J. Casas

Pharmacological elevation of cellular dihydrosphingomyelin provides a novel antiviral strategy against West Nile virus infection

This study identifies polyphenols that inhibit West Nile virus by altering sphingolipid metabolism, specifically increasing dihydrosphingomyelin levels.

Beta-Cyclodextrins as affordable antivirals to treat coronavirus infection

The paper identifies beta-cyclodextrins as effective and affordable antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses through molecular modeling and in vitro testing.

Obesity promotes Fumonisin B1 toxicity and induces hepatitis

This study shows that obesity increases susceptibility to fumonisin B1 toxicity, leading to gut dysbiosis and severe liver inflammation.

Active sensing in bees through antennal movements is independent of odor molecule

This study shows that bumblebees use stereotypical antennal movements when smelling odors, independent of odorant properties, with movement amplitude and speed reflecting internal state rather than odor characteristics.

Intracellular pools of DAG-activated TRPC3 channels are essential for TLR4 activation

This study identifies TRPC3 as an essential intracellular channel for LPS-induced Ca2+ release and inflammatory responses in macrophages.

Catabolism of lysosome-related organelles in color-changing spiders supports intracellular turnover of pigments

This study examines pigment organelle catabolism in crab spiders, showing they belong to the LRO family and undergo intracellular degradation without cell death or secretion.

Uncyclized xanthommatin is a key ommochrome intermediate in invertebrate coloration

This study identifies uncyclized xanthommatin as a key intermediate in ommochrome biosynthesis, linking the kynurenine pathway to ommatin and ommin pathways in invertebrates.

CCR5 deficiency impairs CD4+ T cell memory responses and antigenic sensitivity through increased ceramide synthesis

This study shows that CCR5 deficiency in CD4+ T cells increases ceramide synthesis, reduces TCR nanoclustering, and impairs memory responses and antigenic sensitivity.

Field application of the geometric framework reveals a multistep strategy of nutrient regulation in a leaf-miner

This study applies the geometric framework to show how leaf-miner larvae use pre- and post-ingestive strategies to maintain nutritional balance in varying leaf environments.

Manipulation of plant primary metabolism by leaf-mining larvae in the race against leaf senescence

This study shows how leaf-mining larvae manipulate plant primary metabolism to maintain nutrient-rich tissues, with developmental stage and feeding mode affecting amino acid availability and insect growth.