Gerald R. Smith

RecBCD Prevents Bacterial Autoimmunity by Clearing Self-DNA Ends Produced During Replication Termination

The paper shows that RecBCD clears self-DNA ends during bacterial replication termination to prevent autoimmunity, similar to TREX1 and DBR1 in eukaryotes.

Gabija restricts phages that antagonize a conserved host DNA repair complex

The paper identifies how Gabija, a bacterial anti-phage system, discriminates self from non-self DNA by targeting phages that antagonize the host RecBCD complex.

Prevalent chromosome fusion in Vibrio cholerae O1

The paper reports chromosome fusions in clinical V. cholerae O1 isolates, showing stable transmission between patients within a household.

Dynamic configurations of meiotic hotspot determinants

This study identifies a new configuration of LinE proteins in meiosis, showing they form linear structures in live cells and are involved in meiotic processes beyond DSB formation.

Myths and mechanisms: RecBCD and Chi hotspots as determinants of self vs. non-self

The paper challenges the dogma that Chi sequences are used by E. coli to distinguish self from non-self DNA, showing that Chi is not over-represented and its distribution is influenced by recombination and codon preferences.

Activation of meiotic recombination by nuclear import of the DNA break hotspot-determining complex

The paper identifies the nuclear localization signal of Rec10, showing its role in coordinated nuclear entry with LinE proteins for meiotic recombination in fission yeast.

Chi hotspot control of RecBCD helicase-nuclease by long-range intramolecular signaling

The paper investigates how the Chi recombination hotspot controls the RecBCD helicase-nuclease through long-range intramolecular signaling, identifying mutations that disrupt this communication pathway.

Small-molecule sensitization of RecBCD helicase-nuclease to a Chi hotspot-activated state

The paper shows that the small molecule NSAC1003 mimics Chi sites, sensitizing RecBCD to cut DNA at Chi-independent positions, revealing a mechanism for RecBCD regulation.