Y. V. Brun

The HmrABCX pathway regulates the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles in Caulobacter crescentus by a HfiA-independent mechanism

This study identifies a phosphorelay pathway, HmrABCX, that regulates the transition from motile to sessile lifestyle in Caulobacter crescentus independently of HfiA, and shows its role in environmental stress responses.

HfaE is a component of the holdfast anchor complex that tethers the holdfast adhesin to the cell envelope

This paper identifies HfaE as a novel holdfast anchor protein in Caulobacterales that links holdfast material to the cell envelope, essential for surface attachment and biofilm formation.

eDNA-stimulated cell dispersion from Caulobacter crescentus biofilms upon oxygen limitation is dependent on a toxin-antitoxin system.

The paper shows that in Caulobacter crescentus biofilms, the toxin-antitoxin system ParDE4 promotes cell death under oxygen limitation, which increases eDNA release and drives cell dispersal to new environments.

Oxygen depletion and nitric oxide stimulate type IV MSHA pilus retraction in Vibrio cholerae via activation of the phosphodiesterase CdpA

This study identifies oxygen depletion and nitric oxide as stimuli that trigger MSHA pilus retraction in V. cholerae via the phosphodiesterase CdpA.

A polysaccharide deacetylase enhances bacterial adhesion in high ionic strength environments

This study identifies HfsH as a polysaccharide deacetylase that enhances bacterial adhesion in high ionic strength environments by modulating holdfast structure.

Unipolar peptidoglycan synthesis in the Rhizobiales requires an essential class A penicillin-binding protein

The paper investigates polar peptidoglycan synthesis in Rhizobiales using fluorescent probes and finds that a single class A penicillin-binding protein is essential for this process.

A Division of Labor in the Recruitment and TopologicalOrganization of a Bacterial Morphogenic Complex

This study identifies SpmX and BacA as distinct proteins that respectively recruit and topologically organize the PG synthesis complex for stalk formation in Asticcacaulis biprosthecum.

Surface Sensing Stimulates Cellular Differentiation in Caulobacter crescentus

This study shows that surface contact and mechanosensing via pilus activity changes stimulate cellular differentiation and cell cycle progression in Caulobacter crescentus.

The two chemotaxis in Caulobacter crescentus operons play different roles in chemotaxis and biofilm regulation

This paper identifies a novel role for two chemotaxis operons in regulating holdfast production and biofilm formation in Caulobacter crescentus by modulating hfiA expression.

Comparative analysis of ionic strength tolerance between freshwater and marine Caulobacterales adhesins

This study compares the ionic strength tolerance of holdfasts in marine and freshwater Caulobacterales, finding that marine holdfasts tolerate higher ionic strength due to differences in composition and structure.

Co-option and Detoxification of a Phage Lysin for Housekeeping Function

The paper reports on a phage gene that lost its toxicity and became a housekeeping function in bacteria, specifically in the Caulobacterales order.

Diverse spatial organization of photosynthetic membranes among purple nonsulfur bacteria

The paper examines the spatial organization of photosynthetic membranes in purple nonsulfur bacteria, revealing species-specific patterns and their evolutionary implications.

Layered structure and complex mechanochemistry of a strong bacterial adhesive

This study characterizes the layered structure and mechanochemistry of the holdfast in Caulobacter crescentus, revealing its composition and adhesive mechanisms.

Obstruction of pilus retraction stimulates bacterial surface sensing

The paper shows that blocking pilus retraction in Caulobacter crescentus stimulates holdfast synthesis without surface contact, indicating pilus retraction is used for surface sensing.