A. Kitamura

Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant interacts with actin

This study shows the Omicron variant's spike protein RBD binds more strongly to hACE2 and interacts with actin, suggesting potential changes in viral entry mechanisms.

Stress granule dysfunction via chromophore-associated light inactivation

This study demonstrates that chromophore-associated light inactivation (CALI) can inactivate stress granules in live cells, affecting cell viability during recovery from hyperosmotic stress.

Light-induced condensates show accumulation-prone and less dynamic properties in the nucleus compared to the cytoplasm.

The paper compares the accumulation and dynamic properties of light-induced condensates in the nucleus and cytoplasm using fluorescence imaging techniques.

Intracellular conformation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-causative TDP-43

This study uses FRET and FCS to analyze the conformation and interactions of TDP-43 in live cells, revealing structural changes in ALS-associated mutants.

Increased intracellular crowding during hyperosmotic stress

The paper uses FLIM and FCS to measure intracellular crowding changes during hyperosmotic stress and finds eGFP fluorescence lifetime and diffusion are early indicators of increased macromolecular crowding.

Short repeat RNA reduces cytotoxicity by preventing the aggregation of TDP-43 and its 25 kDa carboxy-terminal fragment

The paper identifies short RNA repeats that reduce TDP-43 and TDP25 aggregation and cytotoxicity without altering the transcriptome.

Interaction between spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and human virus receptor ACE2 using two-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy

This study uses two-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy to analyze the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit and human ACE2, showing stronger binding of SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV and one-to-one stoichiometry.

Molecular basis of functional compatibility between ezrin and other actin-membrane associated proteins during cytokinesis

This study investigates how ezrin interacts with actin-membrane proteins during cytokinesis, revealing differential compatibility in their binding sites and functional roles.