Grove Lab

We are focusing on how proteins bind to DNA to control cellular function, including processes such as DNA repair, gene expression, and bacterial virulence.

Our research focuses on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins that change DNA packing to regulate events such as gene expression and DNA repair. We focus on the eukaryotic HMGB proteins and bacterial HU and Dps. Another main focus is on bacterial transcription factors that belong to the MarR family and their roles in stress responses and virulence.

The transcription factor CwiR is important for envelope integrity in Burkholderia thailandensis - BMC Microbiology

10/23/2026

The latest from Sarmin and Ahmed - characterization of a B. thailandensis transcription factor that is important for antibiotic resistance:

The transcription factor CwiR is important for envelope integrity in Burkholderia thailandensis - BMC Microbiology Background The bacterial cell envelope, particularly the outer membrane of Gram-negative species, is essential for survival and intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. However, the regulatory mechanisms that maintain envelope integrity have only been partially elucidated. Members of the genus Burkholde...

The Agrobacterium fabrum efflux pump PecM serves as a critical metabolic relief valve to maintain cellular homeostasis | mSphere

10/10/2026

The latest from Arpita and Ahmed on the importance of efflux pumps!

The Agrobacterium fabrum efflux pump PecM serves as a critical metabolic relief valve to maintain cellular homeostasis | mSphere Efflux pumps often receive attention in the context of protecting bacteria from environmental toxins such as antibiotics. However, they are also important for exporting metabolic intermediates that may otherwise disrupt cellular processes. Bacterial metabolism of aromatic compounds can generate 4-hy...

Modest Changes in Extracellular Impose Metabolic and Envelope Remodeling in

09/30/2026

Congrats to Ahmed and Sarmin!
Their paper showing what happens to B. thailandensis when it encounters a different pH in the environment has appeared online:

Modest Changes in Extracellular Impose Metabolic and Envelope Remodeling in Using quantitative proteomics and transcriptomics, we characterized the response of Burkholderia thailandensis to physiologically relevant shifts from pH 7.0 to mildly acidic or alkaline conditions. ...