B. A. Duerkop

Pseudo-pac site sequences used by phage P22 in generalized transduction of Salmonella

This study identifies pseudo-pac site sequences in Salmonella genomes that enable P22 phage to initiate generalized transduction, using bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data.

An enterococcal phage protein broadly inhibits type IV restriction enzymes involved in antiphage defense

The paper identifies a phage protein that inhibits type IV restriction enzymes in drug-resistant enterococci, revealing how phages evolve to overcome bacterial defense mechanisms.

Aging-associated augmentation of gut microbiome virulence capability drives sepsis severity.

This study shows that aging increases gut microbial virulence, contributing to more severe sepsis in older adults.

Targeted IS-element sequencing uncovers transposition dynamics during selective pressure in enterococci

This study uses IS-Seq to show that phage infection and antibiotic exposure drive IS256 diversification in enterococci, linking selective pressures to genome evolution.

Genetically distant bacteriophages elicit unique genomic changes in Enterococcus faecalis

This study shows that genetically distinct bacteriophages induce unique genomic changes in Enterococcus faecalis, highlighting phage-specific host responses during evolution.

Individuals at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis harbor differential intestinal bacteriophage communities with distinct metabolic potential

The paper identifies differential intestinal bacteriophage communities in individuals at risk for RA based on anti-CCP status, linking them to distinct metabolic potentials and potential roles in RA pathogenesis.

Phage infection and sub-lethal antibiotic exposure mediate Enterococcus faecalis type VII secretion system dependent inhibition of bystander bacteria

This study shows that phage infection and sub-lethal antibiotics trigger T7SS in Enterococcus faecalis, inhibiting bystander bacteria through cell contact.

Lytic bacteriophages facilitate antibiotic sensitization of Enterococcus faecium

This study identifies cell wall-associated molecules that confer phage resistance in E. faecium and shows that phage resistance mutations enhance antibiotic susceptibility and synergize with antimicrobials.

Genome-wide mutagenesis identifies factors involved in Enterococcus faecalis vaginal adherence and persistence

This study identifies bacterial factors important for Enterococcus faecalis vaginal colonization and persistence using a transposon mutagenesis screen in a mouse model.

Microbial DNA on the move: sequencing based detection and analysis of transduced DNA in pure cultures and microbial communities

This paper introduces a sequencing-based method called transductomics to detect and analyze ongoing horizontal gene transfer in microbial communities and pure cultures.

Parallel genomics uncover novel enterococcal-bacteriophage interactions

The paper uses genomic approaches to study how Enterococcus faecalis responds to phage infection, identifying transcriptional regulators and gene expression changes that influence bacterial fitness and community interactions.

Conjugative delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 for the selective depletion of antibiotic-resistant enterococci

This paper develops CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials delivered via conjugative plasmids to selectively remove antibiotic resistance genes from Enterococcus faecalis in vitro and in mice.

Bacteriophage resistance alters antibiotic mediated intestinal expansion of enterococci

This study shows that phage resistance in enterococci reduces their intestinal colonization ability and antibiotic sensitivity, suggesting phage therapy could complement antibiotics in treating dysbiotic microbiota.