Z. Guan

Dynamin 1-mediated endocytic recycling of glycosylated N-cadherin sustains the plastic mesenchymal state to promote ovarian cancer metastasis

This study identifies DNM1 as a master regulator of EMT in ovarian cancer, showing it sustains the mesenchymal state through N-cadherin endocytic recycling and promotes metastasis.

Apoptotic caspases cleave DRP1 to promote mitochondrial fusion and anti-viral immune responses

The paper shows apoptotic caspases cleave DRP1 to induce mitochondrial fusion and enhance anti-viral immunity during viral infections.

Monocytic fibrocyte-like cell enrichment and myofibroblastic adaptation causes nucleus pulposus fibrosis and associates with disc degeneration severity

The paper identifies fibrocyte-like cells as key drivers of nucleus pulposus fibrosis in disc degeneration, showing their role in myofibroblast formation and disease severity.

Lipid discovery enabled by sequence statistics and machine learning

The paper uses sequence data and machine learning to identify novel substrates and lipid products of MprF in bacteria.

Pneumonic plague protection induced by a monophosphoryl lipid A decorated Yersinia outer-membrane-vesicle vaccine

This study develops a pneumonic plague vaccine using OMV46-LcrV, which shows reduced reactogenicity and complete protection in mice against Y. pestis challenge.

Defense mechanism of a bacterial retron supramolecular assembly

The paper identifies a phage-encoded DNA methyltransferase as a trigger for the Ec86 retron system and describes its supramolecular assembly and defense mechanism.

Characterization of an evolutionarily distinct bacterial ceramide kinase from Caulobacter crescentus

This study characterizes CpgB, a bacterial ceramide kinase from Caulobacter crescentus, showing it phosphorylates ceramide to form ceramide 1-phosphate with specific kinetic and cofactor requirements.

Structures of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, Tps1, from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans: a target for novel antifungals

This paper reports the cryo-EM structures of CnTps1 from Cryptococcus neoformans in unliganded and ligand-bound forms, revealing substrate-binding residues and tetramer stabilization, with implications for antifungal drug design.

Structure and dynamics of the essential endogenous mycobacterial polyketide synthasePks13

This paper determines the structure and dynamics of the mycobacterial polyketide synthase Pks13 using cryoEM and complementary techniques, revealing intermediate states and substrate binding.

Cryo-EM structure of DNA polymerase θ helicase domain in complex with inhibitor novobiocin

The paper presents the Cryo-EM structure of DNA polymerase θ helicase domain with and without inhibitor novobiocin, revealing a non-canonical binding pocket and insights into its mechanism.

HexSDF are Required for Synthesis of a Novel Glycolipid that Mediates Daptomycin and Bacitracin Resistance in C. difficile

This study identifies HexSDF as essential for synthesizing HNHDRG, a glycolipid that contributes to daptomycin and bacitracin resistance in C. difficile.

Caulobacter requires anionic sphingolipids and deactivation of fur to lose lipid A

This study identifies that Caulobacter requires anionic sphingolipids and deactivation of Fur to survive without lipid A in its outer membrane.

The Flowering Repressor SVP recruits the TOPLESS co-repressor to control flowering in chrysanthemum and Arabidopsis

This study shows that SVP interacts with TPL to repress flowering by inhibiting FT gene expression in chrysanthemum and Arabidopsis, highlighting a conserved mechanism across species.

Oxalic acid binds to gustatory receptor Gr23a and inhibits feeding in the brown planthopper

The paper identifies oxalic acid as a ligand for the brown planthopper's gustatory receptor Gr23a, showing it inhibits feeding and is sensed by the receptor.

Disruption of the surfactant protein A receptor SP-R210L (CD245α/MYO18Aα) alters respiratory function and iron sequestration in alveolar macrophages of aged mice

This study shows that disrupting the SP-R210L isoform in aged mice impairs respiratory function and iron sequestration in alveolar macrophages, leading to chronic dysregulation and increased interstitial lung disease risk.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae membrane phospholipid remodeling in response to human serum

Identification of a novel cationic glycolipid in Streptococcus agalactiae that contributes to brain entry and meningitis

This study identifies a novel cationic glycolipid in Streptococcus agalactiae that enhances its ability to invade the blood-brain barrier and cause meningitis.

Comparative genomics of Exiguobacterium reveals what makes a cosmopolitan bacterium

This study identifies genetic factors enabling Exiguobacterium's cosmopolitan distribution through comparative genomics and metabolic analysis of 103 strains.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. mitis, and S. oralis produce a phosphatidylglycerol-dependent, ltaS-independent glycerophosphate-linked glycolipid

This study identifies a phosphatidylglycerol-dependent, ltaS-independent glycolipid produced by S. pneumoniae, S. mitis, and S. oralis using lipidomic analysis.

Parkin coordinates mitochondrial lipid remodeling to execute mitophagy

This study shows Parkin orchestrates mitochondrial lipid remodeling through phospholipase D2 and Lipin-1 to drive mitophagy via DAG production and autophagosome formation.

Cryo-EM Structure of the Human Mitochondrial Translocase TIM22 Complex

The paper reports the cryo-EM structure of the human TIM22 complex at 3.7 angstrom resolution, revealing its architecture and potential mechanism for protein import.

Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Mitis group streptococci via a host metabolite scavenging pathway

This study identifies a host metabolite scavenging pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Mitis group streptococci, revealing their ability to remodel membranes using human-derived metabolites.

The human UDP-galactose 4’-epimerase (GALE) is required for cell surface glycome structure and function

This study shows that GALE regulates nucleotide-sugar levels, affecting glycan structures and cell signaling, particularly in death receptor pathways.

Visualizing Conformational Transitions of the Lipid II Flippase MurJ

This study reports crystal structures of MurJ in different conformations to elucidate its mechanism of lipid flipping and identify a key ion for function.

Mammalian stringent-like response mediated by the cytosolic NADPH phosphatase MESH1

This study identifies MESH1 as a cytosolic NADPH phosphatase that promotes cell survival under ferroptosis by maintaining NADPH levels and induces transcriptional changes resembling bacterial stringent response.

Reduced chlorhexidine and daptomycin susceptibility arises in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium after serial chlorhexidine exposure

This study shows that repeated exposure to chlorhexidine in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium leads to reduced susceptibility to both chlorhexidine and daptomycin.