S. Du

Omicron-specific ultra-potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies targeting the N1/N2 loop of Spike N-terminal domain

This study identifies ultra-potent Omicron-specific antibodies targeting the N1/N2 loop of the Spike NTD, which neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by competing with ACE2 and blocking S1 shedding, but are evaded by BA.2.86 and BA.2.87.1 sublineages.

Ecological factors alter how spatial overlap predicts viral infection dynamics in wild rodent populations

The paper examines how ecological factors modify the relationship between spatial overlap and hantavirus infection likelihood in wild bank voles.

Conformational Ensembles Reveal the Origins of Serine Protease Catalysis

Ensemble-function analyses provide a quantitative model for serine protease catalysis, reveal previously unknown conformational features that contribute to their catalysis, and identify a structural motif that underlie these features and has evolved in >100 different enzymes from 32 protein folds.

Clearance of protein aggregates during cell division

The paper investigates how protein aggregates are cleared during cell division, finding that ER reorganization and BiP-mediated clearance occur during mitosis and cytokinesis.

A new story of four Hexapoda classes: Protura as the sister to all other hexapods

This study resolves the phylogenetic relationships of early hexapods, finding Protura as the earliest-diverging lineage and supporting a new classification of hexapod evolution.

Logic Gate Activated Lysosome Targeting DNA Nanodevice for Controlled Proteins Degradation

This paper develops a logic-gate activated lysosome targeting DNA nanodevice for controlled protein degradation and modulates T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.

Biological condensates form percolated networks with molecular motion properties distinctly different from dilute solutions

This study develops a single molecule imaging method to analyze molecular motion in biological condensates, revealing distinct motion behaviors compared to dilute solutions.

The essential domain of FtsN triggers cell division by promoting interaction between FtsL and FtsI

The paper investigates the role of FtsN's essential domain in bacterial cell division by testing a model of its interaction with FtsL and FtsI using genetic analysis and AlphaFold2.

Refinement of Multiconformer Ensemble Models from Multi-temperature X-ray Diffraction Data

This study refines multiconformer ensemble models from multi-temperature X-ray diffraction data of Proteinase K, revealing temperature-driven conformational changes and their functional implications.

Widespread PRC barrel proteins play critical roles in archaeal cell division

This study identifies three PRC barrel proteins in Haloferax volcanii essential for archaeal cell division, showing their conservation and role in division across haloarchaea.

Three-dimensional genomic mapping of human pancreatic tissue reveals striking multifocality and genetic heterogeneity in precancerous lesions

This study uses 3D imaging and genomic analysis to show that human pancreatic precancerous lesions (PanINs) are highly multifocal and genetically heterogeneous.

High-throughput enzymology reveals mutations throughout a phosphatase that decouple catalysis and transition state analog affinity

This study uses HT-MEK to analyze 1,004 PafA mutants, showing that distal mutations affect catalysis more than TSA binding, suggesting conformational changes influence enzyme function.

Rational identification of potent and broad sarbecovirus-neutralizing antibody cocktails from SARS convalescents

The paper identifies a potent and broad sarbecovirus-neutralizing antibody cocktail, SA55+SA58, from SARS convalescents to combat Omicron variants and other fast-evolving viruses.

The global distribution and environmental drivers of the soil antibiotic resistome

This study maps the global distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in soils and identifies key environmental drivers influencing their prevalence.

The choline-binding proteins PspA, PspC and LytA of Streptococcus pneumoniae and their role on host cellular adhesion and damage

This study investigates the role of choline-binding proteins PspA, PspC, and LytA in Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesion and pathogenicity using imaging and functional assays.

BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 escape antibodies elicited by Omicron infection

This study investigates antibody evasion by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 against plasma from vaccination and BA.1 infection, showing increased neutralization escape.

Omicron BA.2 specifically evades broad sarbecovirus neutralizing antibodies

This study shows that BA.2 causes stronger antibody evasion than BA.1, particularly in SARS convalescents, and identifies key mutations responsible for this escape.

Omicron escapes the majority of existing SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies

This study identifies how Omicron evades neutralizing antibodies by analyzing mutations and their effects on different epitope groups, showing over 85% of tested antibodies are escaped.

G2 stem cells orchestrate time-directed, long-range coordination of calcium signaling during skin epidermal regeneration

The paper uses a new machine learning tool to analyze calcium signaling dynamics in epidermal stem cells during regeneration, revealing that G2 stem cells coordinate long-range signaling through gap junctions.

Deep-Learning Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Nanometer-Scale Intracellular Dynamics at the Millisecond Temporal Resolution

This paper introduces a deep learning method for single-frame super-resolution microscopy, enabling live-cell imaging at nanometer-scale spatial and millisecond temporal resolutions.

Mechanoaccumulation of non-muscle myosin IIB during mitosis requires its translocation activity

This study shows that during mitosis, NMIIB mechanoaccumulation at the cell cortex requires its motor activity, not just actin-binding function, and is mediated by RhoA and ROCK signaling.

Structures of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 neutralizing antibodies provide insights into cocktail design against concerning variants

This study identifies two potent monoclonal antibodies against the B.1.351 variant and shows their efficacy against other variants, suggesting their use as an antibody cocktail.

Damaged goods? Evaluating the impact of X-ray damage on conformational heterogeneity in room temperature and cryo-cooled protein crystals

This study evaluates how X-ray damage affects conformational heterogeneity in protein crystals at room temperature and cryo-cooled conditions, finding that damage effects can be minimized or eliminated.

Genome-wide CRISPR activation screen identifies novel receptors for SARS-CoV-2 entry

This study identifies novel SARS-CoV-2 receptors through a CRISPR activation screen, revealing LDLRAD3, TMEM30A, and CLEC4G as functional receptors independent of ACE2.

Structural insights into GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase that directs lysosomal protein transport

The paper presents the cryo-EM structure of Drosophila GNPTAB, revealing its catalytic domain and functional residues, and shows dimer interface importance for human GNPTAB activity.

Genetic analysis of the septal peptidoglycan synthase FtsWI complex supports a conserved activation mechanism for SEDS-bPBP complexes

The paper identifies mutations in FtsW and FtsI that reveal the activation mechanism of the SEDS-bPBP complex FtsWI, showing it relies on an interaction between FtsW's ECL4 and FtsI's pedestal domain.

Essential role for FtsL in activation of septal PG synthesis

This study identifies a region of FtsL critical for activating FtsWI in bacterial cytokinesis, showing FtsL interacts with FtsI to facilitate septal peptidoglycan synthesis.

Same, Same, but Different: Molecular Analyses of Streptococcus pneumoniae Immune Evasion Proteins Identifies new Domains and Reveals Structural Differences between PspC and Hic Variants

The paper analyzes PspC and Hic proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae to identify new domains and structural differences, improving understanding of their immune evasion mechanisms and vaccine design.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing of peripheral neuroblastic tumors reveals an aggressive transitional cell state at the junction of an adrenergic-mesenchymal transdifferentiation trajectory

This study uses single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify a transitional cell state in peripheral neuroblastic tumors associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic targets.

Leveraging mRNAs sequences to express SARS-CoV-2 antigens in vivo

This study identifies an optimized mRNA UTR combination (NASAR) that significantly enhances SARS-CoV-2 antigen expression in vitro and in vivo.