Damon Huber

This paper identifies AscA (YecA) as a novel molecular chaperone that facilitates Sec-dependent protein translocation in E. coli by interacting with SecB and ribosomes.

The paper uses a genetic screen to show azide inhibits SecA by causing it to backtrack in its ATPase cycle, disrupting membrane and metal cofactor binding.

The paper solves the crystal structure of MlaC and shows the Mla pathway exports phospholipids from the inner membrane to the periplasm, challenging the previous belief in retrograde transport.