R. Sakai

Endocytic vesicles act as vehicles for glucose uptake in response to growth factor stimulation

The paper shows that glucose uptake via GLUT1 co-endocytoses with PDGF receptor upon PDGF stimulation, delivering glucose to mitochondria for glycolysis.

Tetraploidy-linked sensitization to CENP-E inhibition in human cells

This study shows that tetraploid cells are more sensitive to CENP-E inhibitors than diploid cells, leading to selective growth suppression through mitotic delay and cohesion fatigue.

Smart utilization of betaine lipids in giant clam Tridacna crocea

This study identifies DGCC as a key lipid used by giant clams to thrive in nutrient-poor environments through symbiotic algae.

Hidden pathway for cytokine receptor activation: Structural insights into a marine sponge-derived lectin that activates the thrombopoietin receptor via recognition of the fucose moiety

A marine sponge-derived lectin activates the thrombopoietin receptor by promoting dimerization and exhibits synergy with thrombopoietin, affecting receptor internalization.

Lysosomal microautophagic pathway links proteostasis to protein aggregation disease

This study identifies SIDT2 as a mediator of microautophagy that delivers cytosolic proteins into lysosomes, linking proteostasis to protein aggregation disease.

Cyclo olefin polymer-based solvent-free mass-productive microphysiological systems

The paper develops a cyclo olefin polymer-based microphysiological system to improve drug screening and toxicological testing by avoiding material-related issues.

Integrated gut-liver-on-a-chip platform as an in vitro human model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The paper develops a gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to model NAFLD and shows co-culturing gut and liver cells alters gene expression and lipid accumulation in response to free fatty acids.