M. Costa

Systematic perturbation screens decode regulators of inflammatory macrophage states and identify a role for TNF mRNA m6A modification

The paper identifies regulators of inflammatory macrophage states and shows that TNF mRNA m6A modification controls its stability and contributes to disease.

A blueprint for national assessments of the blue carbon capacity of kelp forests applied to Canadas coastline

This paper develops a method to assess kelp forest carbon sequestration capacity using data synthesis and Bayesian modeling, finding significant carbon storage and production in Canadian kelp forests.

Perception of butenolides by Bacillus subtilis via the α/β-hydrolase RsbQ

This study identifies RsbQ in Bacillus subtilis as a butenolide hydrolase that mediates signaling responses to plant-derived butenolides, influencing growth and biofilm formation.

JAGGER localization and function is dependent on GPI anchor addition

This study shows that JAGGER protein localization and function depend on GPI anchor addition in Arabidopsis ovules, affecting pollen tube guidance.

Structural Basis for the transmembrane signaling and antidepressant-induced activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB

This study determines the structure of the TrkB transmembrane domain using NMR and shows how fluoxetine activates the receptor by binding to it.

The purinergic receptor P2X7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome are druggable host factors required for SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study identifies P2X7 and NLRP3 inflammasome as host factors required for SARS-CoV-2 infection and shows their role in promoting viral replication.

Temperature and food chain length, but not latitude, explain region-specific kelp forest responses to an unprecedented heatwave

The paper examines how temperature and food chain length, but not latitude, influence kelp forest responses to a heatwave in British Columbia.

Influence of mimicry on extinction risk in Aculeata: a theoretical approach.

This study uses a population dynamics model to show Mullerian mimicry reduces extinction risk in Aculeata but depends on sex ratios and can be destabilized by dual sex-limited mimicry.

Origin and persistence of polymorphism in loci targeted by disassortative preference: a general model

The paper develops a theoretical model to show how disassortative mating can generate and maintain polymorphism at targeted loci, depending on the relationship between allelic divergence and reproductive advantage.

ABA represses TOR and root meristem activity through nuclear exit of the SnRK1 kinase

This study shows ABA represses TOR and root meristem activity by causing SnRK11 to exit the nucleus, with SnRK2s controlling SnRK11 localization.

Intramembrane protease SPP defines a cholesterol-regulated abundance control of the mevalonate pathway enzyme SQS

The paper shows that SPP cleaves SQS at high cholesterol levels, targeting it for degradation via TRC8, thereby regulating mevalonate pathway abundance.

Implications of drift and rapid evolution on negative niche construction

The paper examines how time lags in negative niche construction, specifically waste production, affect evolutionary outcomes, showing that rapid evolution and intragenerational time lags can reduce selfish strategies and limit pollution.

A spatial multi-scale fluorescence microscopy toolbox discloses entry checkpoints of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Vero E6 cells

The paper uses multi-scale fluorescence microscopy to study SARS-CoV-2 variant entry into Vero E6 cells, finding B.1.1.7 enters faster than its ancestor due to the N501Y mutation.

Direct tissue sensing reprograms TLR4+ Tfh-like cells inflammatory profile in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients

The paper identifies TLR4+ Tfh-like cells in RA patients that switch from producing IL-21 to IL-17 upon joint exposure, contributing to tissue damage.

League of Brazilian Bioinformatics: a competition framework to promote scientific training

The paper describes a national bioinformatics competition framework in Brazil aimed at training professionals, with results showing participation and team selection across different academic levels.

Differential roles of pyramidal and fast-spiking, GABAergic neurons in the control of glioma cell proliferation

This study shows that optogenetic stimulation of pyramidal neurons increases glioma proliferation, while stimulation of fast-spiking GABAergic neurons decreases it, with sensory input effects being region-specific.

Postdoc X-ray in Europe 2017: work conditions, productivity, institutional support and career outlooks

This paper analyzes survey data on postdoctoral researchers in Europe, identifying issues like salary disparities, long working hours, and lack of institutional support, and recommends improvements to their career prospects.