S. P. Bodine

Distinct microcolony morphologies promote flow-dependent bacterial colonization

The paper shows that bacterial species use distinct microcolony morphologies to colonize surfaces under high fluid flow, with S. aureus relying on signaling molecules and E. faecalis on mechanical forces.

Reconstitution of the S. aureus agr quorum sensing pathway reveals a direct role for the integral membrane protease MroQ in pheromone biosynthesis

This study identifies MroQ as the second protease in the S. aureus agr quorum sensing pathway, showing its role in AIP biosynthesis and revealing molecular features guiding its cleavage activity.