S. Metzger

Apoplastic barrier establishment in roots and nodules of Lotus japonicus is essential for root-shoot signaling and N-fixation

This study identifies the role of apoplastic barriers in Lotus japonicus roots and nodules, showing their necessity for nitrogen fixation and root-shoot signaling.

Isoform-resolved genome annotation enables mapping of tissue-specific betalain regulation in amaranth

The paper improves the amaranth genome annotation to identify causal mutations and a tissue-specific MYB transcription factor regulating betalain pathway in flowers.

Hemi Manganese Exchangers 1 and 2 enable manganese import at the plasma membrane in cyanobacteria

This study identifies Hmx1 and Hmx2 as Mn importers in cyanobacteria, showing they enable Mn uptake at the plasma membrane and are ancestral to eukaryotic UPF0016 proteins.

Explosive seed dispersal depends on SPL7 to ensure sufficient copper for localized lignin deposition via laccases

The paper identifies SPL7 as essential for copper accumulation in Arabidopsis relative fruit valves, enabling laccase activity required for asymmetric lignin deposition and explosive seed dispersal.

Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies alter primary and secondary metabolites of soybean roots

This study examines how nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies affect primary and secondary metabolites in soybean roots, revealing distinct gene expression and metabolic responses under different nutrient conditions.

Metabolic analysis of a bacterial synthetic community from maize roots provides new mechanistic insights into microbiome stability

This study investigates the role of metabolites in stabilizing a bacterial synthetic community from maize roots, showing complementary metabolic niches and cross-feeding interactions among strains.

Universal amyloidogenicity of patient-derivedimmunoglobulin light chains

This study shows that all tested patient-derived immunoglobulin light chains have comparable amyloidogenic potential, with proteolytic cleavage being a key determinant of in vivo aggregation.

Leprosy in wild chimpanzees

The paper reports leprosy-like lesions in wild chimpanzees and identifies M. leprae strains with rare genotypes, suggesting multiple introductions from an unknown source.