T. Nakamura

Multi-modal ion-transport function of potassium channelrhodopsins

This study demonstrates that potassium channelrhodopsins function as H+ pumps and channels, with their activity modulated by light and environmental ions.

Determining the structure of protein-bound ceramides, essential lipids for skin barrier function

This study identifies the structure of protein-bound ceramides as Cys-bound epoxy-enone ceramides through chemical and biochemical analyses.

Copy number of the eukaryotic rRNA gene can be counted comprehensively

The paper introduces an improved method to comprehensively measure eukaryotic rRNA gene copy numbers, enabling better analysis of microbial eukaryote communities.

Distinct ossification trade-offs illuminate the shoulder girdle reconfiguration at the water-to-land transition.

This study identifies Gli3's role in regulating ossification pathways in zebrafish pectoral girdles, revealing developmental trade-offs that may explain the evolution of tetrapod-like structures.

Viruses encode tRNA and anti-retron to evade bacterial immunity

This study identifies two viral strategies to evade bacterial retrons: supplying tRNATyr to counteract retron 78 and using Rad to degrade retron noncoding RNA precursors.

Emergence of rhythmic chunking in complex stepping of mice

This study identifies rhythmic chunking in mice stepping, showing consistent cycle and phase patterns within chunks and linking licking behavior to these rhythms.

Selective bacteriophages reduce the emergence of resistant bacteria in the bacteriophage-antibiotic combination therapy

This study shows that selecting specific bacteriophages in combination with antibiotics can reduce the emergence of resistant bacteria, using Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a model.

Novel monoclonal antibodies showing broad neutralizing activity for SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicrons BA.5 and BA.2.75

Identification of lactic acid bacteria with reduced inflammatory and enhanced protective properties against influenza virus

This study identifies a lactic acid bacteria strain, D279, that shows strong anti-influenza properties without inducing inflammation.

Targeted protein S-nitrosylation of ACE2 as potential treatment to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection

This paper develops aminoadamantane nitrate compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by S-nitrosylating ACE2 and blocking viral entry, showing efficacy in vitro and in a Syrian hamster model.

The little skate genome and the evolutionary emergence of wing-like fin appendages

This study identifies genomic rearrangements and regulatory changes in the little skate that contribute to the evolution of wing-like fin appendages.

A Drosophila Toolkit for Imaging of HA-tagged Proteins Unveiled a Block in Autophagy Flux in the Last Instar Larval Fat Body

A small molecule, ACAi-028, with anti-HIV-1 activity targets a novel hydrophobic pocket on HIV-1 capsid

ACAi-028 inhibits HIV-1 replication by targeting a novel hydrophobic pocket on the capsid N-terminal domain, showing potential as a new anti-HIV-1 inhibitor.

Integrated population genomic analysis and numerical simulation to estimate larval dispersal of Acanthaster cf. solaris between Ogasawara and other Japanese regions

This study estimates larval dispersal of Acanthaster cf. solaris between Ogasawara and Kuroshio regions using genomic analysis and oceanographic simulations, finding limited short-term dispersal but gradual long-term connectivity.

Temperature-dependent fasciation mutants connect mitochondrial RNA processing to the control of cell proliferation during lateral root morphogenesis

Bacteroides uniformis enhances endurance exercise performance through gluconeogenesis

This study shows that Bacteroides uniformis in the gut enhances endurance exercise performance by increasing gluconeogenesis through acetate and propionate production.

A unique conformational escape reaction of HIV-1 against an allosteric integrase inhibitor

The paper identifies a novel conformational escape mechanism of HIV-1 integrase against NCINIs through under-multimerization of the IN protein.

Adaptive thermogenesis in mice requires adipocyte light-sensing via Opsin 3

This study shows that blue light sensed by OPN3 in adipocytes regulates thermogenesis and lipolysis in mice.

The evolutionary origins and diversity of the neuromuscular system of paired appendages in batoids

This study investigates the developmental and evolutionary origins of neuromuscular systems in batoid fish, finding that paired fin muscles evolved from redeployed genetic programs involved in dorsal fin development.

Effects of bicycle geometry and riding position on the potential of residual limb muscles to pedaling with a transfemoral prosthesis: a computer simulation study

This study uses computer simulations to evaluate how bicycle geometry and riding position affect muscle potential for pedaling with a transfemoral prosthesis, identifying key variables for optimal fitting.

The asymmetric chemical structures of two mating pheromones reflect their differential roles in conjugation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The study shows that M-factor, a lipid peptide, is essential for mating in S. pombe, while P-factor, a simple peptide, is not required for conjugation.

Stage-Dependent Differential Gene Expression Profiles of Cranial Neural Crest Cells Derived from Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

This study identifies stage-dependent gene expression profiles of cNCCs derived from mouse iPSCs, highlighting distinct molecular markers and potential roles in migration.

Residual Structure of Unfolded Ubiquitin as Revealed by Hydrogen/Deuterium-Exchange 2D NMR

This study investigates the residual structure of unfolded ubiquitin using H/D-exchange 2D NMR, identifying protected amide groups that suggest partial native β-hairpin structure in the unfolded state.

Morphofunctional analysis of antigen uptake mechanisms following sublingual immunotherapy with beads in mice

This study investigates antigen uptake mechanisms in mice following sublingual immunotherapy with beads, finding sex differences in uptake efficiency but no age-related differences.