Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sing Mei Lim, Victor E. Cruz, Susumu Antoku, Gregg G. Gundersen, Thomas U. Schwartz
Summary: This study explores the importance of nuclear positioning in cell differentiation, division, and movement, as well as the mechanism by which forces are transmitted through the LINC complex on both sides of the nuclear membrane. The binding structure of Nes2G to FHOD1 suggests that the SR binding by FHOD1 may not be regulated by its own structure. Additionally, it was found that Nes1G also binds to FHOD1, indicating potential overlapping functions of these giant Nesprins in recruiting actin bundles for nuclear movement.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Munenori Kitagawa, Peipei Wu, Rachappa Balkunde, Patrick Cunniff, David Jackson
Summary: It has been discovered that ribosomal RNA-processing protein 44A (AtRRP44A) facilitates the movement of mRNA through plasmodesmata, thereby regulating stem cell-related processes in plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jialin Yao, Yingfeng Tu, Congcong Shen, Qiao Zhou, Hengyi Xiao, Da Jia, Qingxiang Sun
Summary: The majority of long non-coding RNAs and a small fraction of messenger RNAs localize in the cell nucleus to exert their functions. A study found that the nuclear localization of SIRLOIN RNA is mediated by a complex of hnRNPK and Imp alpha 1, with the nuclear import receptors functioning as drivers/regulators and hnRNPK acting as an adaptor.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Danielle B. Buglak, Pauline Bougaran, Molly R. Kulikauskas, Ziqing Liu, Elizabeth Monaghan-Benson, Ariel L. Gold, Allison P. Marvin, Andrew Burciu, Natalie T. Tanke, Morgan Oatley, Shea N. Ricketts, Karina Kinghorn, Bryan N. Johnson, Celia E. Shiau, Stephen Rogers, Christophe Guilluy, Victoria L. Bautch
Summary: Endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, regulate blood vessel formation and the blood-tissue barrier through cell-cell junctions. The nuclear-localized protein SUN1 is found to be responsible for coordinating vascular sprouting and regulating endothelial cell-cell junctions. Loss of SUN1 impairs blood vessel formation, destabilizes junctions, and results in defective cell-cell connections. SUN1 acts through the LINC complex, microtubules, and Rho-regulated contractility to stabilize junctions and promote their function. This long-range regulation is crucial for proper blood vessel sprouting and maintaining junction integrity.
Article
Oncology
Nan Zhang, Peng Sun, Yuanyuan Xu, Haiyan Li, Huatao Liu, Ling Wang, Yue Cao, Kewen Zhou, Tinghuai Wang
Summary: GPER1, predicted to be a novel oestrogen receptor, negatively modulates the ER alpha signalling pathway by promoting its ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation, inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation and migration.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Daoyuan Qian, Timothy J. Welsh, Nadia A. Erkamp, Seema Qamar, Jonathon Nixon-Abell, Georg Krainer, Peter St George-Hyslop, Thomas C. T. Michaels, Tuomas P. J. Knowles
Summary: This study develops an approach to determine tie-line gradients in biomolecular phase-separation systems, which helps characterize the interaction types and compositions. Experimental results demonstrate the significant role of protein-polymer interactions in the stability of phase separation.
Article
Cell Biology
David Jimeno, Concepcion Lillo, Pedro de la Villa, Nuria Calzada, Eugenio Santos, Alberto Fernandez-Medarde
Summary: The study reveals that GRF2 and CDC42 play key roles in regulating nuclear positioning and survival of retinal cone photoreceptor cells, while RAC1 does not have a significant effect. These findings support the notion that loss-of-function mutations in GRF2 may be potential drivers of cone retinal dystrophies.
Article
Virology
Reka Saray, Attila Fabian, Laszlo Palkovics, Katalin Salanki
Summary: This study identified the important role of the Ser28 site of CMV MP in viral pathogenicity on tobacco, cucumber, and Chenopodium, and highlighted the significance of phosphorylatable amino acids in symptom formation. The subcellular localization of CMV MP was determined using confocal laser-scanning microscopy, revealing essential factors for its localization at plasmodesmata.
