L. Davidson

Oncogenic PIK3CA corrupts growth factor signaling specificity

The paper uses single-cell analyses to show that oncogenic PIK3CAH1047R reduces IGF1 signaling specificity and enhances EGF responses, leading to increased phenotypic heterogeneity.

Shear stress and very low levels of ligand synergize toactivate ALK1 signaling in endothelial cells

The paper investigates how shear stress and low ALK1 ligand levels synergize to activate ALK1 signaling in endothelial cells, revealing kinase activity and endocytosis as critical factors.

Assessing mechanical agency during apical apoptotic cell extrusion

This study develops a biophysical model to assess the role of autonomous and non-autonomous factors in apical apoptotic cell extrusion in zebrafish tail fin epithelia, finding that autonomous processes are major contributors.

Screening for variable drug responses using human iPSC cohorts

The paper develops a drug screening platform using hiPSC lines from different donors to predict variable drug responses and mechanisms, showing potential for improving drug safety across diverse genetic backgrounds.

T-cell cellular stress and reticulocyte signatures, but not loss of naive T lymphocytes, characterize severe COVID-19 in older adults

The paper identifies T-cell stress and reticulocyte signatures as markers of severe COVID-19 in older adults, while showing naive T-cell decline is age-related, not disease-specific.

The gut microbiome has sexually dimorphic effects on bone tissue energy metabolism and multiscale bone quality in C57BL/6J mice

This study shows that the gut microbiome affects bone metabolism and quality differently in male and female mice, with sex-specific changes in metabolism, mineralization, and biomechanics.

Identification of SUMO targets required to maintain human stem cells in the pluripotent state.

This study identifies SUMO targets critical for maintaining human pluripotency by using a SUMO inhibitor and SUMOylation site mapping in hiPSCs.

Large, long range tensile forces drive convergence during Xenopus blastopore closure and body axis elongation

The paper demonstrates that tensile forces from convergent thickening and extension drive blastopore closure in Xenopus, with CT alone sufficient for closure in ventralized embryos.