A. Harms

Mechanism of phage sensing and abortion by toxin-antitoxin-chaperone systems

This study identifies and characterizes two Escherichia coli TAC systems that mediate antiphage defense by recognizing phage proteins and modifying mRNA to inhibit translation.

A deterministic, c-di-GMP-dependent genetic program ensures the generation of phenotypically similar, symmetric daughter cells during cytokinesis

Phenotypic heterogeneity drives phage-bacteria coevolution in the intestinal tract

This study shows that phenotypic heterogeneity in bacteria affects phage-bacteria coevolution, leading to phage extinction due to genetic resistance evolution in the intestinal tract.

A phase-separated biomolecular condensate nucleates polymerization of the tubulin homolog FtsZ to spatiotemporally regulate bacterial cell division

The paper shows PomY forms liquid-like condensates that nucleate FtsZ polymerization, guiding bacterial cell division site positioning through surface-assisted condensation.

Phage Paride hijacks bacterial stress responses to kill dormant, antibiotic-tolerant cells

This paper identifies a phage, Paride, that kills dormant, antibiotic-tolerant bacterial cells by hijacking stress responses that also confer antibiotic tolerance.

Digital control of c-di-GMP in E. coli balances population-wide developmental transitions and phage sensitivity

This study shows E. coli uses a digital switch to convert c-di-GMP dynamics into binary states, enabling population-level developmental transitions and phage resistance.

A new sugar for an old phage: A c-di-GMP dependent polysaccharide pathway sensitizes E. coli for bacteriophage infection

This paper identifies a c-di-GMP-dependent exopolysaccharide pathway in E. coli that serves as a receptor for bacteriophage N4 and related phages.

Systematic exploration of Escherichia coli phage-host interactions with the BASEL phage collection

The paper systematically explores Escherichia coli phage-host interactions using a new phage collection, revealing patterns in phage phenotypes and immunity system potency.

PomX, a ParA/MinD ATPase activating protein, is a triple regulator of cell division in Myxococcus xanthus

This study identifies PomX as a triple regulator of cell division in Myxococcus xanthus, showing it interacts with PomZ, self-interacts, and scaffolds the PomX/Y/Z complex to position the FtsZ-ring.

Structural basis for selective targeting of Rac subfamily GTPases by a bacterial effector protein

The paper identifies structural mechanisms enabling a bacterial effector to selectively target Rac subfamily GTPases over closely related subfamilies.

High-resolution analysis of the peptidoglycan composition in Streptomyces coelicolor

This study analyzes peptidoglycan composition in Streptomyces coelicolor during growth and sporulation, revealing dynamic changes in cross-linking and hydrolysis.

Nasty Prophages and the Dynamics of Antibiotic-Tolerant Persister Cells

This study reevaluates persister cell formation in E. coli by refining experimental methods to eliminate artifacts from prophages and culture conditions, confirming the role of (p)ppGpp and Lon but refuting TA modules.