M. E. Winkler

Elongasome core proteins and class A PBP1a display zonal, processive movement at the midcell of Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study identifies three types of single-molecule motions of PG synthesis proteins in Streptococcus pneumoniae, revealing zonal, circumferential movement of core elongasome proteins and distinct behaviors of aPBP1a and MpgA.

Alternate routes to mnm5s2U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria

This paper identifies a novel pathway for mnm5s2U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria, revealing alternative biosynthetic mechanisms involving the MnmL enzyme.

The five homologous CiaR-controlled Ccn sRNAs of Streptococcus pneumoniae modulate Zn-resistance.

This paper identifies five CiaR-controlled Ccn sRNAs in S. pneumoniae that modulate Zn resistance and virulence by regulating metal homeostasis and detoxification mechanisms.

Chromosomal Duplications of MurZ (MurA2) or MurA (MurA1), Amino Acid Substitutions in MurZ (MurA2), and Absence of KhpAB Obviate the Requirement for Protein Phosphorylation in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39

The paper identifies genetic modifications in Streptococcus pneumoniae that bypass the need for protein phosphorylation by altering MurZ and MurA activity.

Roles of RodZ and Class A PBP1b in the Assembly and Regulation of the Peripheral Peptidoglycan Elongasome in Ovoid-Shaped Cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39

This study investigates the role of RodZ and PBP1b in the PG elongasome of ovoid-shaped Streptococcus pneumoniae, showing RodZ as a scaffolding protein and PBP1b's involvement in elongasome regulation.

Pivotal Roles for Ribonucleases in Streptococcus pneumoniae Pathogenesis

This study investigates the roles of RNase Y and PNPase in Streptococcus pneumoniae virulence and transcriptome regulation, showing their distinct impacts on gene expression and pathogenesis.

Organization of Peptidoglycan Synthesis in Nodes and Separate Rings at Different Stages of Cell Division of Streptococcus pneumoniae

This paper investigates the spatial organization of peptidoglycan synthesis in Streptococcus pneumoniae during cell division, revealing distinct rings and nodes of transpeptidase activity and PBP localization.

S1-Domain RNA-Binding Protein (CvfD) Is a New Post-Transcriptional Regulator That Mediates Cold Sensitivity, Phosphate Transport, and Virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39

This paper identifies CvfD, an S1-domain RNA-binding protein in Streptococcus pneumoniae, showing it regulates cold sensitivity, phosphate transport, and virulence through post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Treadmilling FtsZ polymers drive the directional movement of sPG-synthesis enzymes via a Brownian ratchet mechanism

This study shows FtsZ treadmilling drives directional movement of sPG-synthesis enzymes via a Brownian ratchet mechanism, controlling enzyme processivity and sPG synthesis.

Structure of the large extracellular loop of FtsX and its interaction with the essential peptidoglycan hydrolase PcsB in Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study presents the structure of FtsX's extracellular loop and shows its essential interaction with PcsB for cell viability in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Movement Dynamics of Divisome and Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) in Cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae

This paper investigates FtsZ dynamics and its relationship to septal PG synthesis in Streptococcus pneumoniae, finding that FtsZ movement is continuous and independent of PG synthesis rate.