M. Dong

Interpreting mammalian evolutionary constraint at synonymous sites in light of the unwanted transcript hypothesis

The paper examines mammalian evolutionary constraint at synonymous sites, finding significant constraint in 20.8% of four-fold degenerate sites and biases toward G/C content and splice sites.

Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 Variants in H11-K18-hACE2 Hamsters

This study characterizes SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 variants in H11-K18 hACE2 golden hamsters, showing disease progression and severity similar to human infections, supporting the model's utility for research.

High Shear Stress Reduces ERG Causing Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

The paper shows high shear stress induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary arterial hypertension by reducing ERG expression, which can be mitigated by ERG replenishment.

Arsinothricin Biosynthesis Involving a Noncanonical Radical SAM Enzyme for C-As Bond Formation

This paper characterizes ArsL, a noncanonical radical SAM enzyme involved in arsinothricin biosynthesis, showing it cleaves SAM to generate an ACP radical and reconstitutes the pathway in vitro.

Multi-state kinetics of the syringe-like injection mechanism of Tc toxins

This study investigates the multi-state kinetics of Tc toxin prepore-to-pore transition, identifying intermediate states and transition times under various conditions.

Targeting endothelial FOXO1 protects diabetic β-cells and improves wound healing

This study shows that targeting endothelial FOXO1 reduces IGF2 levels, improves β-cell function, and enhances wound healing in diabetes.

Structure and activity of botulinum neurotoxin X

The paper presents the cryo-EM structure of BoNT/X-NTNH/X complex and shows its stability and low potency due to weak receptor-binding properties.

Monospecific and bispecific monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies that maintain potency against B.1.617

The paper develops and characterizes monospecific and bispecific monoclonal antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including B.1.617.2 Delta.

Systems immune profiling of variant-specific vaccination against SARS-CoV-2

This study evaluates variant-specific LNP-mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, showing differential neutralization and immune responses in animal models.

A SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine protects against heterologous challenge with B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 virus variants in Syrian golden hamsters

This study evaluates a SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine's effectiveness against B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants in hamsters, showing protection against disease and viral replication.

Cysteine dependence in Lactobacillus iners constitutes a novel therapeutic target to modify the vaginal microbiota

This study identifies cysteine dependence in Lactobacillus iners as a therapeutic target to shift vaginal microbiota from L. iners-dominant to L. crispatus-dominant states.

Distribution and vulnerability of transcriptional outputs across the genome in Myc-amplified medulloblastoma cells

This study examines the distribution of transcriptional outputs in Myc-amplified medulloblastoma cells and identifies IMPDHs as a therapeutic target.

Efficacy and breadth of adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain nanoparticle vaccine in macaques

This study evaluates an adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 RBD nanoparticle vaccine in macaques, showing robust immune responses and protection against viral challenge and variants.

Efficacy of a Broadly Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Ferritin Nanoparticle Vaccine in Nonhuman Primates

A SARS-CoV-2 Spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine induces broad neutralizing antibodies and protects nonhuman primates against respiratory infection and disease.

FGF2 disruption enhances thermogenesis in brown and beige fat to protect against obesity and hepatic steatosis

This study shows that disrupting FGF2 enhances thermogenesis in brown and beige fat, reducing obesity and hepatic steatosis in mice.

Ebselen Exhibits Antimicrobial Activity Against Clostridioides difficile By Disrupting Redox Associated Metabolism

This study shows ebselen inhibits C. difficile by disrupting redox metabolism and toxin production, with bactericidal effects beyond its previously known anti-toxin activity.

Phylogenomics of 8,839 Clostridioides difficile genomes reveals recombination-driven evolution and diversification of toxin A and B

This study analyzes 8,839 C. difficile genomes to reveal recombination-driven evolution of toxins A and B, develops a subtyping method, and creates a database for therapeutic and research use.

Indole acetic acid and lipopeptide-producing endophytic bacteria from Taxus chinesis: toxicity evaluation of metabolic products

The paper screens endophytic bacteria from Taxus chinensis for IAA and lipopeptide production, identifies non-toxic strains, and suggests their potential for biofertilizer use.

Glycosaminoglycans are specific endosomal receptors for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor

This paper identifies heparan sulfate proteoglycans as essential host factors for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis CNFY toxin intoxication, showing that conformational changes and heparanase activity are critical for toxin uptake and function.

Proteomic fingerprint identification of Neotropical hard tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) using a self-curated mass spectra reference library

The paper identifies Neotropical hard tick species using MALDI mass spectra and machine learning, showing that self-curated reference libraries can replace commercial ones for accurate identification.

The acetyltransferase Eco1 elicits cohesin dimerization during S phase

This study shows that Eco1-mediated acetylation promotes cohesin dimerization during S phase, which is regulated by Hos1 and Wpl1.

Silicon modulates multi-layered defense against powdery mildew in Arabidopsis

This study shows that silicon enhances plant resistance against powdery mildew through distinct, multi-layered defense mechanisms involving PAD4-dependent and SA-independent pathways.

Revisiting the Origin of the Octoploid Strawberry

The paper reanalyzes the origin of octoploid strawberries, finding two diploid progenitors instead of four, and identifies flaws in a previous phylogenetic approach.

Integrated Single-Cell Analysis of Multicellular Immune Dynamics during Hyper-Acute HIV-1 Infection

The paper uses single-cell RNA-sequencing to study immune dynamics in HIV-1 infection, identifying key cellular responses and their temporal progression in untreated individuals.

Apigenin relaxes rat intrarenal arteries: involvement of Cl- channels and K+ channels

This study shows apigenin relaxes rat intrarenal arteries by modulating Cl- and K+ channels, with effects mediated through CaCCs and Kv channels.