Z. Duan

Covalent DNA-Encoded Library Workflow Drives Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 Non-structural Proteins Inhibitors

This study uses covalent DNA-encoded libraries to discover inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteases 3CLpro and PLpro, identifying novel compounds with potent activity and unique binding modes.

MaUGT79 confers drought tolerance by regulating scopolin biosynthesis in plants

This study identifies MaUGT79 as a gene regulating scopolin biosynthesis, which enhances drought tolerance in plants through ROS scavenging and transcriptional activation by MaMYB4.

Locus-specific proteomics identifies new aspects of the chromatin context involved in V region somatic hypermutation

The paper uses locus-specific proteomics to identify proteins associated with the V region chromatin in SHM and validates their function using a Dot1L inhibitor.

Prefusion-Stabilized Lassa Virus Trimer Identifies Neutralizing Nanobodies and Reveals an Apex-Situated Site of Vulnerability

This paper develops a prefusion-stabilized Lassa virus GPC, identifies a neutralizing nanobody, and reveals a cleavage-dependent site of vulnerability at the trimer apex.

Sympathetic blockage attenuates fasting-induced hepatic steatosis

This study shows that blocking the sympathetic nervous system reduces fasting-induced liver fat accumulation by suppressing CD36 upregulation.

Camel nanobodies broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

The paper isolates two camel nanobodies that broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, showing therapeutic potential in mice.

SARS-CoV-2 causes human BBB injury and neuroinflammation indirectly in a linked organ chip platform

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 indirectly causes BBB injury and neuroinflammation through systemic inflammation, not direct viral infection, using a linked alveolus-BBB organ chip platform.

A novel SARS-CoV-2 related virus with complex recombination isolated from bats in Yunnan province, China

The paper identifies a novel SARS-CoV-2-related bat virus, PrC31, with complex recombination events and partial genetic similarity to SARS-CoV-2.

Transferrin receptor is another receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry

This study identifies the transferrin receptor (TfR) as an additional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry, showing that TfR-mediated infection can occur independently of ACE2 and that targeting TfR has anti-viral effects.

A novel xenograft model of human HCC in immunocompetent mouse

This paper establishes a novel human HCC patient-derived xenograft model in immunocompetent mice, showing high tumor formation rates and preserved tumor characteristics.