M. J. Lercher

Metabolic complexity increases adaptability

This study shows that metabolic complexity enhances adaptability in bacteria, as generalist E. coli strains require fewer new reactions to adapt than specialized endosymbionts.

Growth Mechanics: General principles of optimal cellular resource allocation in balanced growth

This paper introduces Growth Mechanics (GM), a framework for analyzing optimal resource allocation in cellular growth models using Lagrangian formalism and KKT conditions.

Viridiplantae-specific GLXI and GLXII isoforms co-evolved and detoxify glucosone in planta

The paper identifies two distinct glyoxalase systems in plants, showing one evolved from eukaryotes and the other acquired via horizontal gene transfer, with unique structural and functional adaptations for detoxifying reactive carbonyl species.

The protein translation machinery is expressed for maximal efficiency in Escherichia coli

This study shows that the growth rate-dependent composition of E. coli's protein synthesis machinery is optimized for minimal total cost under physicochemical constraints.

An analytical theory of balanced cellular growth

This paper develops a general theory of balanced cellular growth, deriving explicit expressions for growth rate and cellular variables under physicochemical constraints.