C. D. Okafor

Nuclear receptor interdomain communication is mediated by the hinge with ligand specificity

This study uses computational and experimental methods to show that the hinge region of FXR mediates ligand-induced interdomain communication.

The nuclear receptor LRH-1 discriminates between ligands using distinct allosteric signaling circuits

This study identifies distinct allosteric signaling circuits used by active and inactive ligands to communicate with the AFS of LRH-1, revealing new therapeutic targets and mechanisms of coregulator signaling.

Ligand-induced shifts in conformational ensembles that predict transcriptional activation

The paper uses molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation to show that conformational ensembles of nuclear receptors predict ligand-induced transcriptional responses.

Two enhancer binding proteins activate σ54 -dependent transcription of a quorum regulatory RNA in a bacterial symbiont

The paper identifies two enhancer binding proteins that activate σ54-dependent transcription of Qrr1, a quorum regulatory RNA, in the bacterial symbiont Vibrio fischeri during host colonization.

Evolutionary tuning of a key helix drove androgen selectivity

The paper investigates how evolutionary changes in helix 10 of androgen receptors drove ligand selectivity by analyzing ancestral proteins and biophysical mechanisms.

Molecular mechanism regulating transcriptional control of the hig toxin-antitoxin locus of antibiotic-resistance plasmid Rts1 from Proteus vulgaris

This paper investigates the regulation of the HigBHigA toxin-antitoxin pair from plasmid Rts1 in Proteus vulgaris, finding it functions as an on/off transcriptional switch rather than a molecular rheostat.

Tapping into a phospholipid-LRH-1 axis yields a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with in vivo activity against colitis

The paper develops a phospholipid-mimicking LRH-1 agonist that shows in vivo efficacy in a colitis model by improving binding affinity and transcriptional activity.

Structure and assembly of the diiron cofactor in the heme-oxygenase-like domain of the N-nitrosourea-producing enzyme SznF

This paper investigates the assembly of the diiron cofactor in the SznF enzyme, revealing structural changes and an unexpected glutamate ligand that aids in function assignment.

Allosteric regulation of Thioesterase Superfamily Member 1 by free fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine

This study identifies the StarD domain of Them1 as a lipid sensor that allosterically regulates its activity and localization in response to fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine.

Development of the first low nanomolar Liver Receptor Homolog-1 agonist through structure-guided design

This study develops the first low nanomolar LRH-1 agonist using structure-guided design, showing increased potency and anti-inflammatory effects in an organoid model.