DNA of host cells. Consequently, HIV-1 genomes are copied with the host cell DNA during cellular division.
Research ArticleCyclic di-AMP Oversight of Counter-Ion Osmolyte Pools Impacts Intrinsic Cefuroxime Resistance in Lactococcus lactisThe bacterial second messenger cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a global regulator of potassium homeostasis and compatible solute uptake in many Gram-positive bacteria, making it essential for osmoregulation. The role that c-di-AMP plays in β-lactam resistance, however, is unclear despite being first identified a decade ago.
Research ArticleClass A Penicillin-Binding Protein-Mediated Cell Wall Synthesis Promotes Structural Integrity during Peptidoglycan Endopeptidase Insufficiency in Vibrio choleraeSynthesis and turnover of the bacterial cell wall must be tightly coordinated to avoid structural integrity failure and cell death. Details of this coordination are poorly understood, particularly if and how cell wall turnover enzymes are required for the activity of the different cell wall synthesis machines, the aPBPs and the Rod system.
Research ArticleThe Transmembrane Mucin MUC1 Facilitates β1-Integrin-Mediated Bacterial InvasionBacteria can exploit membrane receptor integrins for cellular invasion, either by direct binding of bacterial adhesins or utilizing extracellular matrix components. MUC1 is a large transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by most epithelial cells that can have direct defensive or receptor functions at the host-microbe interface and is involved in facilitating integrin clustering.
Research ArticleBifunctional Malic/Malolactic Enzyme Provides a Novel Mechanism for NADPH-Balancing in Bacillus subtilisA new mechanism for NADPH balancing was discovered in Bacillus subtilis. It pivots on the bifunctional enzyme YtsJ, which is known to catalyze NADP-dependent malate decarboxylation. We found that in the presence of excessive NADPH, the same enzyme switches to malolactic activity and creates a transhydrogenation cycle that ultimately converts NADPH to NADH. This...
Research ArticleAn Alternative and Conserved Cell Wall Enzyme That Can Substitute for the Lipid II Synthase MurGAlmost all bacteria are surrounded by a cell wall, which protects cells from environmental harm. Formation of the cell wall requires the precursor molecule lipid II, which in bacteria is universally synthesized by the conserved and essential lipid II synthase MurG.