T. Schirmer

High-resolution crystal structure of a metabolic switch protein in a complex with monomeric c-di-GMP reveals a potential mechanism for c-di-GMP dimerization

The paper reports a high-resolution crystal structure of a SmbA mutant complex with monomeric c-di-GMP, revealing loop 7's role in c-di-GMP dimerization and SmbA function.

Intermediaries in phosphotransfer: structural features discriminating hybrid histidine kinase Rec domains from response regulator homologs

The paper structures and analyzes the CckARec domain from C. crescentus to distinguish it from RR Rec domains, highlighting structural differences in phosphoryl-binding and absence of allosteric changes.

Digital control of c-di-GMP in E. coli balances population-wide developmental transitions and phage sensitivity

This study shows E. coli uses a digital switch to convert c-di-GMP dynamics into binary states, enabling population-level developmental transitions and phage resistance.

A bacterial inflammation sensor regulates c-di-GMP signaling, adhesion, and biofilm formation.

This paper identifies a bacterial sensor that detects HOCl, a host-derived oxidant, and links its activation to biofilm formation through a redox-sensitive zinc-cysteine switch.

Activation mechanism of a small prototypic Rec-GGDEF diguanylate cyclase

The paper investigates the activation mechanism of a Rec-GGDEF diguanylate cyclase by showing how phosphorylation induces structural changes leading to catalytic activation.

Structural basis for selective targeting of Rac subfamily GTPases by a bacterial effector protein

The paper identifies structural mechanisms enabling a bacterial effector to selectively target Rac subfamily GTPases over closely related subfamilies.

Hybrid histidine kinase activation by cyclic di-GMP- mediated domain liberation

This study reveals how c-di-GMP regulates ShkA, a hybrid histidine kinase in Caulobacter crescentus, by inducing domain dissociation and allosteric activation.

Precise transcription timing by a second-messenger drives a bacterial G1/S cell cycle transition

This study identifies c-di-GMP as a second messenger that regulates the G1/S transition in Caulobacter crescentus by modulating ShkA and TacA activity.