S. Daniel

Coexistence of self-compatible and self-incompatible alleles in a plant metapopulation via spatial rock-paper-scissors dynamics

The paper investigates the coexistence of self-compatible and self-incompatible alleles in a plant metapopulation using spatial rock-paper-scissors dynamics, finding that population structure and competitor fitness influence allele frequencies.

Nifurpirinol: A potent inducer of FSGS-like glomerular injury in transgenic zebrafish

This study introduces Nifurpirinol as a more efficient prodrug for inducing FSGS-like glomerular injury in zebrafish larvae, suitable for high-content drug screening.

Recreating the Biological Steps of Viral Infection on a Bioelectronic Platform to Profile Viral Variants of Concern

This paper presents a bioelectronic platform that recreates viral infection steps to identify distinct fusion signatures of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Characterization of Hydrophobic Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV Spike Protein Fusion Peptides Using Single Molecule Force Measurements

This study uses single molecule force measurements to quantify hydrophobic interactions in SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV FP1 sequences, revealing that a single residue difference significantly affects interaction strength.

A mechanistic understanding of the modes of Ca2+ ion binding to the SARS-CoV-1 fusion peptide and their role in the dynamics of host membrane penetration

This study identifies specific Ca2+ binding residue pairs in SARS-CoV-1 fusion peptide that promote or inhibit membrane insertion through molecular dynamics and biological assays.

A loss-of-function cysteine mutant in fibulin-3 (EFEMP1) forms aberrant extracellular disulfide-linked homodimers and alters extracellular matrix composition

This study investigates how a cysteine mutation in fibulin-3 (C55R) disrupts its structure and function, leading to altered extracellular matrix composition and impaired ECM remodeling.

Correlative microscopy reveals the nanoscale morphology of E. coli-derived supported lipid bilayers

The paper uses correlative AFM and SIM to characterize E. coli-derived supported lipid bilayers at the nanoscale, revealing their composition and interactions with membrane-binding proteins.

Inhibitors of L-type calcium channels show therapeutic potential for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections by preventing virus entry and spread

This study tests L-type calcium channel blockers for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture, finding that felodipine and nifedipine limit virus entry and infection with minimal toxicity.

Spike protein cleavage-activation mediated by the SARS-CoV-2 P681R mutation: a case-study from its first appearance in variant of interest (VOI) A.23.1 identified in Uganda

The paper analyzes the P681R mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of variant A.23.1, showing increased furin cleavage and infectivity compared to earlier variants, but only when combined with other spike changes.

SUFFICIENT ACTIVITY OF THE UBIQUITIN PROTEASOME SYSTEM IN AGED MICE AND DURING RETINAL DEGENERATION SUPPORTS DHFR-BASED CONDITIONAL CONTROL OF PROTEIN ABUNDANCE IN THE RETINA

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a DHFR-based system for conditional protein control in aged and retinal degeneration mouse models, showing successful degradation despite compromised UPS in some models.

Functional evaluation of the P681H mutation on the proteolytic activation the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 (Alpha) spike

This study evaluates the impact of the P681H mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 spike on furin cleavage and viral entry, finding no significant effect on these processes.

Proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike at the S1/S2 boundary: potential role of proteases beyond furin

This study investigates the role of S1/S2 cleavage in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activation, showing its necessity for early pathway entry in Calu-3 cells and involvement of proteases beyond furin.

L-arabinose induces the formation of viable non-proliferating Vibrio cholerae spheroplasts

This study shows that L-arabinose induces the formation of viable non-proliferating V. cholerae spheroplasts that can resume growth when L-arabinose is removed.

Ca2+ ions promote fusion of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus with host cells and increase infectivity

This study shows that Ca2+ ions enhance MERS-CoV fusion and infectivity by interacting with specific residues in the spike protein's fusion peptide.

Prolonged podocyte depletion in larval zebrafish resembles mammalian focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis

This study shows that podocyte-depleted zebrafish larvae develop features resembling human focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, including proteinuria and PEC activation, and can be used for drug screening.