Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yong Ding, Bin Ding, Hiroyuki Kanda, Onovbaramwen Jennifer Usiobo, Thibaut Gallet, Zhenhai Yang, Yan Liu, Hao Huang, Jiang Sheng, Cheng Liu, Yi Yang, Valentin Ianis Emmanuel Queloz, Xianfu Zhang, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Alex Redinger, Wei Dang, Edoardo Mosconic, Wen Luo, Filippo De Angelis, Mingkui Wang, Patrick Doerflinger, Melina Armer, Valentin Schmid, Rui Wang, Keith G. Brooks, Jihuai Wu, Vladimir Dyakonov, Guanjun Yang, Songyuan Dai, Paul J. Dyson, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
Summary: The incorporation of electron transport layers based on single-crystalline TiO2 rhombohedral nanoparticles enables the realization of stable and efficient large-area perovskite solar cell modules. The devices achieve high efficiency and stability, making them promising for practical applications.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pramila Patil, Ashakiran Maibam, Sushil S. Sangale, Dilpreet Singh Mann, Hyun-Jung Lee, Sailaja Krishnamurty, Sung-Nam Kwon, Seok-In Na
Summary: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising photovoltaic devices due to their excellent properties and ease of processing. However, their efficiency is still lower than the theoretical limits due to losses caused by the charge transport layer and perovskite. In this study, an interface engineering strategy using functional molecules and chemical bridges was applied to reduce the losses. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was introduced as a functional interface layer between PCBM and ZnO, serving as a chemical bridge connecting the two. This improved the interfacial charge transport and device performance, resulting in a high PCE of 21.21% and excellent stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ying-Ying Lin, Shuai Zhao, Xiong Lin, Ting Zhang, Cheng-Xi Li, Xue-Mei Luo, Jia-Xun Feng
Summary: In this study, a copper-controlled FLP/FRT-mediated recombination system was successfully constructed in P. oxalicum to simultaneously delete two crucial transcription repressor genes, resulting in significantly increased cellulase and xylanase production. This provides a feasible strategy for improving cellulase and xylanase production by filamentous fungi.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengliang He, Youwen Pan, Guanghao Lu, Baohua Wu, Xinxin Xia, Chang-Qi Ma, Zeng Chen, Haiming Zhu, Xinhui Lu, Wei Ma, Lijian Zuo, Hongzheng Chen
Summary: This study investigates the advantages of using the sequential casting (SC) method for bulk heterojunction (BHJ)-based organic solar cells (OSCs). It is found that SC processing can achieve better morphology and device performance compared to the widely-used blend casting (BC) method. The observations on phase separation and vertical distribution inspire the proposal of the swelling-intercalation phase-separation model to explain the morphology evolution during SC processing. Moreover, the vertical phase segregation is found to improve device performance through affecting charge transport and collection processes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maurice Retout, Bryan Gosselin, Amina Adrovic, Pascale Blond, Ivan Jabin, Gilles Bruylants
Summary: In this study, a thin and robust coating based on calixarene-diazonium salts was developed to maintain the anisotropic structure of silver nanoplates, resulting in increased lifetime and stability. This coated silver nanoplates were then used for the detection of rabbit immunoglobulin G and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, achieving a low limit of detection and successful detection in human plasma. Additionally, the wide range of colors provided by the silver nanoplates allowed for the design of a multicolor multiplex assay for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ashish Soni, Dushyant Kushavah, Li-Syuan Lu, Wen-Hao Chang, Suman Kalyan Pal
Summary: Utilizing the excess energy from photoexcitation to improve the efficiency of next-generation light-harvesting devices is possible. Multiple exciton generation (MEG) in semiconducting materials can break the conversion efficiency limit of photovoltaic devices. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have high absorption coefficients and show efficient MEGs with low threshold energy and high (86%) efficiency in MoS2. The results suggest that van der Waals layered materials could be a potential candidate for flexible and efficient next-generation solar cells and photodetectors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zongwen Ma, Yiman Dong, Ruyue Wang, Zhiyang Xu, Minghua Li, Zhan'ao Tan
