J. Lu

One viral sequence for each host? - The neglected within-host diversity as the main stage of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

The paper shows that SARS-CoV-2 exhibits substantial within-host genetic diversity, challenging the assumption of low diversity per infected individual and highlighting the importance of studying evolution within hosts.

P2X4 Purinergic Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Aggressive Prostate Cancer

This study identifies P2X4 purinergic receptors as a driver of aggressive prostate cancer and a potential therapeutic target through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Murine Norovirus infection results in anti-inflammatory response downstream of amino acids depletion in macrophages

This study shows that murine norovirus induces metabolic stress in macrophages, leading to anti-inflammatory responses through amino acid depletion and GCN2/ATF2 signaling, rather than a typical innate immune response.

Structural basis for enhanced infectivity and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 variants

This study reports cryo-EM structures of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, revealing mutations that enhance infectivity and immune evasion.

NOTCH1 drives immune-escape mechanisms in B cell malignancies

This study shows NOTCH1 mutations in B cell malignancies promote immune escape by upregulating PD-L1 and silencing HLA-class II, leading to poor clinical outcomes.

Phase separation of RNA-binding protein promotes polymerase engagement and transcription

The paper investigates how RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) influence RNA polymerase II activity through phase separation, showing that RBPs like PSPC1 enhance polymerase engagement and transcription.

Amelioration of hemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration

This study uses CRISPR/Cas9 to induce homology-independent targeted integration in a rat hemophilia B model, achieving therapeutic correction with 3.66% knock-in efficiency and normalization of clotting time.

Inhibition of amyloid formation of the Nucleoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

The paper identifies amyloid-forming segments in SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein and designs peptide inhibitors based on their atomic structures to target Covid-19.

Toxoplasma gondii injected neurons localize to the cortex and striatum and have altered firing

This study identifies the localization and electrophysiological changes of Toxoplasma gondii-injected neurons in the mouse brain.

N-Terminal finger stabilizes the reversible feline drug GC376 in SARS-CoV-2 Mpro

This study characterizes the reversible inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Mpro by GC376, showing nanomolar Ki values and domain swapping in the drug-bound structures.

Selective inhibition reveals the regulatory function of DYRK2 in protein synthesis and calcium entry

This study develops a selective DYRK2 inhibitor, C17, and identifies novel targets like 4E-BP1 and STIM1, revealing DYRK2's role in protein synthesis and calcium entry.

A trimeric human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent in vitro

This study creates a trimeric ACE2 variant with high affinity for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and shows it inhibits viral infection in cell culture.

Dependency of LKB1-inactivated lung cancer on aberrant CRTC-CREB activation

This study shows that CRTC-CREB activation drives LKB1-null lung cancer growth and identifies it as a therapeutic target.

All-Flesh Tomato Regulated by Reduced Dosage of AFF Provides New Insights into Berry Fruit Evolution

The study identifies a 416-bp deletion in the AFF gene's promoter that reduces its expression, leading to all-flesh tomato fruits and providing insights into berry fruit evolution.

The jasmine (Jasminum sambac) genome and flower fragrances

This study presents the first de novo genome of Jasminum sambac and identifies gene clusters and pathways involved in flower fragrance biosynthesis.

Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus Is Associated with Osteosarcoma in Xinjiang Uyghur Population

This study finds a significant association between Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) infection and osteosarcoma in the Xinjiang Uyghur population, identifying KSHV as a potential risk factor and a newly identified viral-associated cancer.

Forensic features and genetic legacy of the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across Durand-line revealed by Y chromosomal STRs

This study analyzes Y-chromosomal STRs in Hazara and Baloch populations to reveal genetic diversity and historical interactions across the Durand-line.

Discovery of rhodomyrtone as a broad-spectrum antiviral inhibitor with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity

This paper identifies rhodomyrtone as a broad-spectrum antiviral with activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, showing potent antiviral effects and low resistance potential.

An aminoacylation independent activity of PheRS/FARS promotes growth and proliferation

The paper shows that elevated PheRS/FARS subunit expression promotes cell growth and proliferation independently of its aminoacylation activity and translation.

Structural impact on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by D614G substitution

The paper reports cryo-EM structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the D614G substitution, showing how the mutation affects trimer stability and infectivity.

Patient-Derived Mutant Forms of NFE2L2/NRF2 Drive Aggressive Murine Hepatoblastomas

This study shows that patient-derived NFE2L2 mutants drive aggressive hepatoblastomas in mice by accelerating tumor growth and promoting necrosis and cyst formation.

Tet2 Controls Beta cells Responses to Inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes

This study identifies Tet2's role in regulating β cell responses to inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes, showing its protective effects against immune-mediated destruction.

Acquired deficiency of the peroxisomal enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase is a metabolic vulnerability in hepatoblastoma

This study shows that reducing the peroxisomal enzyme Ehadh in hepatoblastoma makes tumors more susceptible to a fatty acid metabolite, suggesting a potential metabolic therapy.

Lanthipeptide Synthetases Participate the Biosynthesis of 2-Aminovinyl-Cysteine Motifs in Thioamitides

The paper identifies lanthipeptide synthetases as key enzymes in the biosynthesis of 2-aminovinyl-cysteine motifs in thioamitides, revealing their role in dehydration and macrocyclization.

Single-molecule 3D orientation imaging reveals nanoscale compositional heterogeneity in lipid membranes

The paper introduces SMOLM, a single-molecule orientation localization microscopy technique, to measure orientation and spatial organization of lipophilic probes in lipid membranes, revealing compositional heterogeneity.

Immunoreactive peptide maps of SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses

The paper identifies humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses peptides to detect infections and discover immunity biomarkers.

Endocast and bony labyrinth of a stem gnathostome shed light on the earliest diversification of jawed vertebrates

The study analyzes the endocast and bony labyrinth of a 400-million-year-old fossil fish, suggesting that early jawed vertebrate relationships may need to be re-evaluated.

Worldwide tracing of mutations and the evolutionary dynamics of SARS-CoV-2

The paper analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to study mutation patterns and evolutionary dynamics, identifying mutations that may enhance viral fitness and provide insights for vaccine development.

Kinetics of Plasma cfDNA Predicts Clinical Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

This study shows that changes in plasma cfDNA levels during chemotherapy predict clinical response in NSCLC patients, with specific insights for lung adenocarcinoma.

A spark of 3D revisualization: new method for re-exploring segmented data

The paper introduces a new revisualization method that enables interchangeability between image processing and 3D visualization software, demonstrated through four case studies.