Banh et al. show that staphylococci carrying CRISPR-Cas systems and SaPIs display enhanced rates of CRISPR spacer acquisition from phages. This requires delivery of incomplete, non-replicating phage genomes by SaPIs, which, as opposed to fully infective phages that rapidly kill the cell, allows CRISPR immunization of the host before its lysis.

Structural, genetic, functional and biochemical analyses of the complex flagellar motor of Campylobacter jejuni reveal structural adaptations with an ancient origin also found more widely across bacte...

A two-component system, DbfRS, regulates biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae. Here, Nguyen et al. identify a small periplasmic protein that controls the activity of the system’s receptor, and show th...

Two-partner secretion system transporter proteins (TpsB) are widely conserved across Gram-negative pathogens. TpsB family proteins secrete exoprotein virulence factors that perform a myriad of functions such as adhesion and immune modulation. Despite their incredible importance in bacterial infectious disease, TpsB inhibitors have not yet been discovered. Here, we describe a potent inhibitor of FhaC, a TpsB protein produced by Bordetella spp . FhaC secretes the exoprotein FhaB that is essential for the establishment of whooping cough. We designed a peptide called P1 that we predicted would prevent substrate binding and lock FhaC in a secretion-inactive state. Simulations and biochemical assays supported our hypothesis and identified interactions important for P1 binding to FhaC. Strikingly, we observed that the peptide strongly inhibited FhaB secretion from clinical isolates and broadly reduced correlates of virulence. Together, this work provides a strong case for further development of a novel class of anti-TpsB anti-virulence compounds. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, R21AI180112

Peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis is essential to maintain cell integrity during bacterial growth and division. In Bacillus subtilis, PG synthesis involves class A PBPs that act independently and class B P...

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular human pathogen capable of invading non-phagocytic host cells, replicating within their cytosol, and spreading directly from cell to cell. These pr...

Whole-genome screening reveals strategies to boost CRISPR-associated transposase genome editing efficiency.

We create vector graphics of model organisms and emerging biological research organisms to enhance our publications. We’re sharing these editable graphics under a CC0 license for other scientists to...

SpbK protects Bacillus subtilis from phage infection by depleting NAD⁺. In this study, the authors uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying SpbK’s self association-dependent NADase activity and its...

The MtrAB two-component system is a master regulator of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces species. MtrA is also required for sporulation under certain growth conditions, which means that on some...

Very little is known about the molecular basis of chromosome segregation in archaea. Here, the authors describe conformational changes in the chromosome during the cell cycle of the archaeon Sulfolobu...

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus imports glucose via the bacterial mannose phosphotransferase system (PTSman), which inhibits stringent response, supports growth in cerebrospinal fluid and prom...