R. Bartenschlager

RNA genome expansion up to 64 kb in nidoviruses is host constrained and associated with new modes of replicase expression

The paper expands the known range of nidovirus genomes up to 64 kb and identifies host constraints and new replicase expression modes in giant invertebrate nidoviruses.

RBM39 shapes innate immunity through transcriptional and splicing control of key factors of the interferon response

This study identifies RBM39 as a regulator of innate immunity by controlling transcription and splicing of key interferon response factors, revealing its potential as a therapeutic target.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha governs cytoskeletal organization for invasiveness of liver cancer cells

This study identifies PI4KIII's role in promoting liver cancer invasiveness through cytoskeletal reorganization via PIK3C2γ and Akt2/paxillin-cofilin signaling.

Endosomal egress and intercellular transmission of hepatic ApoE-containing lipoproteins and its exploitation by the hepatitis C virus

This paper identifies the endosomal egress pathway of hepatic ApoE-containing lipoproteins and shows how the hepatitis C virus exploits this route for intercellular transmission.

Comparison of HAV and HCV infections in vivo and in vitro reveals distinct patterns of innate immune evasion and activation

This study compares HAV and HCV infections in vivo and in vitro, revealing that HAV induces an innate immune response via MDA5/LGP2 with limited protease-mediated suppression, while HCV activates TLR3 without TRIF cleavage.

SARS-CoV-2 nsp3-4 suffice to form a pore shaping replication organelles

The paper identifies nsp3-4 as the minimal components forming a DMV-spanning pore in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles, critical for membrane curvature and DMV formation.

Mathematical modeling of plus-strand RNA virus replication to identify broad-spectrum antiviral treatment strategies

This paper develops a mathematical model of plus-strand RNA virus replication for HCV, DENV, and CVB3, identifying viral RNA translation and polyprotein cleavage as key targets for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.

A Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b post transplant isolate with high replication efficiency in cell culture and its adaptation to infectious virus production in vitro and in vivo

This paper develops an efficient HCV genotype 1b infectious cell culture model through adaptation, enabling vaccine development and understanding viral evolution post-transplant.

Temporal control of the integrated stress response by a stochastic molecular switch

The paper identifies a stochastic molecular switch controlling the integrated stress response through cooperative activation of PKR, ultrasensitive eIF2 phosphorylation, and negative feedback via GADD34.

Deep mining of the Sequence Read Archive reveals bipartite coronavirus genomes and inter-family Spike glycoprotein recombination

The paper analyzes Sequence Read Archive data to discover novel nidoviruses, including fish coronaviruses with bipartite genomes and inter-family Spike recombination.

Convergent use of phosphatidic acid for Hepatitis C virus and SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle formation

This study identifies phosphatidic acid as critical for double membrane vesicle formation in HCV and SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting host-targeted PA synthesis inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

The FDA-approved drug cobicistat synergizes with remdesivir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication

This study shows that cobicistat synergizes with remdesivir to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell lines and organoids, reducing viral replication to levels comparable to uninfected cells.

Microscopy-based assay for semi-quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human sera

The paper develops a semi-quantitative microscopy-based assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human sera, providing a sensitive and specific method for serological analysis.

Global analysis of protein-RNA interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells reveals key regulators of infection

The paper identifies key host and viral RNA-binding proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and shows that drugs targeting these proteins can inhibit infection.

Challenges for targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteases as a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

This study evaluates compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteases Mpro and PLpro, finding limited efficacy for Mpro due to off-target inhibition of host cathepsins and no viable hits for PLpro.

A versatile reporter system to monitor virus infected cells and its application to dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2

This paper introduces a versatile reporter system that detects virus-infected cells by using protease activity and applies it to dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine response through cGAS-STING and NF-κB

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 triggers a pro-inflammatory cytokine response via cGAS-STING and NF-κB in epithelial cells, which may contribute to severe disease.

Structures, conformations and distributions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers on intact virions

This study uses cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure, conformational flexibility, and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers on intact virions.

SARS-CoV-2 structure and replication characterized by in situ cryo-electron tomography

This study uses in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize SARS-CoV-2 replication compartments and virion structure, revealing RNA filament organization and vRNP packaging mechanisms.

Critical role of type III interferon in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, replication and spread in primary human intestinal epithelial cells

This study shows that human intestinal epithelial cells support SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, with type III interferon more effective than type I in controlling viral spread.

An alternative membrane topology permits lipid droplet localization of peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1

The paper identifies Far1 as a dual topology membrane protein capable of localizing to both peroxisomes and lipid droplets, with a C-terminal hydrophobic domain mediating lipid droplet targeting.