D. Fernandez

Increased epithelial mTORC1 activity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

The paper identifies increased mTORC1 activity in CRSwNP epithelial cells and links it to cytokine production and inflammation in both CRSwNP and asthma.

Photoswitchable binders enable temporal dissection of endogenous protein function

This paper introduces photoswitchable DARPins (psDARPins) for optical control of endogenous protein function, demonstrating their use in inhibiting ERK and Ras and studying EGFR to ERK signaling.

Prevalence of mango postharvest Stem-end rot disease in Cote d'Ivoire and identification of fungal pathogens associated

This study evaluates the prevalence and fungal pathogens of mango Stem-end rot disease in Cote d'Ivoire, finding Lasiodiplodia species as the most common pathogen.

Design of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors with improved affinity and reduced sensitivity to mutations

This study designs a SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor with improved affinity and reduced mutation sensitivity compared to existing drugs.

Lasiodiplodia species associated with mango (Mangifera indica L.) decline in Burkina Faso and influence of climatic factors on the disease distribution

Structure-guided stabilization improves the ability of the HIV-1 gp41 hydrophobic pocket to elicit neutralizing antibodies

This study shows that stabilizing the HIV-1 gp41 hydrophobic pocket with a modified peptide improves antibody response and neutralizing activity against HIV-1.

Human neutralizing antibodies to cold linear epitopes and to subdomain 1 of SARS-CoV-2

The paper identifies broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants using coldspot-guided antibody discovery.

Peritubular macrophages phagocyte remains of undifferentiated spermatogonia in mouse testis

The paper shows that peritubular macrophages in adult mouse testis phagocytose apoptotic undifferentiated spermatogonia, contributing to their removal similar to Sertoli cells.

Modeling the evolutionary history of nonclassical monocytes in mammals

This study models the evolutionary history of nonclassical monocytes, finding their production is unique to mammals.

Nuanced role for dendritic cell intrinsic IRE1 RNase in the regulation of antitumor adaptive immunity.

This study shows that IRE1 RNase activity in tumor-associated dendritic cells regulates antitumor immunity, with XBP1s deficiency leading to increased tumor growth and impaired T cell responses.

Planktonic protist diversity across contrasting Subtropical and Subantarctic waters of the southwest Pacific

This study characterizes planktonic protist diversity across Subtropical and Subantarctic waters in the southwest Pacific, revealing taxonomic preferences and spatial variability in protist communities.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Inhibition of In Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Oleandrin

This paper tests oleandrin's antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, showing potent prophylactic and therapeutic effects with high dose reductions in viral production.

Structure-aided development of small molecule inhibitors of ENPP1, the extracellular phosphodiesterase of the immunotransmitter cGAMP

This study develops small molecule ENPP1 inhibitors with sub-nanomolar potency and demonstrates their efficacy in delaying tumor growth in a breast cancer model.

Early-Career Coordinated Distributed Experiments: Empowerment Through Collaboration

This paper analyzes the benefits and challenges of a coordinated distributed experiment led by early-career researchers and provides recommendations for successful execution.

STING polymer structure reveals mechanisms for activation, hyperactivation, and inhibition

This study reveals how STING is activated, hyperactivated, and inhibited through structural and biochemical analysis of its polymerization mechanisms.