PBP-A, a cyanobacterial DD-peptidase with high specificity for amidated muropeptides, exhibits pH-dependent promiscuous activity harmful to Escherichia coli.

Penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) are involved in biosynthesis, remodeling and recycling of peptidoglycan (PG) in bacteria. PBP-A from Thermosynechococcus elongatus belongs to a cyanobacterial family of enzymes sharing close structural and phylogenetic proximity to class A β-lactamases. With the long-term aim of converting PBP-A into a β-lactamase by directed evolution, we simulated what may happen when an organism like Escherichia coli acquires such a new PBP and observed growth defect associated with the enzyme activity.

Plasma membrane nanodeformations promote actin polymerization through CIP4/CDC42 recruitment and regulate type II IFN signaling.

In their environment, cells must cope with mechanical stresses constantly. Among these, nanoscale deformations of plasma membrane induced by substrate nanotopography are now largely accepted as a biophysical stimulus influencing cell behavior and function. However, the mechanotransduction cascades involved and their precise molecular effects on cellular physiology are still poorly understood.

The yeast Gdt1 protein mediates the exchange of H for Ca and Mn influencing the Golgi pH.

The GDT1 family is broadly spread and highly conserved among living organisms. GDT1 members have functions in key processes like glycosylation in humans and yeasts and photosynthesis in plants. These functions are mediated by their ability to transport ions.

N-BAR and F-BAR proteins-endophilin-A3 and PSTPIP1-control clathrin-independent endocytosis of L1CAM.

Recent advances in the field demonstrate the high diversity and complexity of endocytic pathways. In the current study, we focus on the endocytosis of L1CAM. This glycoprotein plays a major role in the development of the nervous system, and is involved in cancer development and is associated with metastases and poor prognosis.

Rac1, the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules are key players in clathrin-independent endophilin-A3-mediated endocytosis.

Endocytic mechanisms actively regulate plasma membrane composition and sustain fundamental cellular functions. Recently, we identified a clathrin-independent endocytic (CIE) modality mediated by the BAR domain protein endophilin-A3 (endoA3, encoded by SH3GL3), which controls the cell surface homeostasis of the tumor marker CD166 (also known as ALCAM). Deciphering the molecular machinery of endoA3-dependent CIE should therefore contribute to a better understanding of its pathophysiological role, which remains so far unknown.