Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xiaoyuan Ye, Congying Xiang, Hongbo Nie, Huasheng Lei, Yong Du, Wandong Xing, Jian Luo, Zhiyang Yu
Summary: Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy was used to study the atomic-level segregation mechanism in V-doped WC-Co composites. It was found that the segregation behavior largely depends on the orientation of low-index planes, particularly the basal and prismatic facets in WC-Co. V solute atoms show weak segregation at the WC prismatic plane-terminated interfaces, mainly occurring within a monolayer. In contrast, segregation at the basal facets of WC grains distributes within a bilayer with a higher concentration.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Rocha, Ranjeet Kumar, Bengt Norden, Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede
Summary: The study reveals that alpha-synuclein binds to negatively charged vesicles and reorients its helix structure under shear flow, tilting into the vesicle membrane. The presence of flow accelerates the reorientation dynamics of the protein, suggesting a potential flow catalysis mechanism to overcome steric barriers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Mary K. Coe, Robert Evans, Nigel B. Wilding
Summary: We investigate the origin of density depletion and enhanced density fluctuations in water near an extended hydrophobic solute. We argue that both phenomena are remnants of the critical drying surface phase transition that occurs at liquid-vapor coexistence. The results provide a firm physical basis for understanding water behavior near hydrophobic solutes.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hossein Moghimianavval, Chintan Patel, Sonisilpa Mohapatra, Sung-Won Hwang, Tunc Kayikcioglu, Yashar Bashirzadeh, Allen P. Liu, Taekjip Ha
Summary: InterSpy is introduced as a synthetic biology tool for engineering membrane-membrane interfaces. It allows tracking and reconstitution of functional fluorescent protein between apposing synthetic or cell membranes, demonstrating the potential for designing non-native cellular communication pathways and creating synthetic tissues. The technology is tested using a mammalian cell-free expression system and shows promising results.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoonji Bae, Sang Kwon Lee, Young Chan Chae, Chan Young Park, Sebyung Kang
Summary: Covalent protein-ligation methods were used to visualize the localization of proteins in cells and study the topology of membrane proteins. By selectively labeling membrane proteins in a topology-dependent manner, the method proved to be effective in both live and permeabilized cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Baolong Jiang, Ningning Liang, Qunjia Peng, Xiaodong Lin, Zhijie Jiao, Lining Xu, Yang He, Luning Wang, Lijie Qiao
Summary: This study investigated the potential difference changes at different interfaces in a 308 L stainless steel before and after proton irradiation. It was found that the gamma/C interface showed the highest corrosion tendency.
Article
Cell Biology
Maximilian Borgmeyer, Cristina Coman, Canan Has, Hans-Frieder Schoett, Tingting Li, Philipp Westhoff, Yam F. H. Cheung, Nils Hoffmann, PingAn Yuanxiang, Thomas Behnisch, Guilherme M. Gomes, Mael Dumenieu, Michaela Schweizer, Michaela Chocholouskova, Michal Holcapek, Marina Mikhaylova, Michael R. Kreutz, Robert Ahrends
Summary: This study presents a quantitative lipid inventory of mouse and rat synaptic junctions, and develops a multiomics workflow to investigate the interplay of proteins and lipids in synaptic signal transduction. The findings reveal that environmental stimuli can regulate synaptic strength through altering protein expression in specific synapses. This compartment-specific multiomics workflow provides insights into complex lipid and protein networks involved in synaptic function and plasticity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
He Huang, Jovan Damjanovic, Jiayuan Miao, Yu-Shan Lin
Summary: Cyclization is commonly used to improve the target binding affinity of peptide-based probes and therapeutics; however, the specific impact of cyclization on peptide configurational entropy is poorly understood, requiring labor-intensive chemical synthesis and experimental characterization. Cyclization generally reduces backbone dihedral entropy and affects the conformational accessibility of cyclic peptides, providing insights into designing cyclic peptide inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nobuyuki Terasaki, Naochika Kon, Hajime Chiba, Touyou Ohashi, Tohru Sekino
