H.-Z. Li

An efficient peptide ligase engineered from a bamboo asparaginyl endopeptidase

The paper engineers a bamboo-derived peptide ligase with improved activity by modifying its activation mechanism.

The ghrelin receptor GHSR has two efficient agonists in an ancient fish species

The study identifies that GHSR in coelacanth binds and is activated by motilin, while zebrafish and large yellow croaker GHSRs do not bind motilin, suggesting ancient fish GHSRs had two agonists.

Nanomolar range of FAM237B can activate receptor GPR83

The paper shows that FAM237B activates GPR83 at nanomolar concentrations, confirming it as an endogenous agonist.

FAM237A, rather than peptide PEN and proCCK56-63, is a ligand of the orphan receptor GPR83

This study identifies FAM237A as the true ligand of GPR83, refuting previous claims that PEN and proCCK56-63 are agonists of this receptor.

LEAP2 is a more conserved ligand than ghrelin for fish GHSRs

The paper shows LEAP2 binds more consistently to fish GHSRs than ghrelin, suggesting LEAP2 is a more conserved ligand in these species.

Development of esterase-resistant and highly active ghrelin analogs via thiol-ene click chemistry

This study develops esterase-resistant and highly active ghrelin analogs using thiol-ene click chemistry, showing improved stability and activity in serum.