S. Shankar

Active hydraulics and odd elasticity of muscle fibers

This study develops a multiscale model of muscle as an active sponge to explain contraction dynamics, highlighting hydraulic oscillations and nonreciprocal viscoelasticity.

Supercharged Cellulases Show Reduced Non-Productive Binding, But Enhanced Activity, on Pretreated Lignocellulosic Biomass

This study shows that supercharging cellulase surface charge improves hydrolytic activity on pretreated biomass by reducing non-productive binding.

Subclonal evolution and expansion of THY1-positive cells is associated with recurrence in glioblastoma

This paper identifies THY1-positive, mesenchymal/stem-like cells as drivers of glioblastoma recurrence and shows that targeting TGFβ signaling can restore sensitivity to therapy.

Molecular basis for a germline-biased neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2

The paper identifies germline-biased neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and shows that affinity gains do not always correlate with neutralization potency.

BTK operates a phospho-tyrosine switch to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity

The paper shows BTK modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity through phosphorylation of tyrosine residues, affecting localization, oligomerization, and IL-1β release.

A low-cost and easy-to-use cell preservation reagent for 4{ring}C or room temperature sample storage

This paper introduces a low-cost cell preservation reagent inspired by natural mechanisms, showing it preserves mammalian cells for at least one week at 4°C or as dried samples.

An Essential Role for Argonaute 2 in EGFR-KRAS Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer Development

This study shows AGO2 is required for pancreatic cancer progression but not initiation, with its role dependent on mutant KRAS and EGFR signaling.