Summary: Rational selection and design of recombination electrodes are crucial for enhancing the efficiency and stability of solar cells. In this study, sputtered indium tin oxide with high conductivity and excellent transmittance is introduced as the recombination electrode, and a dual-functional transport and protective layer is employed to improve electron transport and prevent damage to the underlying material. By stacking layers with different bandgaps, a high-efficiency and stable solar cell is achieved.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Michael L. Nonet
Summary: This article presents a simplified method for inserting large, single-copy transgenes into the Caenorhabditis elegans genome using recombination-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE). It only relies on drug selection to obtain homozygous fluorescent protein (FP) marked transgenes in 3 generations with high efficiency. Landing sites on four chromosomes allow marking lines in different cell types. Various vectors and selection methods can be used to create transgenes expressing different colored FPs. The rapid RMCE toolbox provides a platform for developing further innovative uses of RMCE.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minh Anh Truong, Tsukasa Funasaki, Lucas Ueberricke, Wataru Nojo, Richard Murdey, Takumi Yamada, Shuaifeng Hu, Aruto Akatsuka, Naomu Sekiguchi, Shota Hira, Lingling Xie, Tomoya Nakamura, Nobutaka Shioya, Daisuke Kan, Yuta Tsuji, Satoshi Iikubo, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Yuichi Shimakawa, Takeshi Hasegawa, Yoshihiko Kanemitsu, Takanori Suzuki, Atsushi Wakamiya
Summary: Hole-collecting monolayers in perovskite solar cell research have gained attention for their easy processing, high performance, and good durability. This study utilized multiple phosphonic acid anchoring groups to control the molecular orientation, resulting in improved efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah E. Allen, Gabriel T. Koreman, Ankita Sarkar, Bei Wang, Mariana F. Wolfner, Chun Han
Summary: Mosaic animals have been an important tool in scientific research, and a new technique called MAGIC has been developed in Drosophila for generating mosaic animals and studying gene function in neural development. This versatile system eliminates the need for introducing recombinase-recognition sites in the genome, simplifying mosaic analysis in Drosophila and potentially being applicable in other organisms compatible with CRISPR/Cas9.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rashid Houshdarpour, Farangis Ataei, Saman Hosseinkhani
Summary: This study focused on identifying proteins that reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatment, with survivin showing promise in regulating cell death and survival. Overexpression of survivin in HEK cells led to increased resistance to apoptotic stimuli and decreased caspase activity. Furthermore, survivin decreased ROS levels, increased ATP content, and reduced apoptosis rates, suggesting its potential for cancer treatment applications.
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fahim Farzadfard, Nava Gharaei, Robert J. Citorik, Timothy K. Lu
Summary: The study introduces a retroelement-mediated DNA writing system that allows efficient and precise editing of bacterial genomes without the need for target-specific elements or selection. This system has a wide range of applications, including editing targeted microbial genomes, mapping spatial information and cellular interactions, and continuous evolution of cellular traits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin Peng, Qiaofeng Wu, Hongming Hou, Taotao Hu, Yue Huang, Xudong Cai, Wenjie Luo, Xin Chen, Hua Yu
Summary: The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted perovskite solar cells is mainly affected by the energy level mismatch and unfavorable interfacial reaction between nickel oxide (NiOx) and organic cations of the perovskite. This study introduces interlayer engineering using dual-functional alkaline hypophosphite to address these issues. The use of alkaline hypophosphite increases the valence band maximum of NiOx, aligning the energy band of perovskite solar cells with the best energy level matching using sodium hypophosphite. Additionally, the deposition of alkaline sodium hypophosphite on NiOx reduces the proportion of Ni3+, slowing down the degradation of the perovskite layer caused by the reaction with organic cations. The treated devices show improved open-circuit voltage and retain high efficiency for a prolonged period under ambient conditions, demonstrating a feasible and effective strategy for the fabrication of efficient and air-stable inverted perovskite solar cells.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yannan Zhang, Zeke Liu, Wanli Ma
