MP
ATP-driven conformational dynamics reveal hidden intermediates in a heterodimeric ABC transporter.
Pečak M, Nocker C, Tampé R.
Elife. 2026 Jul 31;15:RP110967.
doi: 10.7554/eLife.110967.
PMID: 42535643
SPA cryo-EM + ATP-hydrolysis assays => identification of previously unresolved conformational intermediates in a heterodimeric ABC transporter.
ATP binding and hydrolysis => distinct structural transitions => more complex transport cycle than the classical alternating-access model.
Structural insights into a substrate translocation pathway revealed by the RND efflux pump complex MexJK from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Wu Z, Meng Z, Huang W, Yu Z, Cao L, Wang J, Xie Z, Cui M, Ma LZ, Long F.
Sci Adv. 2026 Aug 7;12(32):eaee7036.
doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aee7036.
PMID: 42566533
Cryo-EM of the MexJK complex => visualization of the substrate translocation pathway across the IM.
Structural analysis => periplasmic recruitment sites and TM gating residues critical for multidrug export.
Transport specificity of FpvA and FpvB for pyoverdine-antibiotic conjugates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Revol-Tissot J, Cézard C, Forster A, Puja H, Hoegy F, Schalk IJ, Mislin GLA, Bouvier B, Rigouin C.
Bioorg Med Chem. 2026 Oct;141:118734.
doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2026.118734.
PMID: 42391963
Functional assays + competition experiments => FpvA and FpvB internalize antibiotic-tethered pyoverdine siderophores via a Trojan horse mechanism.
FpvA shows broader substrate promiscuity than FpvB => uptake of diverse conjugates.
Quinone-transporting filaments expand bioenergetic capacity in Gram-positive Bacillota.
Kropp A, Asadollahi K, Stapleton JA, Simsive L, Leung PM, Darnell RL, Barlow CK, Hartmann BG, Yates NDJ, Lumbantobing T, Fox DR, Greening C, Zdorevskyi O, Sharma V, Blaza JN, Parkin A, Grinter R.
Nat Microbiol. 2026 Aug 17.
doi: 10.1038/s41564-026-02450-z.
PMID: 42608535
Cryo-EM + proteomics + bioenergetic assays => discovery of filamentous structures spanning the cell envelope in Gram-positive bacteria, which transport quinones between membranes.
These filaments expand the electron transport chain, enhancing respiratory flexibility under nutrient limitation !
Molecular basis of the functional conflict between chloroquine and peptide transport in the Malaria parasite chloroquine resistance transporter PfCRT.
Tanner JD, Richards SN, Corry B.
Nat Commun. 2025 Mar 27;16(1):2987.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58244-0.
PMID: 40140375
Transport assays + structural modeling => PfCRT (chloroquine resistance transporter) mediates mutually exclusive peptide transport or chloroquine efflux. Chloroquine binding locks PfCRT in a conformation that blocks peptide uptake (=> fitness cost of resistance) : trade-off between drug resistance and nutrient acquisition in Plasmodium falciparum.
Structure and inhibition mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis essential transporter efflux protein A.
Khandelwal NK, Gupta M, Gomez JE, Barkho S, Guan Z, Eng AY, Kawate T, Balasubramani SG, Sali A, Hung DT, Stroud RM.
Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 1;16(1):3139.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58133-6.
PMID: 40169593
Cryo-EM + biochemical assays => structure of M. tuberculosis efflux protein A, a key determinant of intrinsic drug resistance.
Identification of inhibitor-binding sites and conformational states critical for substrate transport.
Structure and assembly of the MmpL5/MmpS5 efflux transporter from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Xiong Z, Yang X, Wang S, Smart CJ, Sisson HM, Lin Z, Hu T, Ran Y, Xu C, Yang X, Zhao Y, Jowsey WJ, Cook GM, McNeil MB, Guddat LW, Rao Z, Zhang B.
Nat Commun. 2025 May 29;16(1):4976.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-60365-5.
