J. F. Hunt

Base composition at the start of the coding sequence controls the balance between translation initiation and mRNA degradation in E. coli .

The paper shows that A-rich first six codons in E. coli mRNAs enhance translation initiation and stability, leading to higher protein expression.

Cryo-EM studies of the four E. coli paralogs establish ABCF proteins as master plumbers of the peptidyl-transferase center of the ribosome

This study presents cryo-EM structures of four E. coli ABCF paralogs bound to the ribosome, revealing their role in modulating tRNA geometry and catalytic function at the peptidyl-transferase center.

Comparative genetic, biochemical, and biophysical analyses of the four E. coli ABCF paralogs support distinct functions related to mRNA translation

The paper compares four E. coli ABCF paralogs to determine their distinct roles in mRNA translation using biochemical and biophysical assays.

Systematic enhancement of protein crystallization efficiency by bulk lysine-to-arginine (KR) substitution

This study shows that bulk lysine-to-arginine substitutions improve protein crystallization by enhancing hydrogen bonding at crystal interfaces.

Mechanistic implications of the interaction of the soluble substrate-binding protein with a type II ABC importer

The paper investigates the interaction kinetics of the SBP with a type II ABC importer using FRET, revealing a locked complex formation that requires ATP hydrolysis and is inhibited by ATP or B12 binding.

Realtime observation of ATP-driven single B12 molecule translocationthrough BtuCD-F

This study uses smFRET to observe real-time ATP-driven translocation of B12 through the E. coli BtuCD-F transporter, revealing two sequential conformational changes.

Mechanism of dual pharmacological correction and potentiation of human CFTR

This paper uses cryo-EM to reveal how VX445 corrects CFTR folding and gating defects by altering allosteric communication pathways.

Elevator mechanism dynamics in a sodium-coupled dicarboxylate transporter

This study uses single-molecule experiments to show that VcINDY, a sodium-coupled dicarboxylate transporter, uses stochastic elevator-like motions for substrate translocation, with non-cooperative protomer movements and cooperative binding.

YhcB (DUF1043), a novel cell division protein conserved across gamma-proteobacteria

This study characterizes YhcB, a conserved gamma-proteobacterial protein, showing it is essential for cell division and envelope integrity through genetic, structural, and interaction analyses.