Summary: This perspective summarizes the important research progress in transport layer materials, structures, and interfacial passivation of PbS CQD solar cells. The development of new charge transport layers and interfacial passivation strategies has significantly improved the efficiency and stability of CQD solar cells. The remaining challenges and potential development directions for charge transport layers are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gerhard Sandmann
Summary: The nonconventional yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is a mature platform for genetic pathway modification. However, due to its diploid nature, conventional genetic transformation leads to unstable heterozygous lines and incomplete disruption of the carotenoid pathway. This review demonstrates how to solve these problems by generating homozygous lines using X. dendrorhous as a model for genetic modification of the carotenoid pathway.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Joanna Grochowska, Jolanta Czerwinska, Lukasz S. Borowski, Roman J. Szczesny
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating the innate immune pathway, functioning in antiviral signaling and acting as a source of innate immune stimuli. Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is highlighted as a key factor in regulating mitochondrial double-stranded RNA metabolism and its escape from mitochondria. Current research focuses on the role of PNPase in human health and disease.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Martyna Kordys, Raneet Sen, Zbigniew Warkocki
Summary: CRISPR-Cas13 is a highly versatile prokaryotic defense system that has been widely used in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, developing highly sensitive detection tools, and regulating gene expression. Additionally, Cas13 can be applied to in vivo RNA modifications and the detection of RNA-interacting proteins among other applications.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Beverly Y. Mok, Anna Kotrys, Aditya Raguram, Tony P. Huang, Vamsi K. Mootha, David R. Liu
Summary: Evolved DddA variants enhance the editing efficiency and expand the target compatibility of the all-protein base editor DdCBE, allowing efficient editing at non-T(C) target sites and broadening the sequence compatibility for mitochondrial and nuclear base editing.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Aleksandra Bilska, Pawel Szczepan Krawczyk, Andrzej Dziembowski, Seweryn Mroczek
Summary: The 3'-end poly(A) tail is an important feature of mRNA molecules that affects gene expression at the mRNA level. Recent research has discovered different regulatory mechanisms of polyadenylation occurring in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Advances in RNA sequencing technology and software development have provided a better understanding of polyadenylation research methods and uncovered new enzymes and the correlation between tail length and RNA translatability.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paulina Misiukiewicz-Stepien, Michal Mierzejewski, Elwira Zajusz-Zubek, Krzysztof Goryca, Dorota Adamska, Michal Szelag, Rafal Krenke, Magdalena Paplinska-Goryca
Summary: This study analyzed the mRNA profile of epithelium in response to airborne particulate matter in asthma, COPD, and control groups. The results showed differential expression of certain genes in the exposed and unexposed epithelium, and changes in biological processes associated with asthma and COPD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Karlowicz, Andrzej B. Dubiel, Jolanta Czerwinska, Adela Bledea, Piotr Purzycki, Marta Grzelewska, Ryan J. McAuley, Roman J. Szczesny, Gabriela Brzuska, Ewelina Krol, Bartosz Szczesny, Michal R. Szymanski
Summary: This study reveals that the enzyme EXOG plays a crucial role in the removal of RNA primers in human mitochondria. It is involved in cleaving short and long RNA-containing flaps, and in cooperation with RNase H1, it processes non-flap RNA-containing intermediates. The findings suggest that EXOG-mediated RNA cleavage is necessary prior to ligation, and increasing EXOG levels can enhance the efficiency of RNA-containing substrates in human mitochondria.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Michal Krzyszton, Ruslan Yatusevich, Magdalena Wrona, Sebastian P. Sacharowski, Dorota Adamska, Szymon Swiezewski