PMID: 40442140
Cryo-EM + XL => hexameric (MmpS5)₃-(MmpL4)₃ complex structure, essential for mycobactin and bedaquiline efflux in M. tuberculosis.
A coiled-coil domain protrudes into the periplasm, with rearranged proton-coupling residues in the TM domain.
Interconnected roles of mitochondrial carrier proteins ANT, PiT, and UCPs in proton transport.
Tabefam M, Swanson HK, Smith MD, Jelokhani-Niaraki M.
Front Mol Biosci. 2025 Nov 24;12:1650261.
doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2025.1650261.
PMID: 41367383
Proteoliposome reconstitution + transport assays => ANT, PiT, and UCPs form a functional network regulating proton transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane. ANT and PiT facilitate metabolite exchange, while UCPs modulate proton leak : cooperative regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Energetic and structural control of polyspecificity in a multidrug transporter.
Miller ST, Henzler-Wildman KA, Raman S.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Dec 30;122(52):e2511892122.
doi: 10.1073/pnas.2511892122.
PMID: 41433063
Thermodynamic analysis + MD simulations => a multidrug transporter achieves polyspecificity via flexible binding sites and conformational adaptability.
Substrate affinity is modulated by enthalpic and entropic contributions, with some substrates competing for overlapping pockets.
Structure and conformational dynamics of the Pseudomonas CbrA transceptor.
Orlando MA, Shah T, Faber MW, Bose S, Orlando BJ.
Protein Sci. 2026 Sep;35(9):e70775.
doi: 10.1002/pro.70775.
PMID: 42615741.
Cryo-EM + HDX-MS => CbrA, a bacterial transceptor, undergoes large conformational changes upon ligand binding, coupling sensory input to transport activity. The structure reveals a periplasmic sensing domain linked to a TM transport module.
=> Mechanistic basis for integrating environmental signals with nutrient uptake in Pseudomonas.
Membrane
Reversible tuning of membrane sterol levels by cyclodextrin in a dialysis setting.
Alsayyah C, Rodrigues E, Hach J, Renne MF, Ernst R.
Biophys J. 2025 Mar 25:S0006-3495(25)00174-2.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2025.03.020.
PMID: 40143542
Dialysis-based CD treatment => reversible extraction and reinsertion of sterols from lipid bilayers.
=> precise control of membrane sterol content, enabling studies of sterol-dependent physical properties and protein-lipid interactions.
Spatial Deconstruction of the Plasma Membrane.
Mandala VS, Zhao C, Chen Q, Gross S, Geri J, MacKinnon R.
J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Aug 19;148(32):34849-34863.
doi: 10.1021/jacs.6c10688.
PMID: 42619080.
Super-resolution microscopy + lipidomics => nanoscale mapping of PM organization, revealing distinct lipid-protein domains.
=> cholesterol-rich nanodomains that regulate ion channel clustering and signaling.
Vesicle Nucleation Peptide Fusion Induced Extracellular Vesicles Are Distinct From Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Vesicles, and Provide an Enhanced Platform for Protein Production and Purification.
Streather BR, Eastwood TA, Baker K, Liang M, Bailie AE, van der Velden TT, Jeuken LJC, Botchway SW, Wang L, Mulvihill DP.
J Extracell Vesicles. 2026 Aug;15(8):e70354.
doi: 10.1002/jev2.70354.
PMID: 42599979
Peptide-induced vesicle nucleation => generation of extracellular vesicles with distinct lipid/protein composition compared to native E. coli outer membrane vesicles.
These engineered vesicles provide enhanced yields and purity for membrane protein production and purification.
Structure and Dynamics of Porin Loops in Asymmetric Outer Membranes of E. coli.
Adélaïde M, Yarava JR, Lindemann F, Abbas M, Cremer N, Gerland L, Hiller M, van Rossum B, Linke D, Barnes AB, Saliba EP, Yildiz Ö, Kühlbrandt W, Oschkinat H.
Chemistry. 2026 Aug 14:e71575.
doi: 10.1002/chem.71575.
