Whole-genome sequencing reveals the remarkable extent of horizontally moving genetic material in naturally competent Vibrio cholerae after a prey-killing DNA acquisition process.

A quorum-sensing-controlled program of multicellularity, aggregation, is identified in Vibrio cholerae, which may be important for transitions between the marine niche and the human host.

Biofilm matrix protein RbmA controls biofilm architecture through binary structural switching and exopolysaccharide binding.

A structural switch controls the architecture of Vibrio cholerae biofilms by mediating the interactions between two matrix components.

Bacterial viruses are an unexpected ‘third party’ that imposes a strong predatory pressure on a bacterial pathogen during the natural course of infection in humans.

Bacterial cytoplasmic chemoreceptors assemble into a sandwich of two hexagonally packed arrays.

RNA degradation is completed through specific intermediates, such as diribonucleotides, which must be removed from the cells by a specific enzyme.

Both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria can use their sheathed flagella during host colonization as a novel toxin-/signal-delivery mechanism.