K. Okada

Active Microtubule-Actin Crosstalk Mediated by a Nesprin-2G-Kinesin Complex

This study identifies N2G as an F-actin bundler and kinesin-1 activator that mediates active microtubule-actin crosstalk, crucial for nuclear positioning.

Evolutionary conserved cis-trans regulation machinery for diterpenoid phytoalexin production in Poaceae

The paper investigates the regulatory mechanisms of diterpenoid phytoalexin production in wild rice, identifying DPF and N-boxes as key cis-trans regulators conserved across species.

Evolution and diversification of the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster in the genus Oryza

The paper reconstructs the evolution and sub-functionalization of the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster in Oryza species using comparative genomics.

Tumor-wide RNA splicing aberrations generate immunogenic public neoantigens

The paper identifies tumor-wide splicing aberrations that generate public neoantigens, enabling T-cell-based immunotherapies targeting intratumoral heterogeneity.

Neutralizing antibody responses and cellular responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron subvariant BA.5 after an mRNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine dose in kidney transplant recipients

This study evaluates antibody and cellular immune responses in kidney transplant recipients after three mRNA vaccine doses, finding lower neutralizing titers and T cell responses compared to healthy controls.

Seed size control via phloem end by callose deposition/degradation of β-1,3-glucanase

The paper identifies a mechanism for seed size regulation through callose deposition/degradation at the phloem end of the ovule, mediated by β-1,3-glucanase genes.

Defense-related callose synthase PMR4 promotes root hair callose deposition and adaptation to phosphate deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana

This study identifies PMR4 callose synthase as essential for root hair callose deposition under phosphate deficiency, improving Pi acquisition and plant growth.

Renal tubular function and morphology revealed in kidney without labeling using three-dimensional dynamic optical coherence tomography

This study uses 3D dynamic OCT to image renal tubule function and morphology in normal and obstructed mouse kidneys without labeling.

Conserved Roles for the Dynein Intermediate Chain and Ndel1 in Assembly and Activation of Dynein

This study identifies conserved roles of dynein intermediate chain and Ndel1 in dynein-dynactin-adapter complex assembly and activation through structural and functional analyses.

Horizontal Transfers Lead to the Birth of Momilactone Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Grass

This study shows that horizontal gene transfer created momilactone biosynthetic gene clusters in grasses, with subsequent gene recruitment and loss shaping their evolution.

Iron treatment induces defense responses and disease resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae in rice

This study shows that high iron treatment enhances rice resistance to M. oryzae by increasing phytoalexin production and defense gene expression.

Seasonal variations of 137Cs concentration in freshwater charr through uptake and metabolism in 1-2 years after the Fukushima accident

This study examines seasonal variations in 137Cs concentrations in freshwater charr, linking them to prey availability and metabolic rates at Fukushima and Gunma sites post-Fukushima accident.

Natural selection reverses the exaggeration of a male sexually selected trait, which increases female fitness.

The paper uses experimental evolution to show that male-specific predation reduces exaggerated male traits in beetles, indirectly increasing female fitness through genetic correlations.

A Highly Conserved 310-Helix Within the Kinesin Motor Domain is Critical for Kinesin Function and Human Health.

This study identifies a conserved 310-helix in KIF1A critical for motor function and human health, showing that the P305L mutation disrupts microtubule association and motor performance.