K. Shankar

Virus-free CRISPR knock-in of a chimeric antigen receptor into KLRC1 generates potent GD2-specific natural killer cells

This study uses CRISPR to disrupt an inhibitory receptor in NK cells and insert a GD2-targeting CAR, creating potent NK cells against GD2+ melanoma.

Giardia intestinalis deoxyadenosine kinase has a unique tetrameric structure that enables high substrate affinity and makes the parasite sensitive to deoxyadenosine analogues

This paper characterizes Giardia intestinalis deoxyadenosine kinase, showing it forms a tetramer with high substrate affinity and sensitivity to deoxyadenosine analogues, making it a potential drug target.

VCD-induced menopause mouse model reveals reprogramming of hepatic metabolism

This study uses a VCD-induced menopause mouse model to show that ovarian loss disrupts hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid homeostasis, increasing susceptibility to diet-induced obesity and steatosis.

In vitro reconstitution reveals membrane clustering and RNA recruitment by the enteroviral AAA+ ATPase 2C

This study reconstitutes the membrane clustering and RNA recruitment functions of the enteroviral 2C protein in vitro, revealing its roles in viral replication and challenging its helicase function.

Chemogenetic inhibition of IST1-CHMP1B interaction impairs endosomal recycling and promotes unconventional LC3 lipidation at stalled endosomes

This study inhibits the IST1-CHMP1B interaction in ESCRT-III, impairing endosomal recycling and inducing unconventional LC3 lipidation at stalled endosomes.

Membrane-assisted assembly and selective autophagy of enteroviruses

This study uses cryo-electron tomography to show poliovirus assembles on replication membranes and uses autophagy for release, with selectivity for RNA-loaded virions.

Production and characterization of virus-free, CRISPR-CAR T cells capable of inducing solid tumor regression

This study produces and tests virus-free CRISPR-CAR T cells that effectively regress solid tumors in vivo.

Leptin protects against the development and expression of cocaine addiction-like behavior in heterogenous stock rats

This study shows that baseline blood leptin levels predict reduced vulnerability to cocaine addiction-like behavior, and exogenous leptin reduces cocaine seeking in rats.

A Two-Step Bioreactor for Lung Recellularization

This paper introduces a two-step bioreactor for lung recellularization that improves cell distribution and growth compared to traditional methods.

Microstructural meal pattern analysis reveals that nicotine is a potent anti-anorectic drug despite producing long-term anorexigenic effects

This study shows nicotine initially increases feeding but leads to long-term reduced food intake, challenging the view of nicotine as an anorexigenic drug.

The Influence of Aging and Mechanical Stretch in Alveolar Epithelium ER Stress and Inflammation

This study investigates how aging and mechanical stretch increase ER stress and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells, showing that 4-PBA reduces these effects.