Zixin Deng

Nov 5, 2024 | nature.com | Susu Jiang |Chao Chen |Zixin Deng |Lianrong Wang |Lixu Jiang

AbstractDNA degradation (Dnd) is a widespread bacterial antiphage defence system that relies on DNA phosphorothioate (PT) modification for self/non-self discrimination and subsequent degradation of unmodified DNA. Phages employ counterstrategies to evade host immunity, but anti-Dnd immunity has not been characterized. Here we report an immune evasion protein encoded by the Salmonella phage JSS1 that contributes to subverting Dnd and other defence systems.

Feb 22, 2024 | nature.com | Zixin Deng

AbstractSelenium is an essential multifunctional trace element in diverse organisms. The only Se-glycosyltransferase identified that catalyzes the incorporation of selenium in selenoneine biosynthesis is SenB from Variovorax paradoxus. Although the biochemical function of SenB has been investigated, its substrate specificity, structure, and catalytic mechanism have not been elucidated.