This study shows bending forces induce structural changes in F-actin that depend on its nucleotide state, with phosphate stabilizing subunit conformations and altering the structural landscape.

bioRxiv · Jun 2, 2022Biophysics

A cocktail containing two synergetic antibodies broadly neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants including Omicron BA.1 and BA.2

X. Zhang, F. Luo, H. Zhang, H. Guo, J. Zhou, T. Li, S. Chen, S. Song, M. Shen, Y. Wu, Y. Gao, X. Han, Y. Wang, C. Hu, Y. Lu, , A. Huang

This paper identifies a potent antibody cocktail that synergistically neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including Omicron BA.1 and BA.2.

bioRxiv · Apr 26, 2022 · PreprintImmunology

Structural mechanism for bi-directional actin crosslinking by T-plastin

L. Mei, M. J. Reynolds, D. Garbett, R. Gong, T. Meyer, G. M. Alushin

Cryo-EM, biochemical, and cellular studies reveal how the crosslinking protein T-plastin bridges actin filaments in two opposing orientations.

bioRxiv · Dec 7, 2021Biophysics

Myosin-driven Nucleation of Actin Filaments Drives Stereocilia Development Critical for Hearing

Z. G. Moreland, F. Jiang, C. Aguilar, M. Barzik, R. Gong, A. Shams, C. Faaborg-Andersen, J. C. Werth, R. Harley, D. C. Sutton, S. M. Cole, A. Parker, S. Morse, E. Wilson, Y. Takagi, , J. E. Bird

This study identifies a mutation in MYO15 that disrupts actin nucleation at stereocilia tips, causing hearing loss by impairing stereocilia growth.

bioRxiv · Jul 9, 2021 · PreprintCell Biology

Structural basis for tunable control of actin dynamics by myosin-15 in mechanosensory stereocilia

R. Gong, F. Jiang, Z. G. Moreland, M. J. Reynolds, S. Espinosa de los Reyes, P. S. Gurel, A. Shams, M. R. Bowl, J. E. Bird, G. M. Alushin

This paper presents cryo-EM structures of myosin-15 bound to F-actin, revealing how mutations affect actin polymerization and stereocilia elongation.

bioRxiv · Jul 9, 2021Biophysics

A potent neutralizing nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 with inhaled delivery potential

J. Gai, L. Ma, G. Li, M. Zhu, P. Qiao, X. Li, H. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Y. Chen, W. Ji, H. Zhang, H. Cao, X. Li, R. Gong, Y. Wan

The paper identifies a potent neutralizing nanobody against SARS-CoV-2 with high activity and stability for inhaled delivery.

bioRxiv · Aug 9, 2020Bioengineering

IgY antibodies against Ebola virus possess post-exposure protection and excellent thermostability

L. Yang, Y. Zhang, Y. Wei, Y. Li, X. Wang, Y. Liu, D. Tian, X. Jia, R. Gong, W. Liu

This study develops a thermostable anti-EBOV IgY antibody that retains neutralizing activity for one year at 25°C and provides complete protection in a mouse model.

bioRxiv · May 21, 2020Immunology

Immunoglobulin fragment F(ab')2 against RBD potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

X. Pan, P. Zhou, T. Fan, Y. Wu, J. Zhang, X. Shi, W. Shang, L. Fang, X. Jiang, J. Shi, Y. Sun, S. Zhao, R. Gong, Z. Chen, G. Xiao

This study produces and tests an F(ab')2 fragment against SARS-CoV-2 RBD, showing potent in vitro neutralization with an EC50 of 0.07 g/ml.

bioRxiv · Apr 7, 2020Pharmacology & Toxicology

Mechanosensing through direct binding of tensed F-actin by LIM domains

X. Sun, D. Y. Z. Phua, L. Axiotakis, M. A. Smith, E. Blankman, R. Gong, R. C. Cail, S. Espinosa de los Reyes, M. C. Beckerle, C. M. Waterman, G. M. Alushin

The paper identifies LIM domains' direct binding to tensed F-actin as a mechanosensing mechanism, showing force-dependent sequestration affects nuclear localization.

bioRxiv · Mar 6, 2020Biophysics

Comparative investigation into formycin A and pyrazofurin A biosynthesis reveals branch pathways for the construction of C-nucleoside scaffolds

m. zhang, P. Zhang, G. Xu, w. zhou, Y. Gao, R. Gong, Y.-s. Cai, h. cong, Z. DENG, N. P. J. Price, X. Mao, W. Chen

This paper investigates the biosynthesis of formycin A and pyrazofurin A, identifying key enzymes and pathways involved in their C-nucleoside scaffold construction.

bioRxiv · Aug 7, 2019Biochemistry