Article
Microbiology
Wei He, Gangjin Yu, Tianpeng Li, Ling Bai, Yuanyuan Yang, Zixiao Xue, Yonghao Pang, Dana Reichmann, Sebastian Hiller, Lichun He, Maili Liu, Shu Quan
Summary: Our research demonstrates the role of the periplasmic chaperone Spy in maintaining the homeostasis of certain outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Spy utilizes a unique chaperone mechanism to bind OmpX, allowing it to form a partially folded beta-strand secondary structure in a dynamic exchange of conformations. This mechanism differs from that of other E. coli periplasmic chaperones such as Skp and SurA, highlighting the differences in the mechanisms of ATP-independent chaperones.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Takanori Takiue, Shunichi Takayose, Tetsuya Hotta, Nobuyoshi Kamikido, Kosuke Saiki, Chikara Shirai, Runa Mitsuda, Toshiaki Ina, Kiyofumi Nitta, Hajime Tanida, Tomoya Uruga, Norihiro Ikeda
Summary: The condensed domain formation of fluorinated compounds in adsorbed films at alkane/water interfaces was studied using interfacial tensiometry, X-ray reflectometry, and BAM observation. The competitive contributions of contact energy and dipole-dipole interaction were found to play a role in determining the line tension at the domain boundary. The dominant factor in domain formation was found to be the contact energy, while the dipole-dipole interaction had a secondary effect. The presence of different molecules, such as a cationic surfactant or a hybrid alcohol, led to different domain formations in the adsorbed film.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Janez Kokalj, Mitja Ursic, Matjaz Leskovar
Summary: The research aimed to improve the knowledge, understanding, and modeling of fuel-coolant interaction phenomena in the stratified configuration. Through two different modeling approaches and combining models with experimental observations, a third model was developed to best describe the considered phenomena. Experimental results validated the model's capability to qualitatively describe the premixed layer formation, but simulations underestimated the strength of vapour explosions compared to experimental data, suggesting possible additional contributions from melt jet breakup and mixing during the explosion itself.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Minji Seo, Ji-Young Lee
Summary: Xylem development in Arabidopsis root apical meristem involves a complex interplay between plant hormone signaling and transcription factors. AHL4, a member of the AT-hook family TFs, regulates xylem differentiation by mediating intercellular movement of signaling molecules. Domain swapping analysis identified three distinct protein modules in AHL4: the PPC domain for protein-protein interactions, the N-terminus for DNA-binding activity in xylem development regulation, and the C-terminus for intercellular mobility. Characterizing these modules in AHL4 enhances understanding of regulatory complexity and evolution of intercellular mobility in AHL4 and related proteins.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chunsheng Yu, Qi Jiang, Wanfen Pu, Na Su
Summary: In this study, the CO2 miscible flooding in the Baikouquan tight formation was thoroughly investigated. The recovery factors of different pores were found to vary significantly, with the main reason for the low recovery in small pores being the blockage of pore throats.
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Samy Sid Ahmed, Nils Bundgaard, Frederik Graw, Oliver T. Fackler
Article
Immunology
Bettina Stolp, Flavian Thelen, Xenia Ficht, Lukas M. Altenburger, Nora Ruef, V. V. G. Krishna Inavalli, Philipp Germann, Nicolas Page, Federica Moalli, Andrea Raimondi, Kirsten A. Keyser, S. Morteza Seyed Jafari, Francesca Barone, Matthias S. Dettmer, Doron Merkler, Matteo Iannacone, James Sharpe, Christoph Schlapbach, Oliver T. Fackler, U. Valentin Nagerl, Jens V. Stein
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Letter
Immunology
Benedikt Obermaier, Swetha Ananth, Nadine Tibroni, Virginia Pierini, Iart L. Shytaj, Ricardo S. Diaz, Marina Lusic, Oliver T. Fackler
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2020)
Article
Virology
Virginia Pierini, Lara Gallucci, Christina M. Stuerzel, Frank Kirchhoff, Oliver T. Fackler
Summary: This study investigates the impact of host cell restriction factors on HIV-1 replication, revealing that S5 exhibits varying antiviral effects on different types of HIV target cells, which can be antagonized by Nef. The results highlight the importance of studying RF function in the context of cell type and donor variabilities.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
C. Ritter, T. Wollmann, J-Y Lee, A. Imle, B. Mueller, O. T. Fackler, R. Bartenschlager, K. Rohr
Summary: The paper introduces a novel probabilistic approach for tracking multiple particles utilizing multi-sensor data fusion and Bayesian smoothing methods, resulting in state-of-the-art performance on the Particle Tracking Challenge data. The method combines separate uncertainties for detection-based and prediction-based measurements, integrates them through sequential multi-sensor data fusion, and incorporates information from past and future time points using Bayesian smoothing and covariance intersection algorithms. Additionally, the method incorporates motion information based on displacements to enhance correspondence finding and has shown superior performance compared to existing methods in challenging time-lapse fluorescence microscopy data.
MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jonas Becker, Megan Lynn Stanifer, Sarah Rebecca Leist, Bettina Stolp, Olena Maiakovska, Ande West, Ellen Wiedtke, Kathleen Boerner, Ali Ghanem, Ina Ambiel, Longping Victor Tse, Oliver Till Fackler, Ralph Steven Baric, Steeve Boulant, Dirk Grimm
Summary: Multiple experiments have shown that AAV vectors co-expressing three short hairpin RNAs targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genes can effectively suppress virus infection and prevent viral escape mutations, holding great potential as a preventive or therapeutic antiviral measure for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Manuel Albanese, Adrian Ruhle, Jennifer Mittermaier, Ernesto Mejias-Perez, Madeleine Gapp, Andreas Linder, Niklas A. Schmacke, Katharina Hofmann, Alexandru A. Hennrich, David N. Levy, Andreas Humpe, Karl-Klaus Conzelmann, Veit Hornung, Oliver T. Fackler, Oliver T. Keppler
Summary: This study developed a new method for efficient gene editing in primary human resting CD4(+) T cells, enabling the knockout of up to six genes, including those related to HIV. This technique allows for improved molecular and functional characterization of HIV biology and immune function.
