D. F. Covey

GPR161 structure uncovers the redundant role of sterol-regulated ciliary cAMP signaling in the Hedgehog pathway

The paper determines the cryo-EM structure of active GPR161 bound to Gs, revealing sterol binding and its role in ciliary cAMP signaling, while showing that sterol binding is not essential for Hedgehog pathway suppression.

Ergosterol mediates aggregation of natamycin in the yeast plasma membrane

This paper shows that ergosterol mediates natamycin aggregation in yeast plasma membranes, which underlies its antifungal activity and can be enhanced by sphingolipid inhibitors.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel through one of two binding sites

This study identifies two fatty acid binding sites in ELIC and shows that DHA selectively inhibits the channel by binding to a specific site in the agonist-bound state.

Nanomolar, noncovalent antagonism of hedgehog cholesterolysis: exception to the irreversibility rule for protein autoprocessing inhibition.

The paper identifies noncovalent, reversible inhibitors of HhC cholesterolysis, challenging the irreversibility rule for protein autoprocessing inhibition.

4 β-hydroxycholesterol is a pro-lipogenic factor that promotes SREBP1c expression and activity through Liver X-receptor.

This study identifies 4β-hydroxycholesterol as a pro-lipogenic factor that activates SREBP1c via LXR to promote de novo lipogenesis.

Site-specific effects of neurosteroids on GABAA receptor activation and desensitization

This study identifies how neurosteroids interact with three distinct sites on the GABAA receptor, influencing activation and desensitization, and shows that site-specific binding determines their functional effects.