PMID: 42596876
ssNMR + MD simulations => characterization of porin loop dynamics in asymmetric lipid bilayers mimicking the E. coli OM.
The loops exhibit distinct conformational flexibility depending on leaflet composition, affecting pore gating and ion selectivity.
=> Insights into porin adaptation to asymmetric membrane environments.
Cell membrane cholesterol affects serotonin transporter efflux due to altered transporter oligomerization.
Rudin D, Luethi D, Niello M, Yang JW, Burger I, Sandtner W, Birner-Gruenberger R, Schütz GJ, Sitte HH.
Mol Psychiatry. 2026 Feb;31(2):963-975.
doi: 10.1038/s41380-025-03201-y.
PMID: 40897862
Biochemical assays + single-molecule microscopy => cholesterol levels modulate SERT oligomerization, which in turn alters serotonin efflux rates.
Higher cholesterol promotes SERT dimers, reducing efflux and increasing serotonin reuptake.
Ion transport as a determinant of membrane fusion and fission.
Levin-Konigsberg R, Grinstein S, Freeman SA.
Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2026 Aug 19.
doi: 10.1038/s41594-026-01860-1.
PMID: 42618799.
Review of biophysical studies => ion transport and resulting electrochemical gradients = key determinants of membrane fusion and fission events. Local ion fluxes can induce curvature, bring membranes into close apposition, or trigger scission.
Protein-lipid interplay governs ion channel gating and bioenergetics in human mitochondrial VDAC3.
Rawat A, Mahalakshmi R.
Protein Sci. 2026 Feb;35(2):e70486.
doi: 10.1002/pro.70486.
PMID: 41575209
Lipidomics + planar lipid bilayer electrophysiology => specific lipid species (e.g., cardiolipin) bind to VDAC3, modulating its gating and metabolite flux : lipid-protein interactions as metabolic switches.
This interplay regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics by controlling ATP/ADP exchange across the mito OM.
Envelope destabilization by AcrAB2NodT overexpression links antibiotic resistance to metal sensitivity in Caulobacter vibrioides.
Ote M, Lardinois L, Hendrickx E, Dieu M, Jurėnas D, Matroule JY.
Commun Biol. 2026 Jan 23;9(1):313.
doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-09606-x.
PMID: 41577953
Microbio + lipidomics => overexpression of AcrAB2NodT efflux pump destabilizes the cell envelope, increasing sensitivity to metals while conferring AtbR.
This trade-off reveals a vulnerability in resistant strains that could be exploited therapeutically.
Insertion-Ligation Reconstitution of Transmembrane Proteins for Functional Interfaces in Synthetic Cells.
Lin AJ, Sihorwala AZ, Karthik A, Sobrinho AI, Singh Y, Belardi B.
Nano Lett. 2026 Aug 12;26(31):10091-10099.
doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6c01025.
PMID: 42584267
Chemical ligation + vesicle reconstitution => oriented insertion of MPs into synthetic cell membranes to create functional interfaces : bottom-up synthetic biology.
Enables synthetic cells with transport and signaling capabilities.
OprF functions as a latch to direct outer membrane vesicle release in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Mathur S, Gopal C, Erickson SK, Goldberg LR, Hills S, Radin AGB, Schertzer JW.
mBio. 2026 Jul 16:e0101726.
doi: 10.1128/mbio.01017-26.
PMID: 42461049
Genetic knockouts + vesicle isolation => OprF, a major OM porin, acts as a molecular latch controlling OMVrelease in P. aeruginosa.
Loss of OprF => uncontrolled vesicle blebbing, affecting biofilm formation and virulence.
A new role for porins in bacterial communication.
Molecules
Detergent-free extraction polymers in membrane protein structure determination.
Pollock NL, Muench SP, Rothnie AJ, Lane BJ.
Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2026 Jul 20;100:103331.
doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2026.103331.
PMID: 42480426
Review of amphipathic copolymers.
Tunable DNA-Stabilized Bicelles as Nanoscale Membrane Mimetic Systems.
