S. Matsuoka

A dynamic partitioning mechanism polarizes membrane protein distribution

This study identifies a dynamic partitioning mechanism that explains asymmetric membrane protein distribution during signaling events.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 is a viral cytokine regulating immune responses

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 protein acts as a cytokine that promotes lung inflammation and immune dysregulation in COVID-19, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

Influence of DNA extraction kits on freshwater fungal DNA metabarcoding

This study evaluates the impact of DNA extraction kits on fungal DNA metabarcoding using freshwater samples, finding no significant differences in OTU counts or composition between kits.

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is poised to acquire complete resistance to wild-type spike vaccines

The paper shows the Delta variant can escape NTD antibodies and gain infectivity when specific RBD mutations are present, suggesting the need for updated vaccines.

Estimation of biodiversity metrics by environmental DNA metabarcoding compared with visual and capture surveys of river fish communities

This study compares eDNA metabarcoding with visual and capture surveys to estimate alpha and gamma diversity in river fish communities, finding eDNA detects more species and provides broader regional insights.

An infectivity-enhancing site on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is targeted by COVID-19 patient antibodies

This study identifies an NTD site on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that enhances infectivity when targeted by antibodies, and finds these antibodies are present in hospitalized patients and some uninfected donors.

Evaluation of seasonal dynamics of fungal DNA assemblages in a flow-regulated stream in a restored forest using eDNA metabarcoding

This study uses eDNA metabarcoding to detect seasonal fungal community dynamics in a forest stream over two years, finding regular annual periodicity and variation among functional groups.

Effects of species traits and ecosystem characteristics on species detection by eDNA metabarcoding in lake fish communities

This study evaluates how species traits and ecosystem characteristics affect eDNA detection rates in lake fish communities across Japan.

Illumina iSeq 100 and MiSeq exhibit similar performance in freshwater fish environmental DNA metabarcoding

The paper compares the performance of Illumina iSeq 100 and MiSeq in fish eDNA metabarcoding, finding similar species detection but differences in species count.

Prolonged impacts of past agriculture and overgrazing on soil fungal communities in restored forests

The paper examines how past agriculture and overgrazing affect soil fungal communities in restored forests, finding that fungal diversity is higher in reforested sites but community structure is more homogenized.

Describing macroecological patterns in microbes: Approaches for comparative analyses of operational taxonomic unit read number distribution with a case study of global oceanic bacteria

This paper compares operational taxonomic unit read number distributions (ORDs) with species abundance distributions (SADs) in microbial communities, finding shared and distinct patterns in global oceanic bacteria.

Evaluation of host effects on ectomycorrhizal fungal community compositions in a forest landscape in northern Japan

The paper evaluates how host species influence ectomycorrhizal fungal community compositions in a forest landscape, finding host preference is a primary determinant.

Spatial structures of fungal DNA assemblages revealed with eDNA metabarcoding in a forest river network in western Japan

The paper investigates fungal DNA assemblages in river water using eDNA metabarcoding and finds they are more similar within than between branches and more similar between closer branches.

Biogeographic patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Castanopsis sieboldii across the Japanese archipelago

The paper examines biogeographic patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Castanopsis sieboldii across Japan, finding that host genotypes influence these patterns, though climatic and spatial factors have greater explanatory power.

Excitable dynamics of Ras triggers self-organized PIP3 signaling for spontaneous cell migration

The paper shows Ras-GTP excitation drives self-organized PIP3 signaling waves that enable spontaneous cell migration without external cues.