L. Rao

Alanine and glutamate catabolism ensure proper sporulation by preventing premature germination and providing energy respectively

The paper identifies roles for alanine and glutamate catabolism in bacterial sporulation, showing they prevent premature germination and provide energy, respectively.

Chaperone-mediated autophagy is an overlooked pathway for mutant alpha-1 antitrypsin Z degradation

This study identifies chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) as a key pathway for degrading mutant alpha-1 antitrypsin Z (ATZ), showing that enhancing CMA reduces ATZ accumulation in AATD.

Identification and characterization of a beta-1,4 Galactosidase from Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and its application on living cell surface

This study identifies and characterizes a beta-1,4 galactosidase from Elizabethkingia meningoseptica that can remove galactose from living cell surfaces, named geGalaseI.

Kinesin-14 HSET and KlpA are non-processive microtubule motors with load-dependent power strokes

This study investigates the force generation and motility of Kinesin-14 motors HSET and KlpA, revealing they are non-processive motors with load-dependent power strokes and cooperative behavior.

Targeted and selective knockout of the TLQP-21 neuropeptide unmasks its unique role in energy homeostasis

This study creates a mouse model with a selective knockout of the TLQP-21 neuropeptide, revealing its role in temperature-dependent resistance to diet-induced obesity and brown adipose tissue activation.

Cryo-EM Unveils the Processivity Mechanism of Kinesin KIF1A and the Impact of its Pathogenic Variant P305L

The paper presents high-resolution cryo-EM structures of KIF1A-microtubule complexes, revealing the mechanism of processivity and the impact of the P305L mutation on microtubule binding.

Protease inhibitor ASP enhances freezing tolerance by inhibiting protein degradation in Kumquat

A protease inhibitor from kumquat enhances freezing tolerance by stabilizing proteins through inhibition of non-specific protease degradation.

Doublecortin and JIP3 are neural-specific counteracting regulators of dynein-mediated retrograde trafficking

This study identifies DCX and JIP3 as neural-specific regulators that counteract each other in dynein-mediated retrograde trafficking by modulating dynein-microtubule binding and motor complex composition.

A Highly Conserved 310-Helix Within the Kinesin Motor Domain is Critical for Kinesin Function and Human Health.

This study identifies a conserved 310-helix in KIF1A critical for motor function and human health, showing that the P305L mutation disrupts microtubule association and motor performance.

The regulatory function of the AAA4 ATPase domain of cytoplasmic dynein

This study investigates the role of AAA4 ATPase in cytoplasmic dynein's mechanochemical cycle using single-molecule techniques, showing its critical role in enabling motion through interactions with AAA1 and AAA3.

Pathogenic Mutations in the Kinesin-3 Motor KIF1A Diminish Force Generation and Movement Through Allosteric Mechanisms

This study shows that pathogenic mutations in KIF1A reduce force generation through allosteric effects, impacting neuronal transport and contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders.