R. Kobayashi

High-throughput structure determination of an intrinsically disordered protein using cell-free protein crystallization

This paper develops a cell-free protein crystallization method to determine the structure of an intrinsically disordered protein and identifies key residues stabilizing its helical conformation.

Fibroblast Nrf2 inhibits profibrotic transcription with Ddx54 and mitigates pathological fibrosis in the mouse heart and kidney

This study identifies the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway as a regulator of TGF-β-mediated CTGF expression in fibroblasts, showing that Nrf2 with Ddx54 suppresses profibrotic genes and reduces fibrosis in mouse heart and kidney.

Integration of shoot-derived polypeptide signals by root TGA transcription factors is essential for survival under fluctuating nitrogen environments

This study shows that TGA1 and TGA4 transcription factors integrate shoot-derived polypeptide signals to regulate nitrate uptake in response to fluctuating nitrogen environments.

Statistical mining of triple-negative breast cancer-specific nanobodies among huge libraries from immunized alpacas

The paper identifies nanobodies specific to triple-negative breast cancer by immunizing alpacas and screening phage libraries, showing their potential for diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Theoretical investigation of active listening behavior based on the echolocation of CF-FM bats

This paper develops a mathematical model to investigate how bat ear motions contribute to 3D direction detection during echolocation, finding that specific ear movements enhance accuracy and robustness.

Tumor-Cell Invasion Initiates at Invasion Hotspots, an Epithelial Tissue-Intrinsic Microenvironment

The paper shows that tumor-cell invasion in Drosophila wing imaginal epithelia starts at specific invasion hotspots where JNK signaling and MMP1 activity drive basal extrusion and basement membrane destruction.

Genomic insights of high-risk clones of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from community infections and commercial meat in Southern Brazil

The paper identifies high-risk ESBL-producing E. coli clones in human infections and meat samples in Brazil, highlighting meat as a potential reservoir and the emergence of new pandemic clones.

Transcription factor NF-κB in a basal metazoan, the sponge, has conserved and unique sequences, activities, and regulation

This study characterizes the NF-κB protein in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica, showing conserved features with vertebrates but distinct regulatory mechanisms.