Publications

host-pathogen interactions: proline gives insect pathogens the green light.

how does a quiescent symbiont of a nematode worm know when to turn nasty? metabolic analysis and genetic knockouts confirm that model insect pathogens can sense l-proline in insect blood. this not only serves as a wake-up call, activating secondary metabolite virulence factors, but also provides an energy source for a metabolic shift appropriate for adaptation to the host environment.