Kumaran S. Ramamurthi

A lipid cue drives the subcellular localization of a self-inserting bacterial transmembrane protein

This study identifies a lipid cue that drives the subcellular localization of a bacterial transmembrane protein, ShfA, by binding to undecaprenyl phosphate.

A genome-wide genetic interaction platform for MRSA reveals connections between cell division and the cell envelope

This study uses a dual-CRISPRi platform to map genetic interactions in MRSA, revealing connections between cell division and the cell envelope.

16S ribosomal RNA modification drives transcript-specific translation efficiency

This study shows that 16S rRNA modification by MraW enhances translation efficiency, particularly for structured mRNAs, and that mRNA stem-loops regulate protein levels through ribosome modification.

Orthogonal cell division organizes surface virulence factors to drive staphylococcal abscess community formation

This study shows that orthogonal cell division in Staphylococcus aureus is essential for forming abscess communities by ensuring uniform adhesin distribution and fibrin capsule assembly.

Immunization with peptide encapsulated within synthetic spores activates T cell responses and reduces tumor growth

This study shows that synthetic spore-like particles (SSHELs) enhance T cell responses and reduce tumor growth in a mouse model by efficiently delivering peptides to dendritic cells.

Light-dependent modulation of protein localization and function in living bacteria cells

This study shows that the CRY2/CIB1 system can be used to precisely control protein localization in E. coli, enabling manipulation of cellular functions like cytokinesis.

Altruistic feeding and cell-cell signaling during bacterial differentiation actively enhance phenotypic heterogeneity

This study shows that bacterial differentiation through altruistic feeding and cell-cell signaling increases phenotypic heterogeneity, enhancing population resilience to environmental changes.

Cell-specific cargo delivery using synthetic bacterial spores

This study demonstrates that SSHELs, synthetic bacterial spore-like particles, can deliver chemotherapy to HER2-positive cancer cells with reduced toxicity and effectiveness in tumor models.