Gevers J, Martens K, Fauvart M, Vanuytsel S, Carrera I Cardona G, Lucas F, Velpula G, De Feyter S, Dedecker P, Maglia G, Van Dorpe P.
ACS Nano. 2026 Aug 18;20(32):22909-22918.
doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6c09188.
PMID: 42611254.
DNA-stabilized bicelles provide tunable membrane mimetic systems with controlled size, shape, and lipid composition.
These bicelles can be functionalized with MPs and are compatible with a range of biophysical techniques.
Functional Insertion of the Light-Induced Ion Pump KR2 into Block Copolymer Membranes.
Jasko P, Muthwill MS, Bina M, Frey D, Schoenenberger CA, Kammerer RA, Palivan CG.
Biomacromolecules. 2026 Jul 16.
doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6c00738.
PMID: 42460923
Protein engineering + synthetic membrane assembly => functional insertion of the light-driven ion pump KR2 into block copolymer membranes. KR2 retains its light-induced ion transport activity in the synthetic environment, enabling optogenetic control of ion gradients.
NV716 acts as an envelope-active adjuvant that enhances antibiotic accumulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Draveny M, Chauvet H, De Pauw A, Rouam V, Rista H, Legrand P, Novelli M, Bolla JM, Girleanu M, Favier AL, Neulat-Ripoll F, Brunel JM, Jamme F, Masi M.
NPJ Antimicrob Resist. 2026 Apr 30;4(1):29.
doi: 10.1038/s44259-026-00203-w.
PMID: 42062476
Antimicrobial assays + lipidomics => NV716 disrupts the P. aeruginosa OM, increasing permeability and enhancing antibiotic accumulation.
The compound acts as an envelope-active adjuvant, potentiating the activity of multiple antibiotic classes.
A cell-permeable nanobody to restore F508del cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity.
Franz L, Rubil T, Balázs A, Overtus M, Kemnitz-Hassanin K, Govaerts C, Mall MA, Hackenberger CPR.
Nat Chem Biol. 2026 Apr 17.
doi: 10.1038/s41589-026-02199-w.
PMID: 41998105
Protein engineering + cell-based assays => a cell-permeable Nb binds to and stabilizes the misfolded F508∆-CFTR, restoring its chloride channel activity.
Rescue of CFTR trafficking and function in patient-derived cells.
The evolution of steady-state laurdan fluorescence: From model membranes to cellular applications.
Issler T, Kerek E, Prenner EJ.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2026 Jul 25:184562.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2026.184562.
PMID: 42501886
Review of laurdan fluorescence (solvatochromic probe reports on membrane hydration and lipid packing).
Advances in microscopy and analysis have enabled high-resolution mapping of membrane heterogeneity and dynamics.
Hydrophilic lipophilic balance: A lighthouse parameter for designing efficient detergents in membrane protein applications?
Soulié M, Durand G.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2026 Jul 27:184564.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2026.184564.
PMID: 42508519
The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) parameter can guide the selection and optimization of detergents for MP studies.
Balancing hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties = key to extracting and stabilizing MPs while preserving function.
A detergent-free workflow for native membrane proteomics using Peptergents
Frank Antony, Ashim Bhattacharya, Hiroyuki Aoki, Mohan Babu, and Franck Duong van Hoa
bioRxiv posted 13 August 2026
doi:10.64898/2026.08.12.744532
Proteomics + peptide chemistry = Peptergents => enable detergent-free extraction and analysis of native membrane proteomes.
They preserve protein-lipid interactions and complex integrity, improving identification of MPs and their binding partners.
Steric stabilizers inhibit or enhance enzymatic digestion depending on the internal nanostructure of lipid nanoparticles.
Jonathan Caukwell, Karl A. Hassan, Brett A. Neilan, Andrew J. Clulow, Benjamin Boyd, Wye-Khay Fong, Livia Salvati Manni.
Interface Focus. 14 August 2026; 16 (2): 20260001.
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2026.0001.
