D. M. Francis

Diversification of an emerging bacterial plant pathogen; insights from the global spread of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans

This study analyzes the global genetic diversity and evolution of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans, revealing population structure and effector gene variation linked to its spread as a tomato pathogen.

Discovery of steroidal alkaloid metabolites and their accumulation in pigs after short-term tomato consumption

This study identifies and quantifies steroidal alkaloid metabolites in pig plasma after short-term tomato consumption, revealing their concentrations and metabolic phases.

Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal Tomato Consumption Alters Hepatic Xenobiotic Metabolism and Induces Steroidal Alkaloid Metabolite Accumulation in Mice

This study shows tomato consumption changes mouse liver gene expression and metabolite profiles, particularly affecting xenobiotic metabolism and steroidal alkaloid accumulation.

Tumor microenvironments impair T cell receptor affinity and function

This study shows that CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment have reduced TCR-pMHC affinity and function, impairing their anti-tumor activity.

Short term tomato consumption alters the pig gut microbiome towards a more favorable profile

This study shows that short-term tomato consumption in piglets increases the ratio of Bacteroidota to Bacillota and alpha-diversity, suggesting a beneficial shift in the gut microbiome.

Solanum galapagense-derived purple tomato fruit color is conferred by novel alleles of the Anthocyanin fruit and atroviolacium loci

This study identifies novel alleles at the Anthocyanin fruit and atroviolacium loci in Solanum galapagense LA1141 that confer purple fruit pigmentation, supporting a hybridization origin and independent gain of anthocyanin production in the red-fruited tomato clade.

Directing an mRNA-LNP vaccine toward lymph nodes improves humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2

This study develops an mRNA-LNP vaccine (STI-7264) and a lymphatic delivery device (MuVaxx) that enhance immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 with reduced dosing.

Biosynthesis of Steroidal Alkaloids Are Coordinately Regulated and Differ Among Tomatoes in the Red-Fruited Clade

The paper quantifies steroidal alkaloid diversity and identifies QTLs in tomato populations, finding coordinated biosynthesis and species-dependent correlations.