C. K. Xu

Membrane to cortex attachment determines different mechanical phenotypes in LGR5+ and LGR5- colorectal cancer cells

This study identifies mechanical phenotype differences between LGR5+ and LGR5- colorectal cancer cells, linking them to membrane to cortex attachment proteins and metastatic potential.

Microfluidic antibody profiling after repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination links antibody affinity and concentration to impaired immunity and variant escape in patients on anti-CD-20 therapy

α-Synuclein oligomers form by secondary nucleation

This study shows α-synuclein oligomers form via secondary nucleation on fibril surfaces, not from monomers, and this process is enhanced by agitation under physiological conditions.

Alpha-synuclein oligomers displace monomeric alpha-synuclein from lipid membranes

This study shows that alpha-synuclein oligomers bind more strongly to curved lipid membranes and displace monomeric alpha-synuclein, suggesting a new mechanism for Parkinson's disease toxicity.

Uncovering the universality of self-replication in protein aggregation and its link to disease.

The paper investigates self-replication in protein aggregates, finding it common in both functional and pathological contexts, with disease-related aggregates replicating faster than biological ones.

Single-molecule sizing through nano-cavity confinement

This paper introduces a method called nano-cavity diffusional sizing (NDS) to measure the size of nanoscale particles and single biomolecules using residence times in nano-cavities.

2-photon-fabricated nano-fluidic traps for extended detection of single macromolecules and colloids in solution

This paper introduces nano-fluidic traps that increase detection times for single macromolecules and colloids in solution by providing local steric confinement.

Understanding the role of memory re-activation and cross-reactivity in the defense against SARS-CoV-2

This study uses microfluidic antibody-affinity profiling to assess cross-reactive antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent patients and pre-pandemic sera, finding low affinity and concentration against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Mutations in two SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern reflect two distinct strategies of antibody escape

This study compares antibody escape mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 alpha and beta variants, finding they use distinct strategies: alpha increases ACE2 binding affinity, while beta alters epitopes to reduce antibody access.

Amplification, not spreading limits rate of tau aggregate accumulation in Alzheimer's disease

The paper quantifies tau aggregate replication rates in Alzheimer's disease and finds local replication, not spreading, limits tau accumulation in neocortical regions.

Microfluidic Antibody Affinity Profiling for In-Solution Characterisation of Alloantibody - HLA Interactions in Human Serum

This paper develops a microfluidic assay to directly measure antibody affinity and concentration in solution, applied to characterise alloantibody-HLA interactions in transplant patient sera.

Templating S100A9 amyloids on Aβ fibrillar surfaces revealed by charge detection mass spectrometry, microscopy, kinetic and microfluidic analyses

The paper investigates the co-aggregation of S100A9 and Aβ42 amyloids using CDMS, microscopy, and kinetic analysis, revealing templating of S100A9 fibrils on Aβ42 surfaces.

Rapid Fractionation and Characterisation of Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers in Solution

This study demonstrates microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis for rapidly separating and characterizing alpha-synuclein oligomers in solution.

Kinetic fingerprints differentiate anti-Aβ therapies

This study uses kinetic analysis and binding measurements to compare four anti-Aβ antibodies, showing aducanumab uniquely reduces Aβ oligomer flux.

ThX - A next-generation probe for the early detection of amyloid aggregates

This paper introduces ThX, a new fluorescent probe for detecting amyloid aggregates, showing improved brightness and binding affinity over ThT.