Summary: The interfacial structure between Cu and WC-Co cemented carbide after Ag-Cu vacuum brazing was evaluated. It was found that Ag and Cu penetrated the grain boundary phase, which initially consisted of Co, over a distance of about 1 µm from the surface of the WC-Co cemented carbide. A Co-containing segregated layer with a thickness of about 2-7 nm formed at both the Cu-rich phase/WC grain interface and the Ag-rich phase/WC grain interface. Furthermore, a Cu-containing segregated layer with a thickness of about 2 nm formed on the Ag-rich phase side against the Co-containing segregated layer at the Ag-rich phase/WC grain interface. This suggests that the formation of the Co-containing segregated layer originated from the local interfacial reaction between the Co dissolved in molten Ag-Cu phase and the WC grains during brazing.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lu Lu, Chuan-Lin Zhang, Shao-Bo Mi
Summary: By using advanced electron microscopy imaging, researchers have revealed the atomic-scale microstructure of doped TiO2 thin films and discovered phenomena such as interface structures, cation segregation, and phase formation.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Bain, Anand Jagota, Katrina Smith-Mannschott, Stefanie Heyden, Robert W. Style, Eric R. Dufresne
Summary: When most solids are stretched in one direction, they shrink in the transverse directions, but in soft silicone gels, small-scale topographical features grow upon stretching. This counterintuitive response is nearly linear and is due to the delicate interplay of bulk and surface responses to strain. Specifically, changes in surface tension as the material deforms contribute to the surprising increase in small-scale topography with stretch.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yun-Dong Yin, Fang-Fang Chen, Jun Hu, Lei Yang, Xi-Tong Song, Guo-Rong Wu, Ming Xu, Zhi-Yuan Gu
Summary: This study investigates the challenge of protein identification and discrimination at the single-molecule level. It demonstrates the potential of using solid-state nanopores as a sensitive biosensor for protein analysis and proposes a strategy of gradually decreasing the nanopore size to discriminate proteins with similar structures. The results show that the nanopore size plays a key role in protein discrimination.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Kouznetsova, Jian Guo Liu, Sonata Valentiniene, Hjalmar Brismar, Christer Hoog
Summary: Aging significantly impacts the chromosome segregation process in human oocytes, leading to aneuploidy, infertility, and developmental disorders. As age increases, the likelihood of chromosome segregation irregularities also increases, resulting in a higher incidence of aneuploidy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rishi Bodlos, Daniel Scheiber, Juergen Spitaler, Lorenz Romaner
Summary: Cu/W composites are widely used due to their suitable thermomechanical properties. The bonding behavior of Cu/W and Cu/WTi interfaces is of economic interest, particularly regarding impurities' effects on the interface behavior. In this study, atomistic models of these interfaces were created and compared to known interfaces, with a focus on the effect of segregation on interface cohesion. Results showed that investigated impurities weaken the interface cohesion.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhan Chen, Christian Steinmetz, Mingqiu Hu, E. Bryan Coughlin, Hanyu Wang, William T. Heller, Wim Bras, Thomas P. Russell
Summary: The study demonstrates that star block copolymers (s-BCPs) can accumulate at the interface between two immiscible homopolymers and promote adhesion. The molecular weight and number of s-BCPs at the interface affect the width and morphology of the interface. Lower molecular weight s-BCPs generate wider interfaces, while higher molecular weight s-BCPs inhibit phase separation. Additionally, s-BCPs are more efficient in promoting adhesion compared to linear block copolymers.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Robert Kronstrand, Caitlyn Norman, Svante Vikingsson, Anoek Biemans, Bryan Valencia Crespo, Darren Edwards, Daniel Fletcher, Nicolas Gilbert, Mattias Persson, Robert Reid, Olga Semenova, Faisal Al Teneiji, Xiongyu Wu, Johan Dahlen, Niamh NicDaeid, Fuad Tarbah, Oliver B. Sutcliffe, Craig McKenzie, Henrik Green
Summary: The study identified an increasing prevalence of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist ADB-BUTINACA and recommended specific metabolites in blood and urine as biomarkers. Another SCRA, ADB-4en-PINACA, was also discovered with a lower prevalence, and metabolites E3 and E7 were suggested as biomarkers.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Hannah Dada, Michael L. Dustin
Summary: This study tells the different states of three tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, including exhaustion, inertness, and optimal status.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ashish Kumar, Ferhina S. Ali, Valerie M. Stevens, Jason S. Melo, N. Venkatesh Prajna, Prajna Lalitha, Muthiah Srinivasan, Gopal Bhandari, Sadhan Bhandari, Robi N. Maamari, Daniel A. Fletcher, Thomas M. Lietman, Jeremy D. Keenan
Summary: The study findings suggest that smartphone photography has high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing corneal opacity, particularly for larger, visually significant, and more recent scars.
OPHTHALMIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jesse Goyette, David Depoil, Zhengmin Yang, Samuel A. Isaacson, Jun Allard, P. Anton van der Merwe, Katharina Gaus, Michael L. Dustin, Omer Dushek
Summary: Protein-protein binding domains, such as the Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, play a critical role in signaling networks. Tandem SH2 domains can enhance binding affinity and specificity, but there is a trade-off between long-lived binding and rapid signaling reversal. This study shows that phosphatases can accelerate the unbinding rate of tandem SH2 domains, breaking the trade-off and allowing for efficient T cell antigen discrimination.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Mohammad Ameen Al-Aghbar, Ashwin K. Jainarayanan, Michael L. Dustin, Steve R. Roffler
Summary: This study proposes a TCR Bending Mechanosignal (TBM) model which suggests that local mechanical membrane bending of T cells on the nanometer scale may influence T cell receptor binding events and thus T-cell activation. The model highlights how the bending of the T cell membrane can enhance signaling and facilitate better recognition of antigens.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnel Sfeir, Gord Fishell, Alexander F. Schier, Michael L. Dustin, Wen-Biao Gan, Alexandra Joyner, Ruth Lehmann, David Ron, David Roth, William S. Talbot, Deborah Yelon, Arturo Zychlinsky
Summary: Support for basic science has been overshadowed by initiatives focusing on specific medical issues, such as the recent dismantling of the Skirball Institute at NYU School of Medicine. This article reflects on the accomplishments and mission of Skirball, highlighting the benefits of maintaining a vision for basic science within academia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Gifford, Anna Woskowicz, Noriko Ito, Stefan Balint, B. Christopher Lagerholm, Michael L. Dustin, Yoshifumi Itoh
Summary: MT1-MMP plays a crucial role in promoting cancer cell invasion. In this study, three kinesin superfamily motor proteins (KIFs), KIF3A, KIF13A, and KIF9, were identified to be involved in the transport of MT1-MMP-containing vesicles. Knockdown of KIF3A and KIF13A inhibited MT1-MMP-dependent collagen degradation and invasion, while knockdown of KIF9 increased collagen degradation and invasion. Live-cell imaging analyses revealed the coordinated transport of MT1-MMP-containing vesicles by KIF3A and KIF13A from the trans-Golgi to endosomes, and the transport of vesicles from endosomes to the plasma membrane by KIF13A alone. This study uncovers a unique interplay between three KIFs in regulating the leading edge localization of MT1-MMP and MT1-MMP-dependent cancer cell invasion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arbel Artzy-Schnirman, Enas Abu-Shah, Rona Chandrawati, Efrat Altman, Norkhairin Yusuf, Shih-Ting Wang, Jose Ramos, Catherine S. Hansel, Maya Haus-Cohen, Rony Dahan, Sefina Arif, Michael L. Dustin, Mark Peakman, Yoram Reiter, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: The study develops a unique artificial antigen-presenting cell system that can detect and target autoreactive T-cell populations, providing a promising tool for preventing autoimmune diseases.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Santosha Vardhana, Michael L. L. Dustin
Summary: This article discusses the role of spinach in enhancing strength and defending against bullies, and the importance of dietary magnesium ion deficiency affecting the activity of the key molecule LFA-1, which hinders the ability of CD8(+) T cells to combat various bullies.
TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jean T. Coulibaly, Kigbafori D. Silue, Maxim Armstrong, Maria Diaz de Leon Derby, Michael V. D'Ambrosio, Daniel A. Fletcher, Jennifer Keiser, Karla Fisher, Jason R. Andrews, Isaac I. Bogoch
Summary: Schistosomiasis infections have a disproportionate impact on African settings. Mobile phone microscopy showed promising results for schistosomiasis control and elimination efforts, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 93.3% for identifying Schistosoma haematobium compared to conventional light microscopy. It also had a sensitivity of 95% for detecting egg concentrations of five or more per 10 mL of urine.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam J. Stevens, Andrew R. Harris, Josiah Gerdts, Ki H. Kim, Coralie Trentesaux, Jonathan T. Ramirez, Wesley L. McKeithan, Faranak Fattahi, Ophir D. Klein, Daniel A. Fletcher, Wendell A. Lim
Summary: Cell adhesion molecules play a crucial role in various cellular processes, and their synthetic counterparts can be generated by combining extracellular interactions with intracellular domains. These synthetic molecules allow for customized cell-cell interactions with properties similar to native interactions. The intracellular domains determine the interface morphology and mechanics, while the extracellular interaction domains specify the connectivity between cells. This toolkit of synthetic cell adhesion molecules enables the assembly of multicellular architectures and the systematic remodeling of native tissues, providing insights into the evolution of different classes of cell-cell interfaces. Overall, these tools have significant implications for cell and tissue engineering and the study of multicellular organization.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Audun Kvalvaag, Salvatore Valvo, Pablo F. Cespedes, David G. Saliba, Elke Kurz, Kseniya Korobchevskaya, Michael L. Dustin
Summary: Ligation of TCR to pMHC induces TCR ubiquitination and either internalization by T cell or release in extracellular vesicles. Clathrin-mediated ectocytosis facilitates the release of TCR, while clathrin-mediated trans-endocytosis enables the uptake of pMHC-TCR conjugates from the APC.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yavuz F. Yazicioglu, Eros Marin, Ciaran Sandhu, Silvia Galiani, Iwan G. A. Raza, Mohammad Ali, Barbara Kronsteiner, Ewoud B. Compeer, Moustafa Attar, Susanna J. Dunachie, Michael L. Dustin, Alexander J. Clarke
Summary: Clarke and colleagues discovered that germinal center B cells have dynamic mitochondria regulated by the transcription factor TFAM. TFAM helps the B cells enter the germinal center reaction by modulating cellular motility. Understanding this mechanism is important as germinal center B cells undergo rapid proliferation in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashwin Jainarayanan, Nithishwer Mouroug-Anand, Edward H. Arbe-Barnes, Adam J. Bush, Rachael Bashford-Rogers, Adam Frampton, Lara Heij, Mark Middleton, Michael L. Dustin, Enas Abu-Shah, Shivan Sivakumar
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer type with a low 5-year survival rate of less than 8% due to its complex biology. Understanding the functional dynamics of T cells in the PDAC microenvironment is crucial for developing alternative therapeutic strategies, as PDAC is resistant to immunotherapy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kieran S. O'Brien, Raghunandan Byanju, Ram P. Kandel, Bimal Poudyal, John A. Gonzales, Travis C. Porco, John P. Whitcher, Muthiah Srinivasan, Madan Upadhyay, Thomas M. Lietman, Jeremy D. Keenan
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether a community-based corneal ulcer prevention program would reduce the incidence of corneal ulcers. The study found that the incidence of corneal ulcers did not decrease under the existing community program.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)