G.-W. Li

A historical sequence deletion in a commonly used Bacillus subtilis chromosome integration vector generates undetected loss-of-function mutations

The paper identifies a 227-bp deletion in a commonly used Bacillus subtilis integration vector that causes undetected loss-of-function mutations in the ldh gene.

High-throughput discovery of inhibitory protein fragments with AlphaFold

This paper introduces FragFold, a computational method using AlphaFold to predict inhibitory protein fragments, showing high accuracy in predicting binding and inhibitory activity.

First-principles model of optimal translation factors stoichiometry

The paper develops a first-principles biophysical model to predict optimal translation factor stoichiometry by maximizing ribosome usage under proteome allocation constraints.

Translational activation by an alternative sigma factor in Bacillus subtilis

The paper shows that the sigma factor σB in Bacillus subtilis induces translation of its regulon genes by relieving RNA secondary structures, leading to significant translation efficiency differences compared to σA.

Spurious regulatory connections dictate the expression-fitness landscape of translation termination factors

The paper quantifies how varying expression of translation termination factors in Bacillus subtilis affects fitness, revealing spurious regulatory connections that reduce fitness when expression deviates from endogenous levels.

Alternative transcription cycle for bacterial RNA polymerase

The paper observes bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) remaining bound to DNA after termination and restarting transcription in reverse, producing antisense transcripts, using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and genome-wide RNA sequencing.

Transcriptional Regulation and Mechanism of SigN (ZpdN), a pBS32 encoded Sigma Factor

The paper identifies SigN, a sigma factor encoded on plasmid pBS32, which mediates DNA damage-induced cell death through its regulon and self-regulation via three promoters.