R. Foster

The Cyclophilin Inhibitor Rencofilstat Decreases HCV-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independently of Its Antiviral Activity

This study shows that rencofilstat reduces HCV-induced HCC independently of its antiviral activity, making it a potential therapeutic agent for HCC.

The virus-encoded ion channel "viroporin" activity of the agnoprotein is required for BK Polyomavirus release from infected kidney cells

This study identifies agnoprotein as a viroporin required for BK polyomavirus release from infected cells and identifies small molecules that inhibit its activity.

The genome sequence of the lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino, and evidence for a segregating neo-Z chromosome

This paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly for the lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino, and provides evidence for a segregating neo-Z chromosome in males.

Dystrophin regulates peripheral circadian SRF signalling

This study shows dystrophin loss disrupts the RhoA-actin-SRF pathway, leading to circadian dysregulation in muscle and peripheral tissues.

Inhibitors of the Small Membrane (M) Protein Viroporin Prevent Zika Virus Infection

This study identifies the ZIKV M protein as a therapeutic target, showing that inhibitors like rimantadine block viral infection in vitro and in vivo by targeting M-formed channels.

Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a Micro-Eukaryotic Pathogen of Amphipods, Reveals Parasitism and Hidden Diversity in Class Filasterea

This study identifies a new parasitic micro-eukaryote in amphipods, describes its morphology and phylogeny, and expands known Filasterea diversity through environmental metagenomics.

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein disrupts human cardiac pericytes function through CD147-receptor-mediated signalling: a potential non-infective mechanism of COVID-19 microvascular disease

This paper shows that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein causes cardiac pericyte dysfunction through CD147-mediated signaling, without infecting the cells.

Drug and siRNA screens identify ROCK2 as a therapeutic target for ciliopathies.

The paper identifies ROCK2 as a therapeutic target for ciliopathies through drug and siRNA screens, showing ROCK2 inhibitors could treat cystic kidney disease.

Transient Commensal Clonal Interactions Can Drive Tumor Metastasis

The paper shows that transient interactions between non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic clones can drive metastasis through amphiregulin-mediated mesothelial clearance.

Long metabarcoding of the eukaryotic rDNA operon to phylogenetically and taxonomically resolve environmental diversity

This study uses long-read sequencing to analyze eukaryotic rDNA operons, improving phylogenetic resolution and taxonomic classification of environmental DNA.

Rationally derived inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 channel activity reveal prospect for bimodal antiviral therapy

The paper designs a rationally derived inhibitor of HCV p7 channel activity, revealing its dual role in virus entry and infection spread, and highlights its potential for bimodal antiviral therapy.

Site-directed M2 proton channel inhibitors enable synergistic combination therapy for rimantadine-resistant pandemic influenza

The paper identifies M2-N31 inhibitors that show synergistic antiviral effects when combined with existing drugs, offering a strategy to combat rimantadine-resistant influenza.

Stimulation of cardiac fibroblast Piezo1 channels opposes myofibroblast differentiation and induces IL-6 secretion via Ca2+-mediated p38 MAP kinase activation

This study shows that activating Piezo1 channels in cardiac fibroblasts reduces myofibroblast differentiation and increases IL-6 secretion through Ca2+-dependent p38 MAP kinase activation.

Piezo1 channel agonist mimics high glucose as a stimulator of insulin release

This study shows that Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 stimulates insulin release from beta-cells and pancreatic islets, suggesting Piezo1's role in cell swelling-induced insulin secretion.