Caitlin H. Kowalski

A strain-specific metabolic role for the UDP-glucose 4-epimerase Uge3 in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence

The paper identifies a strain-specific metabolic role for Uge3 in H-MORPH A. fumigatus strains, linking it to virulence and central carbon metabolism.

Stepwise origin and evolution of a cryptic antimicrobial peptide in mammalian lactoferrin

The paper traces the evolutionary origin of a cryptic antimicrobial peptide in lactoferrin, showing gradual enrichment of cationic and hydrophobic amino acids leading to enhanced bactericidal activity.

Non-canonical stringent response signaling mediates antimicrobial fatty acid sensitivity in Staphylococcus aureus

This study shows that truncating the Rel protein in S. aureus enhances tolerance to antimicrobial fatty acids by altering cell envelope structure through the SigB-SarA pathway.

Evolution of polyamine resistance in Staphylococcus aureus through modulation of potassium transport

This study identifies mutations in potassium transporter genes conferring polyamine resistance in S. aureus and links them to broader antibiotic resistance.

Adaptation to skin mycobiota promotes antibiotic tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus

This study shows that Malassezia sympodialis reduces Staphylococcus aureus colonization on human skin and identifies Rel variants that confer antibiotic tolerance in response to fungal antagonism.