M. Itkin

The molecular mechanism of on-demand sterol biosynthesis at organelle contact sites

This study identifies Yet3 as a protein that recruits sterol biosynthesis enzymes to ER contact sites, enabling on-demand sterol production and influencing organellar structure and function.

A systematic bi-genomic split-GFP assay illuminates the mitochondrial matrix proteome and protein targeting routes

The paper uses a bi-genomic split-GFP assay to identify mitochondrial matrix and inner membrane proteins, revealing 50 previously unvisualized proteins and characterizing dually localized proteins.

Phages reconstitute NAD+ to counter bacterial immunity

This study identifies two phage pathways, NARP1 and NARP2, that reconstitute NAD+ from its degradation products to counter bacterial immunity.

High-energy demand and nutrient exhaustion in MTCH2 knockout cells

This study shows that MTCH2 deletion increases energy demand and metabolic imbalance in cells, which inhibits adipocyte differentiation.

A conserved family of immune effectors cleaves cellular ATP upon viral infection

This study identifies a conserved family of immune effectors that degrade ATP and dATP during viral infection, halting phage propagation and suggesting a conserved innate immune strategy across life.

Quantitative bioactivity signatures of dietary supplements and natural products

The paper screens dietary supplements and natural products for bioactivity using in vitro assays and predicts their mechanisms of action by comparing activity profiles with approved drugs.

Kynurenic acid, a key L-tryptophan-derived metabolite, protects the heart from an ischemic damage

This paper identifies kynurenic acid as a protective metabolite that enhances cardiac cell viability and mitochondrial function following ischemic damage.

LIS1 RNA-binding orchestrates the mechanosensitive properties of embryonic stem cells in AGO2-dependent and independent ways

This study shows LIS1 regulates mESCs viability and mechanosensitive properties through RNA-binding interactions with AGO2 and other proteins.

A high throughput screening assay for inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped particle entry

This paper develops a high throughput screening assay using SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped particles to identify inhibitors of viral entry, finding 7 active compounds effective against both pseudotyped particles and live virus.

A dynamic rhizosphere interplay between tree roots and soil bacteria under drought

The study investigates how drought affects root exudates and microbial interactions in Cupressus saplings, finding increased exudation and maintained phosphorus availability with bacterial inoculation.