P. Stefanic

The rise of cheats during experimental evolution is restricted by non-kin interactions between Bacillus subtilis soil isolates

This study shows that non-kin interactions restrict the rise of cheats in Bacillus subtilis by limiting their advantage through kin discrimination.

Bacillus velezensis SQR9 sways the rhizosphere community and its sociality toward cooperation and plant growth promotion

This study shows that B. velezensis SQR9 alters rhizosphere microbial community structure and promotes cooperation among Bacillus species, enhancing plant growth.

Housekeeping gene gyrA, a potential molecular marker for Bacillus ecology study

This study evaluates the use of the housekeeping gene gyrA as a molecular marker for Bacillus species diversity and ecology, showing improved resolution compared to 16S rRNA.

Annulment of antagonism shifts properties that are beneficial to plants in two-member consortia of Bacillus velezensis

This study shows that modifying the Spo0A gene in B. velezensis SQR9 improves plant growth promotion when combined with FZB42 in two-member consortia.

Kin discrimination promotes horizontal gene transfer between unrelated strains in Bacillus subtilis

This study shows that kin discrimination in B. subtilis promotes horizontal gene transfer between distantly related strains by inducing competence in recipients through a stress response.

Quorum sensing in Bacillus subtilis slows down biofilm formation by enabling sporulation bet hedging

This study shows that inactivation of the ComQXPA quorum sensing system in Bacillus subtilis leads to faster biofilm formation and increased matrix production, despite slower sporulation initiation.