Nanoparticle engineering + enzymatic assays => steric stabilizers on lipid nanoparticles can either inhibit or enhance enzymatic digestion depending on the internal nanostructure. Dense cores resist digestion, while loose structures are more accessible to enzymes. Design rules for controlled release in drug delivery.
Precisely Engineering Biomimetic Nanoparticles via Controlled Cell Membrane Coating.
Lim JL, Zong L, Deng W, Kavallaris M, Gu Z.
Small. 2026 Aug 17:e75272.
doi: 10.1002/smll.75272.
PMID: 42605503.
Nanoengineering + cell biology => precise coating of nanoparticles with cell membranes enables the creation of biomimetic systems with controlled size, composition, and surface properties.
These nanoparticles can evade immune detection and target specific tissues.
Methods
AI-enabled discovery and biochemical optimization of minibinders targeting cancer cell-surface proteins.
Broske B, McEnroe BA, Frechen SC, Kempchen TN, Fandrey CI, Tan E, Ferber D, Yong MCR, Kleinert M, Messmer JM, Konopka P, Hoch A, Blumenstock K, Tödtmann JMP, Oldenburg J, Rühl H, Semaan A, Toma MI, Markova K, Kobold S, Rollenske T, Geyer M, Menzel S, Bald T, Schmid-Burgk JL, Hagelueken G, Hölzel M.
Nat Commun. 2026 Aug 20;17(1):8736.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-76760-5.
PMID: 42624861.
AI-guided design + phage display => discovery and optimization of minibinders (small, stable binding proteins) targeting cancer cell-surface antigens.
These minibinders can be used for imaging, drug delivery, or as therapeutic agents. Towards the development of targeted cancer therapies.
Miniaturizing and modifying natural proteins with Raygun.
Devkota K, Shonai D, Mao J, Ko YS, Wang W, Soderling S, Singh R.
Nature. 2026 Jul 29.
doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10842-8.
PMID: 42527603.
Honey, I Shrunk the Prots !
AI/ML-based protein design => Raygun enables the miniaturization and modification of natural proteins while preserving or enhancing their function 🤯.
The tool can shrink proteins to minimal functional cores or expand them for new activities. => A breakthrough in programmable protein engineering.
not MP but mindblowing enough to be added to the Mb Digest !
related Nature News and Views :
This AI Raygun can shrink and supersize proteins – opening the door to easy editing.
Conroy G.
Nature. 2026 Aug;656(8126):15-16.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02335-5.
PMID: 42527652.
Logic-Gated Dual-Aptamer Proximity AlphaLISA for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Tumor-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles.
Kao S, Tian N, Zhang Y, Qin Y, Gu B, Fang H, Zhao X, Huang B.
Anal Chem. 2026 Aug 18;98(32):23806-23818.
doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03310.
PMID: 42610895.
Aptamer engineering + proximity assay => a logic-gated dual-aptamer system enables rapid and sensitive detection of tumor-derived small EVs.
AlphaLISA technology to achieve high specificity and low LOD.
=> A powerful tool for liquid biopsy and cancer diagnostics.
Engineering a Biohybrid System to Link Antibiotic Efficacy to Membrane Depth in Bacterial Infections.
Strutt R, Jusková P, Berlanda SF, Krämer SD, Dittrich PS.
Small. 2025 Mar 27:e2412399.
doi: 10.1002/smll.202412399.
PMID: 40143780
Biohybrid engineering + microbiology => antibiotic efficacy is coupled to the depth of membrane insertion, enabling selective killing of bacteria based on membrane properties.
This approach could reduce off-target effects and resistance development.
=> A novel paradigm for antibiotic design ?
Siderophore-Pt(IV) Conjugates as Tools to Probe Cytoplasmic Cargo Delivery to Gram-Negative Bacteria.
Motz RN, Walker GT, Norton GJ, Raffatellu M, Nolan EM.
J Am Chem Soc. 2026 Jan 19.
doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c17001.
PMID: 41554091
Chemical synthesis + microbiology => siderophore-Pt(IV) conjugates are internalized by Gram-negative bacteria via iron uptake pathways, delivering Pt(IV) to the cytoplasm.
