Researchers reported structural and mechanistic characterization of NrdR, a bacterial transcriptional regulator that controls ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) expression and thus dNTP supply for DNA synthesis. The study elucidated how NrdR senses nucleotide levels and modulates RNR transcription, identifying regulatory interfaces that differ from eukaryotic systems and could be selectively targeted. Because RNR activity is essential for DNA replication, the NrdR–RNR axis represents a potential selective antibacterial vulnerability. The research highlights opportunities to design inhibitors that disrupt bacterial nucleotide homeostasis without affecting human homologs.