D. Ren

Direct delivery of Cas9 or base editor protein and guide RNA complex enables genome editing in the retina

This study delivers Cas9 or base editor RNP complexes directly to retinal cells, achieving gene editing in photoreceptors and RPE, but with toxicity at high concentrations.

Mimicking Kidney Flow Shear Efficiently Induces Aggregation of LECT2, a Protein Involved in Renal Amyloidosis

This study shows that kidney-like flow shear in microfluidic devices efficiently induces LECT2 aggregation, with the I40V mutation enhancing fibril formation and aggregate size.

Disulfiram Exerts anti-pulmonary Fibrosis Effect by Activating PGE2 Synthesis

This study shows that Disulfiram reduces pulmonary fibrosis by reactivating COX-2-mediated PGE2 synthesis in both cell and animal models.

The SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein Orf3a is not an ion channel, but does interact with trafficking proteins

This paper shows SARS-CoV-2 Orf3a is not an ion channel but interacts with trafficking proteins, while SARS-CoV-1 Orf3a does not.

Piezo2 expressing nociceptors mediate mechanical sensitization in experimental osteoarthritis

This study shows that Piezo2 is essential for mechanical pain sensitization in osteoarthritis, as Piezo2-deficient mice are protected from mechanical hypersensitivity in two models.

Systemic and local immune response to intraocular AAV vector administration in non-human primates

This study examines immune responses to intraocular AAV vector administration in non-human primates, finding pre-existing antibodies correlate with post-injection antibody levels and inflammation.

New insights into the earlier evolutionary history of epiphytic macrolichens

The paper identifies a Jurassic fossil as an epiphytic macrolichen, suggesting macrolichen diversity predates the Cenozoic diversification of extant lineages.

Ovipositor and mouthparts in a fossil insect support a novel ecological role for early orthopterans in Pennsylvanian forests

The paper describes a new lobeattid insect species from the Pennsylvanian period, revealing its morphology and ecological role as an omnivorous ground egg-layer with a specialized ovipositor.

Epilepsy-associated Mutations in the Calcium-sensing Receptor Disrupt the Regulation of NALCN Sodium-leak Channel by Extracellular Calcium in Neurons

This study shows that CaSR mutations linked to epilepsy disrupt CaSR's regulation of NALCN sodium-leak channels in neurons, affecting neuronal excitability.