Kai Zhang

MorphoProt: RNA-Conditioned Integration of Multiscale Histology for Spatial Protein Inference

MorphoProt predicts spatial protein abundance using RNA expression, multiscale histology, and tissue neighborhoods, outperforming baselines in human and mouse tissues.

Circuit regulation along an activity continuum shapes flexible and stable representations during learning

The paper identifies mechanisms in the medial entorhinal cortex that balance representational flexibility and stability during learning through excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity dynamics.

Asymmetric flagellar filaments shape Borreliella burgdorferi morphology and motility

This study reveals how asymmetric FlaA sheath assembly in Borreliella burgdorferi flagella influences morphology and motility through structural and genetic analyses.

A molecular clutch governs stator engagement and flagellar torque

The paper identifies a molecular clutch mechanism in Borrelia burgdorferi flagellar motors that controls stator engagement and torque generation through distinct conformational states.

Ref(2)P/p62 protein pleomorphism confers tissue-specific function

One Drosophila Ref(2)P polypeptide takes different structures in midgut and muscle, driving autophagy or mitochondria-associated degradation; deleting disordered region IDR2 switches muscle Ref(2)P to midgut state.

Lineage Tracing Reveals a Shared Cellular Origin for Supraclavicular Brown and Inguinal Beige Adipocytes

This study identifies a shared cellular origin for supraclavicular brown adipocytes and beige adipocytes in inguinal white adipose tissue through lineage tracing.

The P3018S disease variant reveals how dynein's trailing motor sets ensemble velocity.

The paper investigates how the P3018S mutation in dynein affects its function, revealing that the trailing motor in multi-dynein assemblies dictates ensemble velocity.

Reconstructing True 3D Spatial Omics at Single-Cell Resolution

This paper introduces a computational framework for true 3D spatial reconstruction of tissues, demonstrating improved fidelity over 2D methods across multiple spatial omics modalities.

A MinD-like ATPase couples flagellation and cell division in spirochetes

This paper identifies FlhG, a MinD-like ATPase, as a spatial regulator coupling flagellar assembly to cytokinesis in Borrelia burgdorferi, revealing how spirochetes coordinate flagellation with cell division.

FAM19A4 Enhances Neutrophil Respiratory Burst via p38 MAPK in Lethal Sepsis

This study shows FAM19A4 increases neutrophil ROS production via p38 MAPK in sepsis, worsening outcomes and suggesting it as a therapeutic target.

Gain-of-function study reveals the pleiotropic roles of serine protease HtrA in Borrelia burgdorferi

This study identifies the regulatory mechanisms of BbHtrA in Borrelia burgdorferi, showing its critical roles in motility, stress response, and virulence gene expression.

A consistent map in the medial entorhinal cortex supports spatial memory

The paper shows that a consistent spatial map in the medial entorhinal cortex is necessary for successful spatial memory in mice.

Expression and molecular regulation of key genes during adipogenesis of neural crest stem cells

The paper identifies key genes involved in NCSC adipogenesis through mRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and RNAi, revealing a positive feedback loop between C/EBPβ and PPARγ.

Identification of DNA motifs that regulate DNA methylation

The paper identifies DNA motifs associated with methylation and unmethylation and shows their functional relevance in DNA methylation regulation and cancer.

E-cadherin bridges cell polarity and spindle orientation to ensure prostate epithelial integrity and prevent carcinogenesis in vivo

This study shows that E-cadherin connects cell polarity and spindle orientation in prostate epithelial cells, preventing carcinogenesis.

Plant diversity accurately predicts insect diversity in two tropical landscapes

The paper uses metabarcoding to show plant diversity accurately predicts insect diversity in two tropical landscapes, supporting their use as proxies for conservation and ecological monitoring.

Whole-genome sequencing of an advanced case of small-cell gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma

This study performs whole-genome sequencing on an advanced case of small-cell gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma to identify genetic alterations and potential biomarkers.

Systematic identification of cooperation between DNA binding proteins in 3D space

The paper introduces a method to identify both cis- and trans-cooperation between DNA-binding proteins using ChIP-seq and Hi-C data, revealing new insights into 3D chromosomal interactions.

Gctf: real-time CTF determination and correction

This paper introduces Gctf, a GPU-accelerated tool for real-time CTF determination and correction in cryoEM, improving speed and accuracy for near-atomic resolution.