K. Kobayashi

A beta-Galactosidase acting on unique galactosides: the structure and function of a beta-1,2-galactosidase from Bacteroides xylanisolvens, an intestinal bacterium

This study identifies a beta-galactosidase from Bacteroides xylanisolvens that hydrolyzes beta-1,2-galactooligosaccharides, revealing its unique substrate specificity through structural and biochemical analysis.

Extensive distribution of β-1,2-glucanases: finding of new glycoside hydrolase families of β-1,2-glucanases

The paper identifies three new glycoside hydrolase families of β-1,2-glucanases and reveals their functional and structural relationships within a superfamily.

Functional and structural analysis of a cyclization domain in a cyclic beta-1,2-glucan synthase

The paper functionally and structurally analyzes the cyclization domain of a cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase, revealing it produces cyclic β-1,2-glucans through transglycosylation without hydrolysis and proposes it belongs to a new glycoside hydrolase family.

Acquisition of Auditory Discrimination Mediated by Different Processes through Two Distinct Circuits Linked to the Lateral Striatum

This study shows that different striatal subregions, aDLS and pVLS, use distinct processes to mediate auditory discrimination learning in rats.

Immune Response of Transplanted Kidney Tissues Assembled from Organoid Building Blocks

This study transplants engineered kidney tissues made from organoid building blocks into mice with human immune cells to assess immune response and tissue integration, finding immune infiltration causes tissue injury similar to transplant rejection.

A type VII secretion system toxin functioning as a biofilm-specific intercellular signal in Bacillus subtilis

This study identifies YFJ toxin as a biofilm-specific intercellular signal in Bacillus subtilis that regulates cell fate through contact-dependent competition and controls DegSU activity.

Plastid anionic lipids are required for membrane development and protochlorophyllide synthesis in etioplasts

This study investigates the roles of anionic lipids PG and SQDG in etioplast development and Pchlide biosynthesis in Arabidopsis mutants.

Novel glycoside hydrolase family enzymes from Escherichia coli are associated with osmo-regulated periplasmic glucan synthesis

The paper identifies OpgG and OpgD from E. coli as β-1,2-glucanases with distinct activities, revealing a new glycoside hydrolase family and a unique reaction mechanism for OpgD.

Structural basis for lysophosphatidylserine recognition by GPR34

This study presents cryo-EM structures of GPR34-Gi complex bound with LysoPS analogs, revealing ligand recognition mechanisms and identifying 2-acyl LysoPS as the physiological ligand.

ncBAF, a chromatin remodeler, enhances PXR-mediated transcriptional activation in the human and mouse liver

This study shows that inhibiting BRD9, a component of ncBAF, reduces PXR-mediated transcriptional activation and associated adverse effects in liver cells and mice.

A dark matter in sake brewing: Origin of microbes producing a Kimoto-style fermentation starter

This study identifies the microbial sources in Kimoto-style sake fermentation by analyzing environmental samples and fermentation starters.

A Checking Model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Based on the Hypothalamic Defensive System Against a Potential Threat

This study shows that activating PeF UCN3 neurons in mice induces OCD-like checking behaviors, supporting a role for potential threats in OCD pathophysiology.

Two cyclic electron flows around photosystem I differentially participate in C4 photosynthesis

This study investigates the role of two cyclic electron flow routes in C4 photosynthesis in Flaveria bidentis, finding that the NDH-dependent route is critical for CO2 assimilation while the PGR5/PGRL1-dependent route has limited contribution.

A unique case in which Kimoto-style fermentation was completed with Leuconostoc as the dominant genus without transitioning to Lactobacillus.

The paper characterizes a unique Kimoto-style fermentation process where Leuconostoc dominates without transitioning to Lactobacillus, differing from previously reported microbial patterns.

Prediction of broad chemical toxicities using induced pluripotent stem cells and gene networks by transfer learning from embryonic stem cell data

This paper predicts chemical toxicities using induced pluripotent stem cells and gene networks via transfer learning from embryonic stem cell data, achieving high accuracy across multiple toxicity categories.

Phosphatidylglycerol synthesis facilitates plastid gene expression and light induction of nuclear photosynthetic genes

This study investigates how phosphatidylglycerol (PG) deficiency affects gene expression and plant growth in Arabidopsis, showing its role in nuclear-encoded photosynthesis genes and chloroplast development.

Genomic imprinting drives eusociality

This paper proposes a genomic imprinting theory to explain the evolution of eusociality from subsocial ancestors by linking parental reproductive capacity to delayed offspring sexual development through transgenerational epigenetic marks.

Protein-bound sialic acid in saliva contributes directly to salivary anti-influenza virus activity

This study identifies protein-bound sialic acid (BSA) as a determinant of individual variation in salivary anti-influenza virus activity.

Four large indels detected by cpTILLING in barley chloroplast mutator seedlings

The paper identifies four large indels in barley chloroplast genomes and investigates their origins and effects on protein function and viability.

Movements of Mycoplasma mobile gliding machinery detected by high-speed atomic force microscopy

This study uses high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize and analyze the real-time movements of the internal gliding machinery in Mycoplasma mobile.

Resolving the spatial and cellular architecture of lung adenocarcinoma by multi-region single-cell sequencing

This study uses multi-region single-cell sequencing to map the spatial and cellular architecture of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, revealing geospatial lineage evolution and potential therapeutic targets.

Human ES and iPS Cells Display Less Drug Resistance Than Differentiated Cells, and Naïve-State Induction Further Decreases Drug Resistance

The paper compares drug resistance of human ES and iPS cells with differentiated cells and shows that naive-state induction increases drug sensitivity.

Changing color and intensity of LED lighting across the day impacts on human circadian physiology, sleep, visual comfort and cognitive performance

This study investigates the effects of dynamic LED lighting on circadian physiology, sleep, and cognitive performance, finding that dynamic light reduces evening melatonin suppression and improves sleep latency.

Impaired expression of chloroplast HSP90C chaperone activates plant defense responses leading to a disease symptom-like phenotype

The paper shows that silencing chloroplast HSP90C in tobacco causes chlorosis via downregulation of photosynthesis genes and activation of immune responses including cell death.

Biofilm-associated toxin and extracellular protease cooperatively suppress competitors in Bacillus subtilis biofilms

This paper identifies YIT toxin and its resistance mechanisms in Bacillus subtilis biofilms, showing YIT can penetrate biofilm matrix to suppress competitors.