This “Trojan horse” strategy bypasses OM barriers and could be adapted for antibiotic delivery.
Proteoliposomes containing ATPase as microreactors to mimic microbial metabolism for bioenergy synthesis.
Meng X, Xu Y, Jia Y, Shu R, Li Z, Li J.
J Colloid Interface Sci. 2026 Feb 16;712:140124.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140124.
PMID: 41730821
Bioengineering + synthetic biology => proteoliposomes containing ATPase act as microreactors, coupling ATP hydrolysis to bioenergetic reactions.
Mimic microbial metabolism and can be used for bioenergy synthesis or biosensing, a step toward artificial cells for energy applications.
De Novo Design of Protein Nanopores: From Minimal Peptides to AI-Driven Design.
Vorobieva AA, Samanta R, Thillo TV.
Chem Rev. 2026 Jul 20.
doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5c00990.
PMID: 42475171
Review of nanopore design => from minimal peptide-based pores to AI-driven de novo design of protein nanopores with tailored size, selectivity, and gating properties.
Applications in sensing, sequencing, and synthetic biology.
Predicting membrane protein localization by deep learning on structure and chemistry.
Pokhrel B, Munley C, Pedraza M, Lyman E.
Protein Sci. 2026 Sep;35(9):e70747.
doi: 10.1002/pro.70747.
PMID: 42560024
Deep learning + structural biology => a model that predicts MP localization from primary sequence, structure, and chemical properties.
Identification of subcellular compartments and membrane types.
Predicting Biomolecular Interactions in the Next Decade: Physics-Based Methods Meet AI-Driven Approaches.
Khalil R, Frasnetti E, Kurt H, Hameduh T, Athar M, Colombo G, Vargiu AV.
J Phys Chem Lett. 2026 Jul 17.
doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.6c01412.
PMID: 42464806
Perspective on computational biology: predicting biomolecular interactions lies in combining physics-based methods (e.g., MD simulations) with AI-driven approaches (e.g., deep learning).
Hybrid methods can capture both physical principles and complex patterns in data.
Bottom-up reconstitution of model membrane systems: a mini-review.
Meena H, Wibowo K, De Franceschi N.
Biochem Soc Trans. 2026 Jul 29;54(7):949-958.
doi: 10.1042/BST20250291.
PMID: 42460640
Mini-review of bottom-up reconstitution.
Assembly of model membrane systems from purified components enables controlled studies of lipid-protein interactions (tuned for composition, curvature, and complexity to mimic cellular membranes).
Microbio
Mutation-driven alterations in the AcrB efflux pump modulate antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Dinata R, Baindara P, Chakraborty S, Mondal S, Mandal SM.
J Antimicrob Chemother. 2026 Aug 4;81(9):dkag270.
doi: 10.1093/jac/dkag270.
PMID: 42554209.
Genetic analysis + antimicrobial susceptibility testing => mutations in AcrB alter its substrate specificity and transport efficiency, modulating antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae.
Some mutations expand the drug resistance profile, while others reduce pump activity: insights into the evolution of efflux-mediated resistance.
Targeting efflux pumps prevents the multi-step evolution of high-level resistance to fluoroquinolone in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Yu X-Q, Yang H, Feng H-Z, Hou J, Tian J-Q, Niu S-M, You C-G, Tao X-Y, Zhang S-P, Wang Z-P, He Y-X.
Microbiol Spectr. 2025 Apr;13(4):e0298124.
doi: 10.1128/spectrum.02981-24.
PMID: 39982069
Evolution experiments + EPIs => targeting efflux pumps (e.g., with inhibitors or deletions) prevents the multi-step evolution of high-level fluoroquinolone resistance in P. aeruginosa. This blocks the accumulation of resistance mutations, maintaining antibiotic susceptibility.
Characterization of tmexCD-toprJ-harboring plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae: insights into the molecular epidemiology of tigecycline resistance.
