M. Conrad

Kidney tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis links glomerular injury to tubulointerstitial pathology in lupus nephritis

This study shows ferroptosis occurs in kidney tubules of lupus nephritis patients and mice, and a drug can reduce it, suggesting new treatment options.

Selenocysteine metabolism is a targetable vulnerability in MYCN-amplified cancers

This study identifies LRP8 as a targetable vulnerability in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma by showing its role in selenocysteine import and resistance to ferroptosis.

NFE2L1-mediated proteasome function protects from ferroptosis

This study identifies NFE2L1 as a regulator of proteasome function that protects cells from ferroptosis, with implications for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The crystal structure of the varicella zoster Orf24-Orf27 nuclear egress complex spotlights multiple determinants of herpesvirus subfamily specificity

The paper describes the crystal structure of the VZV Orf24-Orf27 complex, revealing subfamily-specific features that explain differences in NEC interactions across herpesviruses.

Mutations in the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduce receptor-binding affinity and induce a flexible link to the fusion peptide

This paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 mutations reduce ACE2 binding affinity and increase flexibility near the fusion peptide, potentially contributing to higher infectivity.

Cell density-dependent ferroptosis in breast cancer is induced by accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched triacylglycerides

This study shows that low cell density in breast cancer cells increases ferroptosis sensitivity by promoting PUFA-enriched TAG accumulation and reducing lipid desaturation.

Conjugated linolenic fatty acids trigger ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer

This study identifies conjugated linolenic acids as ferroptosis inducers in triple-negative breast cancer and shows their anti-tumor effects in a xenograft model.