Article
Cell Biology
Bettina Stolp, Marcel Stern, Ina Ambiel, Katharina Hofmann, Katharina Morath, Lara Gallucci, Mirko Cortese, Ralf Bartenschlager, Alessia Ruggieri, Frederik Graw, Martina Rudelius, Oliver Till Keppler, Oliver Till Fackler
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) exhibit enhanced transmissibility and resistance to antibody neutralization, resulting in a broader spectrum of symptoms and systemic infection. These variants also deplete natural killer cells, trigger variant-specific cytokine production, and induce accelerated disease progression with increased immune activation and inflammation.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Christoph Harmel, Samy Sid Ahmed, Robin Koch, Jana Tunnermann, Tania Distler, Andrea Imle, Luca Giorgetti, Emanuel Bahn, Oliver T. Fackler, Frederik Graw
Summary: This article presents VisuStatR, a platform-independent software package that allows the direct visualization of time-resolved summary statistics of morphological characteristics or motility dynamics onto raw images.
Article
Microbiology
Iart Luca Shytaj, Mohamed Fares, Lara Gallucci, Bojana Lucic, Mahmoud M. Tolba, Liv Zimmermann, Julia M. Adler, Na Xing, Judith Bushe, Achim D. Gruber, Ina Ambiel, Ahmed Taha Ayoub, Mirko Cortese, Christopher J. Neufeldt, Bettina Stolp, Mohamed Hossam Sobhy, Moustafa Fathy, Min Zhao, Vibor Laketa, Ricardo Sobhie Diaz, Richard E. Sutton, Petr Chlanda, Steeve Boulant, Ralf Bartenschlager, Megan L. Stanifer, Oliver T. Fackler, Jakob Trimpert, Andrea Savarino, Marina Lusic
Summary: The lack of effective antiviral treatments against SARS-CoV-2 is a significant limitation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights cobicistat as a potential therapeutic candidate for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection and as a building block for combination therapies for COVID-19. Cobicistat inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication through the inhibition of spike protein-mediated membrane fusion and enhances the antiviral effect of remdesivir.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philipp Klein, Stefan M. Kallenberger, Hanna Roth, Karsten Roth, Thi Bach Nga Ly-Hartig, Vera Magg, Janez Ales, Soheil Rastgou Talemi, Yu Qiang, Steffen Wolf, Olga Oleksiuk, Roma Kurilov, Barbara Di Ventura, Ralf Bartenschlager, Roland Eils, Karl Rohr, Fred A. Hamprecht, Thomas Hoefer, Oliver T. Fackler, Georg Stoecklin, Alessia Ruggieri
Summary: This study elucidated the molecular mechanism of stress granules formation by integrating quantitative experiments and mathematical modeling. The study revealed that the stress response is controlled by a stochastic switch, with key elements including cooperative activation of PKR, ultrasensitive response of SG formation to eIF2 alpha phosphorylation, and negative feedback via GADD34. Furthermore, the study identified GADD34 mRNA levels as a molecular memory of the ISR that plays a central role in cell adaptation to acute and chronic stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophie L. Winter, Gonen Golani, Fabio Lolicato, Melina Vallbracht, Keerthihan Thiyagarajah, Samy Sid Ahmed, Christian Luechtenborg, Oliver T. Fackler, Britta Bruegger, Thomas Hoenen, Walter Nickel, Ulrich S. Schwarz, Petr Chlanda
Summary: During Ebola virus entry into host cells, the virus disassembles and releases the nucleocapsid into the cytosol. This process is driven by the weakening of viral protein 40 (VP40) interactions caused by low endosomal pH. The disassembly of VP40 acts as a molecular switch coupling viral matrix uncoating to membrane fusion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lara Gallucci, Tobias Abele, Raffaele Fronza, Bettina Stolp, Vibor Laketa, Samy Sid Ahmed, Annica Flemming, Barbara Mueller, Kerstin Goepfrich, Oliver T. Fackler
Summary: Compared to 2D suspension cultures, 3D collagen as a tissue-like environment alters immature dendritic cell (iDC) properties and their response to HIV-1 infection. iDCs in 3D collagen have an elongated morphology with increased deformability, reduced HIV-1 particle uptake, and increased fusion efficiency. Adhesion to a 2D collagen matrix is sufficient to increase iDC deformability, HIV-1 receptor exposure, and permissivity to infection. These findings suggest that mechano-physical cues of 2D and 3D collagen environments regulate iDC function and shape divergent roles during HIV-1 infection.
Article
Cell Biology
Tatjana Reif, Gerhard Dyckhoff, Ralph Hohenberger, Carl-Christian Kolbe, Henning Gruell, Florian Klein, Eicke Latz, Bettina Stolp, Oliver T. Fackler
Summary: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) can effectively suppress HIV-1 replication in target cells and tissues through an unconventional mechanism that does not involve degranulation, formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, or integrin-dependent cell communication.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sheetal Kaw, Swetha Ananth, Nikolaos Tsopoulidis, Katharina Morath, Bahar M. Coban, Ralph Hohenberger, Olcay C. Bulut, Florian Klein, Bettina Stolp, Oliver T. Fackler