D. Z. Rudner

SwrA extends DegU over an UP element to activate flagellar gene expression in Bacillus subtilis

The paper shows SwrA extends DegU binding over a UP element to activate flagellar gene expression in Bacillus subtilis, enabling motility and swarming.

Bacterial SEAL domains undergo autoproteolysis and function in regulated intramembrane proteolysis

This paper identifies bacterial SEA-like (SEAL) domains that undergo autoproteolysis and function in mechanotransduction, similar to eukaryotic SEA domains.

Identification of FacZ as a division site placement factor in Staphylococcus aureus

The paper identifies FacZ as a novel factor involved in controlling division site placement in Staphylococcus aureus and other Firmicutes by interacting with GpsB.

Two broadly conserved families of polyprenyl-phosphate transporters

The paper identifies two transporter families involved in recycling the lipid carrier UndP, crucial for bacterial surface glycopolymer synthesis.

WhyD tailors surface polymers to prevent bacteriolysis and direct cell elongation in Streptococcus pneumoniae

The paper identifies WhyD as a WTA hydrolase in Streptococcus pneumoniae that prevents autolysis by controlling WTA levels and directs cell elongation.

Dormant spores sense amino acids through the B subunits of their germination receptors

The paper identifies GerAB as the L-alanine sensor in spores, showing mutations in its ligand-binding pocket impair germination and substitutions enable response to other amino acids.

Genetic evidence for signal transduction within the Bacillus subtilis GerA germinant receptor

The paper investigates the role of GerAA in the Bacillus subtilis GerA germinant receptor, showing it transduces the nutrient signal sensed by GerAB.

Membrane fission during bacterial spore development requires DNA-pumping driven cellular inflation

This study shows that DNA-pumping driven forespore inflation generates membrane tension required for FisB-mediated membrane fission during bacterial spore development.

FisB relies on homo-oligomerization and lipid-binding to catalyze membrane fission in bacteria

This study identifies that FisB catalyzes bacterial membrane fission through homo-oligomerization and lipid-binding, without requiring curvature sensing or lipid microdomains.

RNA polymerases as moving barriers to condensin loop extrusion

This study quantitatively investigates how RNA polymerases interact with condensin loop extrusion, showing RNAPs act as steric barriers that impede the process, particularly in highly transcribed regions.