Cell Biology
- Combining sophisticated fast FLIM, confocal microscopy, and STED nanoscopy for live-cell imaging of tunneling nanotubes
Here, we proposed an innovative advanced light imaging to reveal the dynamics of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) that are now considered as a long- and short-distance route for cell-to-cell communication.
- DEFA1A3 DNA gene-dosage regulates the kidney innate immune response during upper urinary tract infection
α-Defensin 1-3 (DEFA1A3) are host antimicrobial peptides with potent innate immune functions during infectious diseases. Differential UTI risk has been linked to DEFA1A3 DNA polymorphisms. This study elucidates mechanisms of DEFA1A3 gene dose–dependent protection against UTI pathogenesis.
- VCP/p97 mediates nuclear targeting of non-ER-imported prion protein to maintain proteostasis
The study shows a novel ubiquitin-independent role of VCP/p97 in the nuclear targeting of non-imported secretory proteins to prevent formation of toxic protein aggregates in the cytosol.
- Genetic mutation of Cep76 results in male infertility due to abnormal sperm tail composition
This study explores the role of CEP76 in male fertility via its predicted role in establishing a functional transition zone that mediates protein entry into the sperm tail.
- Human CRB1 and CRB2 form homo- and heteromeric protein complexes in the retina
This study describes novel interactors of the retinal Crumbs complex and reveals homo- and heterotypic interactions of CRB1 and CRB2 that are not significantly affected by patient-associated mutations.
- Genetic reprogramming with stem cells regenerates glomerular epithelial podocytes in Alport syndrome
Podocytes are the rate-limiting glomerular cells for type IV collagen production, and horizontal gene transfer or cell fusion with stem cells regenerates the renal parenchyma in Alport syndrome.
- pADP-ribosylation regulates the cytoplasmic localization, cleavage, and pro-apoptotic function of HuR
Our current work demonstrates that the non-covalent PARylation of HuR plays a key role in regulating its pro-apoptotic function by preventing its cytoplasmic localization and cleavage.
- A genetic screen to uncover mechanisms underlying lipid transfer protein function at membrane contact sites
A genetic screen in Drosophila photoreceptors uncovers multiple regulators of lipid transfer function and endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane contact sites.
- SIRT4 as a novel interactor and candidate suppressor of C-RAF kinase in MAPK signaling
This study proposed a novel extra-mitochondrial role of the tumor suppressor SIRT4 in negatively regulating the MAPK pathway by interacting with C-RAF kinase.
- CRL4DCAF1 ubiquitin ligase regulates PLK4 protein levels to prevent premature centriole duplication
This study identifies the E3 ubiquitin ligase, CRL4DCAF1, as a new regulator of polo-like kinase 4, PLK4, protein levels in the G2 phase of the cell cycle to prevent premature duplication of centrioles.