M. Sotomayor

Interpreting the Evolutionary Echoes of a Protein Complex Essential for Inner-Ear Mechanosensation

This study investigates the evolutionary changes in the cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15 protein complex, showing how sequence variations affect biophysical properties and contribute to deafness-causing mutations across vertebrates.

In Silico Electrophysiology of Inner-Ear Mechanotransduction Channel TMC1 Models

The paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to study ion conduction in TMC1 models, revealing a peripheral permeation pathway and lipid-mediated gating mechanisms in inner-ear mechanotransduction channels.

Collective Mechanical Responses of Cadherin-Based Adhesive Junctions as Predicted by Simulations

This paper uses simulations to study the mechanical responses of different cadherin-based junctions, finding distinct behaviors in adherens junctions and clustered protocadherin junctions under force.

Elastic versus Brittle Mechanical Responses Predicted for Dimeric Cadherin Complexes

This paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to compare the mechanical responses of classical and clustered cadherin dimers, finding classical cadherins exhibit a two-phased elastic response while clustered protocadherins are brittle and stiffer.

SPECIES-DEPENDENT HETEROPHILIC AND HOMOPHILIC CADHERIN INTERACTIONS IN INTESTINAL INTERMICROVILLAR LINKS

The paper presents X-ray structures of PCDH24 and CDHR5 extracellular domains and identifies species-specific adhesive units for homophilic and heterophilic interactions.

Structural determinants of protocadherin-15 elasticity and function in inner-ear mechanotransduction

This study reports the structure of PCDH15 and its interactions with CDH23, revealing how its ectodomain functions as a gating spring in inner-ear mechanotransduction.

An Adhesive Interface For The Non-Clustered δ1 Protocadherin-1 Involved In Respiratory Diseases

The paper determines the molecular mechanism of PCDH1 adhesion and its role in airway epithelial integrity, linking its dysfunction to respiratory diseases.

Interaction specificity of clustered protocadherins inferred from sequence covariation and structural analysis

The paper uses sequence coevolution and structural analysis to model interaction specificity of clustered protocadherins and predict isoform-specific interactions.

A Mechanically Weak Extracellular Membrane-Adjacent Domain Induces Dimerization of Protocadherin-15

This study reports the crystal structure of PCDH15's MAD12 domain, showing it induces parallel dimerization and is mechanically weak, with implications for related cadherins.