Liu Y, Wang Z, Jian Z, Liu P, Yan Q, Liu W.
Microbiol Spectr. 2026 Aug 21:e0068926.
doi: 10.1128/spectrum.00689-26.
PMID: 42627181.
Plasmid sequencing + epidemiological analysis => the tmexCD-toprJ plasmid, encoding a RND efflux pump, is a major driver of tigecycline resistance in K. pneumoniae.
The plasmid is highly transmissible and often co-carries other resistance genes.
The Resistance-Nodulation-Division efflux pump EefABC is highly conserved within lineages of E. coli commonly associated with infection.
Pugh HL, Darby EM, Burgess L, Colclough AL, John AM, Dunn S, Connor C, Perry EA, McNally A, Bavro VN, Blair JMA.
Microb Genom. 2026 Jan;12(1).
doi: 10.1099/mgen.0.001593.
PMID: 41521891
Comparative genomics + phylogenetics => the EefABC RND efflux pump is highly conserved in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli lineages.
Its presence correlates with virulence and antibiotic resistance, suggesting a role in niche adaptation.
Analysis of drug resistance mediated by the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump system in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.
Zhao H, Shao Q, Yan Y, Mu G, Kong L.
J Appl Microbiol. 2026 Jan 9;137(1):lxaf312.
doi: 10.1093/jambio/lxaf312.
PMID: 41489466
Microbiology + resistance profiling => AcrAB-TolC is a major determinant of multidrug resistance in avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC).
The pump confers resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, complicating treatment.
Fosfomycin at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration impairs biofilm and efflux pump activity in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.
Moustafa MW, El-Banna TE, Sonbol FI, El-Bouseary MM.
BMC Microbiol. 2026 Feb 9;26(1):162.
doi: 10.1186/s12866-026-04720-6.
PMID: 41663922
Biofilm assays + efflux pump activity measurements => sub-MIC fosfomycin disrupts biofilm formation and reduces efflux pump activity in MDR K. pneumoniae.
=> sensitizes bacteria to other antibiotics and impairs virulence.
Mutational analysis of multidrug efflux pump (AcrAB-TolC) in Enterobacter cloacae isolates from clinical samples.
Akbar S, Khan SA, Khan MA, Asim N, Hamayun M.
Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 13;16(1):22400.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-53813-9.
PMID: 42288528
Genetic sequencing + antimicrobial susceptibility testing => mutations in AcrAB-TolC efflux pump components alter its activity and substrate profile in clinical E. cloacae isolates.
Some mutations enhance resistance, while others reduce pump function.
Multiple TonB-dependent transport systems in Helicobacter pylori.
Loh JT, Okoye CD, Kunkle DE, McDonald WH, McClain MS, Skaar EP, Cover TL.
Infect Immun. 2026 Jul 14;94(7):e0001826.
doi: 10.1128/iai.00018-26.
PMID: 42240403
Genomic analysis + functional assays => H. pylori encodes multiple TBDT systems for iorn acquisition, each with distinct substrate specificities. These systems are essential for colonization and virulence in the host
Targeted isolation of TolC-dependent phages reveals dual strategies for combating multidrug-resistant avian Escherichia coli: from evolutionary trade-offs to antibiotic synergy.
Luo X, Wu Y, Ming Y, Wang J, Ma Z, Zhang A, Hu S.
Front Microbiol. 2026 Jul 14;17:1868543.
doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1868543.
PMID: 42523805
Phage isolation + antimicrobial assays => TolC-dependent phages can infect and kill multidrug-resistant avian E. coli, exploiting the efflux pump as a receptor.
These phages also exhibit synergy with antibiotics, enhancing bacterial killing.
TolC Is Required for a Mixed-Linkage β-Glucan (MLG) Biosynthesis: Engineering Bacteria for MLG Overproduction.
Ruiz-Sáez L, Pacheco PJ, Peinado J, Lloret J, Muñoz S, Sanjuán J, Pérez-Mendoza D. Microb Biotechnol. 2026 Aug;19(8):e70424.
doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.70424.
