M. Lei

Lysosomal signaling pathways influence heart rhythm, and regulate atrial function

This study investigates the role of lysosomal Ca2+ signaling in heart rhythm and atrial function, finding that NAADP pathway inhibition affects SAN pacemaker activity and cAMP production in atrial myocytes.

Isoform-specific N-linked glycosylation of voltage-gated sodium channel alpha-subunits alters beta-subunit binding sites

This study uses molecular modeling and simulations to show that N-linked glycans on Nav channel alpha-subunits may block beta-subunit Ig-domain binding and influence channel clustering.

Integrated transcriptome and lineage analyses reveal novel catecholaminergic cardiomyocytes contributing to the cardiac conduction system in murine heart

This study identifies a novel catecholaminergic cardiomyocyte population expressing Dbh that contributes to the murine cardiac conduction system through transcriptomic, genetic, and optogenetic analyses.

Functional Integration of 3D-Printed Cerebral Cortical Tissue into a Brain Lesion

This study develops 3D-printed cerebral cortical tissues with layer-specific organization and integration into mouse brain explants, showing neuronal connectivity and potential for personalized medicine.

Generation of cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells resembling atrial cells with ability to respond to adrenoceptor agonists

This paper describes a method to generate human atrial-like cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells that respond to adrenoceptor agonists.

CD169-mediated restrictive SARS-CoV-2 infection of macrophages induces pro-inflammatory responses

This study shows CD169 enables ACE2-independent SARS-CoV-2 entry in macrophages, leading to restricted viral replication and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

A H3K9me2-Binding Protein AGDP3 Limits DNA Methylation and Transcriptional Gene Silencing in Arabidopsis

This study identifies AGDP3 as a protein that binds H3K9me2 and facilitates ROS1-mediated DNA demethylation in Arabidopsis, revealing a mechanism linking histone modification to gene regulation.

Pharmacological targeting of a PWWP domain demonstrates cooperative control of NSD2 localization

The paper develops a chemical probe, UNC6934, that targets the PWWP1 domain of NSD2, revealing cooperative control of NSD2 localization through chromatin reader domains.

Mechanistic insights into ventricular arrhythmogenesis of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19

This study investigates the cardiac electrophysiological effects of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, showing they prolong QT intervals and increase arrhythmia risk when combined.

Latent defense response to non-pathogenic microbial factors impairs plant-rhizobacteria mutualism

A hidden layer of host immunity against non-pathogenic microbes leads to plant incompatibility with beneficial rhizobacteria.

Super-resolution imaging reveals changes in Escherichia coli SSB localization in response to DNA damage.

This study uses super-resolution imaging to show that E. coli SSB relocates from the inner membrane to the cell interior in response to DNA damage, forming foci for repair.

Environmental chemical diethylhexyl phthalate alters intestinal microbiota community structure and metabolite profile in mice

This study shows DEHP alters gut microbiota composition and metabolite profiles in mice, increasing p-cresol and decreasing butyrate, linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Plasticity at the DNA recognition site of the MeCP2 mCG-binding domain

This study investigates how MeCP2 recognizes unmethylated 5-CAC/GTG-3 DNA motifs through binding and structural analysis, revealing its adaptability and potential role in transcription activation and Rett syndrome.

Structural and histone binding studies of the chromo barrel domain of TIP60

The paper investigates the interaction between the TIP60 chromo barrel domain and histone peptides, finding no binding observed through fluorescence polarization or isothermal titration calorimetry and presenting a crystal structure of the domain.

Crystal structure of chromo barrel domain of RBBP1

The paper reports the crystal structure of RBBP1's chromo barrel domain and shows it does not bind DNA, contradicting previous reports of DNA-enhanced histone binding.