J. M. Crawford

Minimal vertex model explains how the amnioserosa avoids fluidization during Drosophila dorsal closure

The paper extends the vertex model to explain how the amnioserosa remains solid during Drosophila dorsal closure despite increased cell shape index.

IL-10 constrains sphingolipid metabolism via fatty acid desaturation to limit inflammation

This study shows IL-10 limits inflammation by restricting sphingolipid metabolism through fatty acid desaturation, with metabolic correction reducing inflammation in IL-10-deficient macrophages.

Structure elucidation of colibactin.

This study determines the structure of colibactin using genetics, isotope labeling, tandem MS, and chemical synthesis, confirming its role in DNA cross-linking and colorectal cancer.

Bacterial analogs of plant piperidine alkaloids mediate microbial interactions in a rhizosphere model system

The paper identifies a novel family of bacterial piperidine alkaloids produced by Pseudomonas koreensis that mediate inter-bacterial competition in the rhizosphere, showing convergent evolution with plant alkaloids.

Introducing THOR, a model microbiome for genetic dissection of community behavior

The paper introduces THOR, a model rhizosphere microbiome composed of three dominant taxa, to study community behavior through genetic dissection and emergent properties.

Model colibactins exhibit human cell genotoxicity in the absence of host bacteria

This study shows that free model colibactins induce DNA double-strand breaks in human cells without requiring host bacteria, revealing mechanisms of genotoxicity and product diversification in colibactin biosynthesis.