X. Mao

NSP4 mutation T492I drives rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 toward Omicron

This study shows that the NSP4 T492I mutation increases SARS-CoV-2 mutation rates and accelerates the emergence of Omicron-like mutations.

Spike N354 glycosylation augments SARS-CoV-2 fitness for human adaptation through multiple mechanisms

This study investigates how N354 glycosylation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein affects viral fitness and human adaptation through multiple mechanisms.

Defining cell type-specific immune responses in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis by single-cell transcriptomics

This study uses single-cell transcriptomics to identify cell type-specific immune responses in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis, highlighting the role of dermal fibroblasts in type-1 inflammation.

Female-biased population sex ratios caused by genetic rather than ecological mechanisms

This study shows female-biased sex ratios in Salix herbacea are genetic, not ecological, with variation among families suggesting meiotic drive or cyto-nuclear interactions.

Cultivation of host-adapted Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis using enteroids for cryopreservation of isolates and transcriptomic studies of infection

This paper develops a method to cultivate and cryopreserve Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum using enteroids, showing improved transcriptomic responses compared to conventional cell systems.

Leucine alleviates cytokine storm syndrome by regulating macrophage polarization via the mTORC1/LXRα signaling pathway

This study shows leucine reduces cytokine storm syndrome in mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization via the mTORC1/LXRα signaling pathway.

Transfer of modified fecal viromes improve blood glucose regulation and alleviates symptoms of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in an obesity male mouse model

Modified fecal virome transplantation improves blood glucose regulation in obese mice without reducing weight gain, while unmodified FVT reduces immune cell proportions in adipose tissue.

Overcoming donor variability and risks associated with fecal microbiota transplants through bacteriophage-mediated treatments

This study develops modified fecal virome transplants (FVT) to reduce donor variability and infection risks in treating C. difficile infections, showing improved efficacy and safety in a mouse model.

Reproducible chemostat cultures to eliminate eukaryotic viruses from fecal transplant material

This study shows that continuous chemostat cultures reduce eukaryotic viruses in fecal material, suggesting a safer alternative to fecal microbiota transplantation.

SARS-CoV-2 Envelope-mediated Golgi pH dysregulation interferes with ERAAP retention in cells

This study identifies SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein-induced Golgi pH neutralization as a mechanism causing ERAAP loss and extracellular release, highlighting ERAAP as a sensor of secretory pathway disturbances during infection.

Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation

This study uses single-cell RNA-seq to analyze immune cells in ME/CFS patients at baseline and after exercise, identifying dysregulated monocytes and platelet transcriptomes.

Mechanistic basis for targeting homologous recombination defective liver cancer via synthetic lethality

This study identifies a novel subtype of HRD in HBVHCC caused by CDW19S perturbation and shows it can be targeted therapeutically.

FoxP3-mediated blockage of ryanodine receptor 2 is the molecular basis for the contact-based suppression by regulatory T cells

This study identifies FoxP3-mediated inhibition of RyR2 as a mechanism by which regulatory T cells suppress immune responses through reduced calcium signaling and impaired T cell-DC interactions.

SARS-CoV-2 impairs interferon production via NSP2-induced repression of mRNA translation

This study identifies NSP2-induced repression of Ifnb1 mRNA translation as a mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses IFN-β production.

Structural Basis of Substrate Recognition by the Mitochondrial ADP/ATP Transporter

The paper identifies a new substrate recognition site in the mitochondrial ADP/ATP transporter AAC, revealing its role in ADP selectivity and transport mechanism.

Bacterial DNA on the skin surface overrepresents the viable skin microbiome

This study shows that viable bacteria in the skin microbiome are mainly in hair follicles, not on the skin surface, and that surface DNA mostly comes from dead cells.

New cellular models of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor

This study generates new cell lines for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor to better study sarcomagenesis and develop therapies.

The jasmine (Jasminum sambac) genome and flower fragrances

This study presents the first de novo genome of Jasminum sambac and identifies gene clusters and pathways involved in flower fragrance biosynthesis.

Barnacle-Inspired Paste for Instant Hemostatic Tissue Sealing

This paper develops a barnacle-inspired hemostatic paste that rapidly seals tissues by repelling blood with a hydrophobic matrix and crosslinking with tissues under pressure.

Continuous cis-regulatory changes in an advantageous gene are linked with adaptive radiation in cichlid fishes

The paper identifies cis-regulatory changes in a gene linked to adaptive radiation in cichlid fishes by showing their impact on gene expression patterns across lineages.

Luteolin transforms the BMDM polarity to regulate the expression of inflammatory factors

This study shows luteolin alters BMDM polarization by modulating STAT1/6 pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory factors and increasing anti-inflammatory ones.

Bacteriological Monitoring and Evaluation of Cleaning-disinfection of Computer-related Equipment in an Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital

The study evaluates bacterial contamination of computer equipment in a hospital, finding mouse pads are highly contaminated and require daily cleaning.

Why does a flying fish taxi on sea surface before take-off? A hydrodynamic interpretation

This paper investigates the hydrodynamics of flying fish taxiing on water surfaces before take-off, finding that taxiing requires significantly less power than swimming and allows for higher speeds.

Comparative investigation into formycin A and pyrazofurin A biosynthesis reveals branch pathways for the construction of C-nucleoside scaffolds

This paper investigates the biosynthesis of formycin A and pyrazofurin A, identifying key enzymes and pathways involved in their C-nucleoside scaffold construction.

Mechanical stress compromises multicomponent efflux complexes in bacteria

The paper shows mechanical stress, specifically shear stress, disrupts the CusCBA efflux complex in E. coli, increasing metal toxicity susceptibility.

A framework for genomics-informed ecophysiological modeling in plants

The paper develops a framework linking genetic variation to plant physiological responses using genomic prediction and process-based modeling in Brassica rapa.

Impact of acetolactate synthase inactivation on 1,3-propanediol fermentation by Klebsiella pneumoniae

This study investigates the effect of acetolactate synthase inactivation on 1,3-propanediol fermentation by Klebsiella pneumoniae, showing increased 1,3-PDO production and altered byproduct formation.

β-lactam Antibiotics Stimulate the Pathogenicity of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Via SarA-controlled Tandem Lipoprotein Expression

This study shows that β-lactam antibiotics increase MRSA pathogenicity by upregulating the tlpps gene cluster via SarA, leading to enhanced inflammation and infection severity.

Infectious bronchitis virus attaches to lipid rafts and enters cells via clathrin mediated endocytosis

This study identifies the molecular mechanisms of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) entry, showing it attaches to lipid rafts and enters via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, followed by endosomal trafficking and membrane fusion.

Stiffness Sensing and Cell Motility: Durotaxis and Contact Guidance

This study presents a mechanical model of cell migration that reproduces durotaxis and contact guidance by simulating cell-substrate interactions through focal adhesions.