E. Procko

Deep mutational scanning reveals sequence to function constraints for SWEET family transporters

This study uses deep mutational scanning to analyze sequence-function relationships in the plant SWEET transporter AtSWEET13, identifying mutations that enhance transport function and revealing constraints in transmembrane helix 4.

The Sequence Basis for Selectivity of Ephrin-B2 Ligand for Eph Receptors and Pathogenic Henipavirus G Glycoproteins

This paper identifies sequence changes in Ephrin-B2 that enhance its binding to henipavirus glycoproteins over Eph receptors, enabling the design of neutralizing decoy receptors.

Multiple mechanisms of self-association of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 demonstrated by deep mutagenesis

This study identifies multiple mechanisms of self-association in CXCR4 and CCR5 using deep mutagenesis and BiFC screening, revealing distinct regions critical for dimerization and functional outcomes.

An engineered ACE2 decoy receptor can be administered by inhalation and potently targets the BA.1 and BA.2 omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2

Machine learning guided design of high affinity ACE2 decoys for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization

The paper uses machine learning to design high-affinity ACE2 decoys for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization, identifying double mutants with binding affinity comparable to a previously known triple mutant.

Engineered High-Affinity ACE2 Peptide Mitigates ARDS and Death Induced by Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants

This study shows an engineered ACE2 peptide effectively mitigates ARDS and death in mice infected with multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Structural rearrangement of the intracellular gate of the serotonin transporter induced by Thr276 phosphorylation

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that Thr276 phosphorylation reduces free energy barriers for SERT to transition to the inward-facing state, enhancing serotonin transport.

A Tethered Ligand Assay to Probe SARS-CoV-2:ACE2 Interactions

This paper introduces a tethered ligand assay to study SARS-CoV-2:ACE2 interactions under mechanical force, showing higher stability and lower dissociation rates compared to SARS-CoV-1.

Deep Mutagenesis of a Transporter for Uptake of a Non-Native Substrate Identifies Conformationally Dynamic Regions

This study uses deep mutagenesis to identify mutations enhancing APP+ import by SERT, revealing conformational dynamics and mutationally tolerant regions along the permeation pathway.

Stretch-activated ion channels identified in the touch-sensitive structures of carnivorous Droseraceae plants

The paper identifies a stretch-activated ion channel in touch-sensitive trigger hairs of carnivorous Droseraceae plants, suggesting it evolved from ancestral mechanosensitive channels.

An engineered decoy receptor for SARS-CoV-2 broadly binds protein S sequence variants

The paper tests an engineered decoy receptor's ability to bind SARS-CoV-2 variants and finds it remains effective against emerging mutations.

TAPBPR Promotes Antigen Loading on MHC-I Molecules Using a Peptide Trap

This study identifies the role of TAPBPR's 16-residue loop in promoting peptide loading on MHC-I by acting as a kinetic trap, not by competing with incoming peptides.

The sequence of human ACE2 is suboptimal for binding the S spike protein of SARS coronavirus 2

The paper identifies ACE2 variants with enhanced binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using deep mutagenesis, offering a blueprint for designing high-affinity blockers of viral entry.

Molecular determinants of chaperone interactions on MHC-I for folding and antigen repertoire selection

This paper identifies molecular determinants of TAPBPR chaperone interactions with MHC-I molecules, showing that conformational dynamics and disulfide bonds influence recognition and antigen repertoire selection.