H. Strahl

Mechanism of phage sensing and abortion by toxin-antitoxin-chaperone systems

This study identifies and characterizes two Escherichia coli TAC systems that mediate antiphage defense by recognizing phage proteins and modifying mRNA to inhibit translation.

Shield co-opts an RmuC domain to mediate phage defence across Pseudomonas species.

This paper identifies and characterizes a novel anti-phage system called Shield in Pseudomonas species, showing it can mediate bacterial immunity against phages through a membrane-bound protein with an RmuC domain.

Molecular motor tug-of-war regulates elongasome cell wall synthesis dynamics in Bacillus subtilis

This study tracks elongasome dynamics in Bacillus subtilis using single molecule fluorescence microscopy and shows molecular motor tug-of-war regulates processivity and termination events.

Lipoteichoic acid biosynthesis by Staphylococcus aureus is controlled by the MspA protein through competitive interference.

This study shows that MspA regulates lipoteichoic acid levels in S. aureus by interfering with LtaA-LtaS interactions, affecting cell size and pathogenicity.

A guide for membrane potential measurements in Gram-negative bacteria using voltage-sensitive dyes

This paper provides guidance on measuring membrane potential in Gram-negative bacteria using DiSC3(5) dyes, addressing challenges posed by the outer membrane and buffer conditions.

Low membrane fluidity triggers lipid phase separation and protein segregation in vivo

The paper shows that low membrane fluidity in bacteria triggers lipid phase separation and protein segregation without disrupting membrane function.

Panacea: a hyperpromiscuous antitoxin protein domain for the neutralisation of diverse toxin domains

The paper identifies and validates a hyperpromiscuous antitoxin domain, Panacea, capable of neutralizing diverse toxin domains across microbial and bacteriophage TA systems.

A membrane-depolarising toxin substrate of the Staphylococcus aureus Type VII secretion system mediates intra-species competition

This paper identifies TspA as a new T7SS substrate in S. aureus, showing it mediates intra-species competition by membrane depolarization and growth inhibition in vivo.

A widespread toxin-antitoxin system exploiting growth control via alarmone signalling

The paper identifies toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria using alarmone signalling, showing how SASs function as toxins and their antitoxins counteract them.

A new family of Type VI secretion system-delivered effector proteins displays ion-selective pore-forming activity

The paper identifies Ssp6 as an ion-selective pore-forming toxin delivered by the T6SS of Serratia marcescens, showing it causes membrane depolarization and increased permeability.

The Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis does not form microscopically detectable cardiolipin-specific lipid domains

This study shows that Bacillus subtilis does not form detectable cardiolipin-specific lipid domains and that NAO is not a specific stain for cardiolipin in this organism.

Membrane curvature and the Tol-Pal complex determine polar localization of the chemoreceptor Tar in E. coli

This study identifies membrane curvature and Tol-Pal complex interaction as key factors for polar localization of the chemoreceptor Tar in E. coli.