Summary: Seeds have strong resilience and adopt a bet-hedging strategy to persist in unfavorable conditions. By using single-seed RNA sequencing, the transcriptional heterogeneity of seeds and the induction of secondary dormancy can be elucidated.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabien Guegan, K. Shanmugha Rajan, Fabio Bento, Daniel Pinto-Neves, Mariana Sequeira, Natalia Guminska, Seweryn Mroczek, Andrzej Dziembowski, Smadar Cohen-Chalamish, Tirza Doniger, Beathrice Galili, Antonio M. Estevez, Cedric Notredame, Shulamit Michaeli, Luisa M. Figueiredo
Summary: This study identified 1428 previously uncharacterized lncRNA genes in the T. brucei genome. The key regulator, grumpy lncRNA, was found to promote parasite differentiation into the quiescent stumpy form, with this function being promoted by the encoded small nucleolar RNA. Overexpression of grumpy reduced parasitemia in infected mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martyna Nowacka, Przemyslaw Latoch, Matylda A. Izert, Natalia K. Karolak, Rafal Tomecki, Michal Koper, Agnieszka Tudek, Agata L. Starosta, Maria W. Gorna
Summary: This study proposes an mRNA enrichment strategy based on the RNA-binding properties of human IFIT1, which effectively depletes rRNA while maintaining high quality RNA-seq data with coverage of the protein coding transcriptome. It is a cost-effective and versatile tool for preparing mRNA libraries for various organisms.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Balcerak, Ewelina Macech-Klicka, Maciej Wakula, Rafal Tomecki, Krzysztof Goryca, Malgorzata Rydzanicz, Mateusz Chmielarczyk, Malgorzata Szostakowska-Rodzos, Marta Wisniewska, Filip Lyczek, Aleksandra Helwak, David Tollervey, Grzegorz Kudla, Ewa A. Grzybowska
Summary: This study characterizes the RNA targets of HAX1 and reveals its involvement in translation, ribosome biogenesis, and rRNA processing. Knockouts of HAX1 show downregulation of transcripts partially overlapping with HAX1 RNA targets, suggesting a role in mRNA stabilization. The study also demonstrates a functional connection between HAX1 and ribosome biogenesis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zbigniew Warkocki
Summary: This article summarizes the current understanding of retrotransposon biology, with a focus on LINE-1. By studying the involvement of post-transcriptional factors, it has been found that retrotransposon expression is tightly regulated to prevent harmful effects. Additionally, this paper discusses the roles of retrotransposons in RNA metabolism, cellular innate immunity, and cellular enzymes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vladyslava Liudkovska, Pawel S. Krawczyk, Aleksandra Brouze, Natalia Guminska, Tomasz Wegierski, Dominik Cysewski, Zuzanna Mackiewicz, Jonathan J. Ewbank, Krzysztof Drabikowski, Seweryn Mroczek, Andrzej Dziembowski
Summary: This study reveals that cytoplasmic polyadenylation is a previously unknown component of the posttranscriptional regulation of innate immunity in animals, enhancing the expression of secreted innate immunity effector proteins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rahul Gupta, Masahiro Kanai, Timothy J. Durham, Kristin Tsuo, Jason G. McCoy, Anna V. Kotrys, Wei Zhou, Patrick F. Chinnery, Konrad J. Karczewski, Sarah E. Calvo, Benjamin M. Neale, Vamsi K. Mootha
Summary: This study identifies 92 nuclear loci associated with mtDNA replication, maintenance, and novel pathways, and investigates the dynamics of heteroplasmic mtDNA variants. It reveals that common genetic variation in the nuclear genome can shape variation in mtDNA copy number and heteroplasmy dynamics across the human population.
Review
Cell Biology
Rafal Tomecki, Karolina Drazkowska, Kamil Kobylecki, Agnieszka Tudek
Summary: RNA stability and quality control are regulated by the RNA exosome and its co-factor, the SKI (superkiller) complex. The exosome targets protein-coding transcripts for degradation, while the SKI complex plays a crucial role in cytoplasmic mRNA decay and surveillance. Dysfunction of the SKI complex is associated with the trichohepatoenteric syndrome (THES). This article summarizes recent findings on the structural, biochemical, and functional studies of the SKI complex in controlling cytoplasmic RNA metabolism and its involvement in various cellular processes.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2023)