M. Zaccaria

SMAD4 and KRAS status shape malignant-stromal crosstalk in pancreatic cancer

This study shows that SMAD4 and KRAS mutations influence stromal composition and therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer models.

Weakly alkaline conditions degrade aflatoxins through lactone ring opening

This study shows that weakly alkaline conditions can degrade aflatoxins by opening their lactone ring, reducing contamination without harsh chemicals.

Ketogenic diet promotes tumor ferroptosis but induces relative corticosterone deficiency that accelerates cachexia

This study shows that a ketogenic diet slows tumor growth but accelerates cachexia and shortens survival in IL-6-driven cancer models by inducing ferroptosis and corticosterone deficiency.

Partner-assisted artificial selection of a secondary function for efficient bioremediation

This study introduces partner-assisted artificial selection (PAAS) to improve microbial enzymatic functions for bioremediation, showing it enhances toxin degradation despite stochasticity.

Mechanistic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike mutants via full quantum mechanical modeling

The paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to predict and analyze binding strengths of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants to the human ACE2 receptor, validating predictions experimentally.

Anticipating future SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern through ab initio quantum mechanical modeling

This paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to predict the impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on hACE2 binding and identify potential future variants of concern.

Enzyme fatigue limits the detoxification of aflatoxin by Rhodococcus species

This study examines detoxification of aflatoxin by Rhodococcus species, finding that enzyme fatigue limits detoxification efficiency and that enzyme production is species- and environment-dependent.

Mechanistic Insight from Full Quantum Mechanical Modeling: Laccase as a Detoxifier of Aflatoxins

The paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to show that low steric affinity, not oxidative activity, limits laccase's ability to detoxify aflatoxins, identifying key residues for enzyme optimization.

Full quantum mechanical modeling of the enzyme-substrate system: how laccase detoxifies aflatoxin

This paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to study laccase detoxification of aflatoxin, identifying affinity limitations and environmental dependencies, and proposes a roadmap for enzyme optimization.

Bacterial and plant produced lipids can exacerbate the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome caused by Xylella

This study identifies plant and bacterial lipids that exacerbate Olive Quick Decline Syndrome by modulating X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and growth.