D. S. Weiss

Identification of a new family of peptidoglycan transpeptidases reveals atypical crosslinking is essential for viability in Clostridioides difficile

This study identifies a new family of LDTs in C. difficile that catalyze 3-3 peptidoglycan crosslinking, essential for viability and distinct from previously known YkuD domain LDTs.

FtsZ-mediated spatial-temporal control over septal cell wall synthesis

This paper shows FtsZ treadmilling acts as a template and conveyor to organize cell wall synthesis during bacterial division, with roles changing over time.

Theoretical Considerations and Empirical Predictions of the Pharmaco- and Population Dynamics of Heteroresistance

This paper develops two mathematical models of heteroresistance to explore how resistance ascends and reverts during antibiotic treatment, showing that current identification methods are insufficient.

Pre-existing heterogeneity facilitates development of heteroresistance upon gene acquisition

The paper shows that pre-existing phenotypic heterogeneity can lead to heteroresistance upon gene acquisition, highlighting a mechanism for antibiotic resistance evolution.

Comparative study of bacterial SPOR domains identifies functionally important differences in glycan binding affinity

This study compares the glycan binding affinity of bacterial SPOR domains using ITC and shows that affinity differences impact function for some domains but not others.

Copy number flexibility facilitates heteroresistance to increasing antibiotic pressure and threatens the beta-lactam pipeline

The paper shows how bacteria use copy number flexibility of ESBLs to develop heteroresistance to new antibiotics like cefiderocol, threatening beta-lactam effectiveness.

The WalRK Two-component system is Essential for Proper Cell Envelope Biogenesis in Clostridioides difficile

This study investigates the essential WalRK two-component system in C. difficile, revealing its role in cell envelope biogenesis and identifying gene expression changes linked to its regulation.

FtsN activates septal cell wall synthesis by forming a processive complex with the septum-specific peptidoglycan synthase in E. coli

This study shows FtsN activates septal peptidoglycan synthesis by forming a processive complex with FtsWI on the sPG-track, rather than displacing FtsWI from the Z-track.

Analysis of beta-lactam heteroresistance in CRE suggests a stage in the spectrum of antibiotic resistance

This study shows that beta-lactam heteroresistance in CRE develops over years of antibiotic use and is gradually replaced by homogenous resistance, suggesting HR is a stage in the progression of antibiotic resistance.

Combinations of antifungals to effectively kill drug-resistant Candida auris

The paper tests antifungal combinations against drug-resistant Candida auris and finds that amphotericin B/micafungin significantly reduces survival of multiple isolates.

A xylose-inducible expression system and a CRISPRi-plasmid for targeted knock-down of gene expression in Clostridioides difficile

This paper introduces a xylose-inducible expression system and a CRISPRi plasmid for gene knockdown in Clostridioides difficile, demonstrating their utility in studying gene function.