This study reveals that MreB filaments in Bacillus subtilis renew their nucleotide state through intrafilament exchange without subunit turnover, linking filament stability to the surrounding nucleotide pool.

bioRxiv · Aug 31, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

Cell polarity control by an unconventional G-protein complex in bacteria

Céline Dinet, Corinne Sebban‐Kreuzer, Deborah Byrne, Sébastien Lhospice, Julien Herrou, Fabien Durbesson, Renaud Vincentelli, Vincent Calvez, James N. Sturgis, Alphée Michelot, Tâm Mignot

The paper investigates the role of RomRX and MglB in regulating cell polarity in Myxococcus xanthus, showing RomRX acts as an effector of MglAGTP and competes with MglB to modulate complex stability.

Nature Communications · Jun 15, 2026Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

ATP-driven membrane binding and polymerization of bacterial actin MreB promotes local membrane fluidization

Ingrid E. Adriaans, Ana Álvarez‐Mena, Céline Dinet, Estelle Morvan, Keesiang Lim, Érick J. Dufourc, Richard Wing-Chuen Wong, Arnaud Chastanet, Alphée Michelot, Rut Carballido‐López, Birgit Habenstein

This study investigates how ATP and ADP binding affects MreB polymerization and membrane interaction in Geobacillus stearothermophilus, revealing distinct binding affinities and membrane fluidizing effects.

Biophysical Journal · Jun 3, 2026Peer-reviewedBiophysics