D. A. Baltrus

Broad intraspecies killing activity in Pseudomonas syringae due to the combinatorial action of LPS-interacting bacteriocins

The paper shows Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata uses multiple bacteriocins to kill a wide range of intraspecific strains by targeting different LPS conformations.

Pantailocins: Phage-derived Bacteriocins from Pantoea ananatis and Pantoea stewartii subsp. indologenes

The paper identifies and characterizes tailocins from Pantoea ananatis and Pantoea stewartii subsp. indologenes, showing they are derived from Myoviridae phages and exhibit killing activity against phytopathogens.

Genomic Correlates of Tailocin Sensitivity in Pseudomonas syringae

This study identifies genomic factors associated with tailocin sensitivity in Pseudomonas syringae through genome-wide association analysis, revealing LPS-related gene clusters and rfbD as key predictors.

Interspecies Killing Activity of Pseudomonas syringae Tailocins

The paper demonstrates that Pseudomonas syringae strain USA011R produces tailocins with broad interspecies killing activity against phytopathogens and a human pathogen, showing divergence in activity across related strains.

The 16S rRNA Gene Is Not a Precise Classifier for Luteibacter Species

The paper shows that 16S rRNA gene sequences are insufficient to classify Luteibacter species accurately, as whole genome phylogenies and ANI reveal distinct species that are grouped together by 16S.

Convergent Gene Expression Patterns During Compatible Interactions Between Two Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars and a Common Host (Nicotiana benthamiana)

The paper compares gene expression in two Pseudomonas syringae pathovars and their host during infection, finding similar responses with some strain-specific differences.

Transcriptional profiles of a foliar fungal endophyte (Pestalotiopsis, Ascomycota) and its endohyphal bacterium (Luteibacter, Gammaproteobacteria) in co-culture support sulfur exchange and growth regulation

This study uses dual RNA-seq to compare gene expression of a foliar fungal endophyte and its endohyphal bacterium in co-culture and axenic conditions, revealing sulfur exchange and potential role of type VI secretion system in symbiosis.

Genome context influences evolutionary flexibility of nearly identical type III effectors in two phytopathogenic Pseudomonads

The paper investigates how genome context influences the evolutionary flexibility of nearly identical type III effectors in two phytopathogenic Pseudomonads through ICE elements.

Genomic Background Governs Opposing Responses to Nalidixic Acid Upon Megaplasmid Acquisition in Pseudomonas

The paper shows that acquiring a megaplasmid can either sensitize or increase resistance to nalidixic acid in different Pseudomonas strains, depending on their genomic background.

Prophylactic Application of Tailocins Prevents Infection by Pseudomonas syringae

This study shows that tailocins can prevent Pseudomonas syringae infection in Nicotiana benthamiana by targeting specific strains and demonstrates that heritable resistance mutations do not explain tailocin failure.

Pseudomonas can survive bacteriocin-mediated killing via a persistence-like mechanism

This study shows that Pseudomonas can survive bacteriocin exposure through a persistence-like mechanism, similar to antibiotic resistance, without losing fitness.

Pantoea ananatis defeats Allium chemical defenses with a plasmid-borne virulence gene cluster

This study identifies a plasmid-borne gene cluster in Pantoea ananatis that enables tolerance to allicin and other thiosulfinates produced by Allium plants, revealing a chemical arms race between the pathogen and host.

Identifying transposon insertions in bacterial genomes through nanopore sequencing

The paper evaluates using nanopore sequencing and CRISPR-Cas to identify transposon insertions in bacterial genomes, showing their effectiveness for forward genetic screens.

Native and invading yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) microbiomes differ in composition and diversity of bacteria

The paper compares bacterial communities in native and invasive yellow starthistle populations, finding lower diversity and pathogen-related genera in invasive plants.

Adaptation, Specialization, and Coevolution within Phytobiomes

This paper reviews mechanisms of adaptation and specialization in phytobiomes and explores host-microbe coevolution to guide microbiome engineering for agriculture.