PMID: 42552791
Metabolic engineering + genetic knockouts => TolC is also required for the biosynthesis of mixed-linkage β-glucans (MLGs) in certain bacteria.
Overexpression of TolC or its partners enhances MLG production, enabling bacterial factories for this polysaccharide.
Miscellaneous
Bizarre CRISPR enzyme kills cancer cells by shredding their DNA.
Ledford H.
Nature. 2026 Jul 24.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02268-z.
PMID: 42498810.
seek-and-destroy approach could be used to kill tumours that express mutant proteins that have been difficult to target using conventional medicines. “This is basically a programmable chemotherapy,” says molecular biologist Yang Liu.
Moderna cancer vaccine stops melanoma returning: what’s next for personalized treatments?
Fieldhouse R, Basu M.
Nature. 2026 Aug 20.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02612-3.
PMID: 42625040.
Moderna’s personalized cancer vaccine, tailored to a patient’s tumor mutations, prevents melanoma recurrence in clinical trials. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, offering long-term protection.
A controversial Alzheimer’s surgery is said to reverse symptoms – here’s what scientists know.
Dolgin E.
Nature. 2026 Aug;656(8127):286-289.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02448-x.
PMID: 42587122.
A controversial surgical procedure, involving the implantation of a device to drain amyloid-beta from the brain, is claimed to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in some patients. However, the scientific community remains skeptical due to limited evidence and potential risks.
Researchers are building computers that run on brain organoids – but have neglected a major ethical issue.
Salem NS, Fu J, Guo F, Kadmon J, Revah O, Reiner O, Hyun I.
Nature. 2026 Jul;655(8125):1132-1134.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02316-8.
PMID: 42509382.
Researchers are developing computers that use brain organoids as biological processors, but ethical concerns (e.g., consciousness, rights, consent) have been largely ignored.
The authors call for proactive ethical frameworks to guide this emerging field.
Dynamic remodeling of membrane proteins for temperature adaptation in oysters.
Du MY, Wang CG, Pang MQ, Shi CC, Chen JC, Jiang ZX, Wang M, Cong RH, Wang W, Zhang GF, Li L.
Zool Res. 2026 Jul 18;47(4):1369-1386.
doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2025.468.
PMID: 42533586
Proteomics + lipidomics => oysters dynamically remodel their MP composition and lipid profiles in response to temperature changes. These adaptations maintain membrane fluidity and protein function under thermal stress.
These trees are making air quality in cities worse.
Basu M.
Nature. 2026 Aug 20.
doi: 10.1038/d41586-026-02586-2.
PMID: 42625036.
Some of the species of trees planted in urban areas — species that are often chosen for their quick growth and climate resilience — have an unfortunate downside: they emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to ozone pollution.
Building scientific communities for the future of the molecular life sciences: The role of FEBS.
De la Rosa MA.
Trends Biochem Sci. 2026 Aug;51(8):749-751.
doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2026.06.007.
PMID: 42561906
The Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) plays a crucial role in building scientific communities, fostering collaboration, and supporting early-career researchers. Miguel de la Rosa, its secretary general, argues for the importance of such organizations in advancing the molecular life sciences.
Effect of a 3D cell membrane model combined with an interactive online platform on health students’ learning of cellular physiology.
Rosa ACSD, Martinez GA, Souza ACPV, Marinho NGN, Dias LA, Rocha CFKD, Mello-Carpes PB.
Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Aug 6.
doi: 10.1152/advan.00267.2025.
PMID: 42562784
a 3D cell membrane model combined with an interactive online platform significantly improves health students’ understanding of cellular physiology. It enhances spatial reasoning and engagement compared to traditional 2D diagrams.
New snake species named in honor of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash
Laura Baisas
Popular Science
Published Aug 20, 2026 4:09 PM EDT
A new species of snake from Panama, Enulius slash, has been named in honor of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The snake’s distinctive dark stripe resembles the guitarist’s iconic top hat
🤘🎸🔫🥀 🎩🤘.