G. van Wezel

Finding needles in haystacks: identification of novel conserved PETase enzymes in Streptomyces

The paper identifies and analyzes three variants of lipase A from Streptomyces that show PET-degrading activity, with S2LipA demonstrating efficient degradation of BHET and PET films.

Probiotics supplementation to adult human small intestinal stoma microbiota causes dynamic increase in the community resistance to perturbations and nutrient utilization

This study shows how probiotic supplementation to adult human small intestinal stoma microbiota alters nutrient utilization and resistance to perturbations through changes in metabolite production.

The plant stress hormone jasmonic acid evokes defensive responses in streptomycetes

This paper shows that plant hormones jasmonic acid and methyljasmonate alter growth, development, and antibiotic production in Streptomyces, with amino acid conjugation inactivating the hormone as a bacterial defense mechanism.

Taxonomic and metabolic diversity of Actinobacteria isolated from faeces of a 28,000-year-old mammoth

The paper isolates and characterizes Actinobacteria from a 28,000-year-old mammoth's feces, revealing phylogenetic and metabolic differences from modern strains.

Reproducible switching between a walled and cell wall-deficient lifestyle of actinomycetes using gradient agar plates

The paper introduces gradient agar plates to enable reproducible switching between walled and wall-deficient states in actinomycetes by controlling osmolyte concentration.

DNA uptake by cell wall-deficient bacteria reveals a putative ancient macromolecule uptake mechanism

The paper identifies a DNA uptake mechanism in cell wall-deficient bacteria that resembles eukaryotic endocytosis and may represent an ancient process for macromolecule acquisition.

Role for a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase in cell wall remodelling

The paper identifies two enzymes, CslZ and LpmP, involved in apical glycan deposition in Streptomycetes by remodeling peptidoglycan.

A novel and conserved cell wall enzyme that can substitute for the Lipid II synthase MurG

The paper identifies a novel enzyme, MurG2, that can substitute for the essential MurG enzyme in Lipid II synthesis across different bacterial genera.

Antibiotic production in Streptomyces is organized by a division of labour through terminal genomic differentiation

The paper shows that Streptomyces coelicolor colonies use division of labour to enhance antibiotic production by generating specialized mutants that trade individual fitness for increased secondary metabolite diversity and yield.

Genome rearrangements and megaplasmid loss in the filamentous bacterium Kitasatospora viridifaciens are associated with protoplast formation and regeneration

The paper shows that protoplast formation in Kitasatospora viridifaciens causes genetic changes including megaplasmid loss and chromosomal lesions linked to insertion sequences.

High-resolution analysis of the peptidoglycan composition in Streptomyces coelicolor

This study analyzes peptidoglycan composition in Streptomyces coelicolor during growth and sporulation, revealing dynamic changes in cross-linking and hydrolysis.

Stress-induced formation of cell wall-deficient cells in filamentous actinomycetes

This study shows filamentous actinomycetes can naturally form cell wall-deficient S-cells under hyperosmotic stress, which can transition to stable wall-less forms with prolonged exposure.

Sporulation-specific cell division defects in ylmE mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor are rescued by additional deletion of ylmD

This study shows that deletion of ylmE in Streptomyces coelicolor causes severe sporulation defects, which are rescued by also deleting ylmD.

Classification of the gifted natural product producer Streptomyces roseofaciens sp. nov. by polyphasic taxonomy

The paper classifies a novel Streptomyces strain, MBT76T, as a new species, Streptomyces roseofaciens, based on genomic, chemotaxonomic, and morphological analyses.

Inter- and intracellular colonization of Arabidopsis roots by endophytic actinobacteria and the impact of plant hormones on their antimicrobial activity

The paper characterizes endophytic actinobacteria in Arabidopsis roots and shows plant hormones affect their antimicrobial activity.

Micro-encapsulation extends mycelial viability of Streptomyces lividans 66 and increases enzyme production

This study shows that micro-encapsulation of Streptomyces lividans 66 with alginate increases enzyme production and mycelial viability while reducing protein release.

Morphology-driven downscaling of Streptomyces lividans to micro-cultivation

This study shows that by adjusting agitation rates, the morphology and product formation of Streptomyces lividans in microcultures can match those in larger scale cultures.