E. A. Campbell

Molecular switching of a DNA-sliding clamp to a repressor mediates long-range gene silencing

The paper shows that KorB, a DNA-sliding clamp, switches to a repressor role with KorA to mediate long-range gene silencing on plasmid RK2.

Structural and functional insights into the enzymatic plasticity of the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN Domain

This study determines cryo-EM structures of SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN domain catalytic intermediates, revealing structural mechanisms for NMPylation and deRNAylation/capping, and explaining substrate preference for capping.

Incomplete transcripts dominate the Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcriptome

This study profiles the Mtb transcriptome using SEnd-seq and finds that incomplete transcripts dominate due to low transcription processivity and transcription-translation coupling.

Structural basis for substrate selection by the SARS-CoV-2 replicase

This study uses cryo-EM to reveal how the SARS-CoV-2 RTC discriminates between natural NTPs and the antiviral remdesivir triphosphate, providing insights for antiviral design.

Basis of narrow-spectrum activity of fidaxomicin on gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile

This study identifies the molecular basis of fidaxomicin's narrow-spectrum activity against Clostridioides difficile by analyzing its interaction with RNA polymerase.

Birnaviridae virus factories show features of liquid-liquid phase separation, and are distinct from paracrystalline arrays of virions observed by electron microscopy

The paper identifies Birnaviridae virus factories as non-membrane-bound structures with liquid-liquid phase separation properties, distinct from paracrystalline virion arrays.

Ensemble cryo-electron microscopy reveals conformational states of the nsp13 helicase in the SARS-CoV-2 helicase replication-transcription complex

This study uses cryo-EM and simulations to identify four conformational states of the nsp13 helicase in the SARS-CoV-2 RTC, revealing an allosteric mechanism for switching between RNA synthesis and backtracking.

Structural basis for backtracking by the SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription complex

This paper shows that SARS-CoV-2 RdRp undergoes backtracking, which may aid proofreading and antiviral resistance.

Structural basis for helicase-polymerase coupling in the SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription complex

The paper presents cryo-EM structures of the SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp complex with nsp13 helicase, revealing interactions and a new therapeutic target.

The anti-sigma factor MucA is required for viability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The paper shows that mucA is essential for Pseudomonas aeruginosa viability under certain conditions, contradicting the assumption that it is dispensable.

Structural basis for transcription complex disruption by the Mfd translocase

The paper uses cryo-EM to visualize Mfd interacting with stalled RNA polymerase complexes, revealing its mechanism for initiating transcription-coupled repair.

Discrete virus factories form in the cytoplasm of cells co-infected with two strains of the segmented dsRNA virus, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), that subsequently coalesce

This study tracks virus factory dynamics during co-infection of two IBDV strains, showing VFs coalesce later in infection, potentially enabling reassortment.

E. coli TraR allosterically regulates transcription initiation by altering RNA polymerase conformation and dynamics

This study shows TraR regulates transcription by altering RNAP conformation and dynamics, affecting promoter DNA interactions and transcription outcomes.

Structural basis for transcription activation by Crl through tethering of σS and RNA polymerase

The paper determines the cryo-EM structure of Crl-σS-RNAP complex and shows Crl stabilizes σS-RNAP by tethering σS to RNAP βCT.

Fidaxomicin jams M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase motions needed for initiation via RbpA contacts

This study determines the structure of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase with fidaxomicin, revealing how it inhibits transcription by blocking essential motions.