T. Fukuhara

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant

This study investigates the virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant, finding it has higher reproduction number than EG.5.1 but lower pathogenicity and replication capacity compared to BA.2.

Bidirectional feedforward regulatory loop of Dicer-like 4 and flavonoids causes floral bicolor patterning in petunia and dahlia

The paper identifies a bidirectional feedforward loop between Dicer-like 4 and flavonoids that regulates RNAi and anthocyanin biosynthesis, leading to floral bicolor patterning in petunia and dahlia.

Akaluc bioluminescence offers superior sensitivity to track in vivo dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study introduces AkaBLI, a method using Akaluc bioluminescence to track SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo with higher sensitivity than NanoLuc, showing its utility in monitoring viral dynamics and vaccine efficacy.

NEDD4-binding protein 1 suppresses HBV replication by degrading HBV RNAs

This paper identifies N4BP1 as a host factor that suppresses HBV replication by degrading HBV RNAs, with its KH-like and RNase domains required for this effect.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 variant

The paper analyzes the virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 variant, showing reduced pathogenicity and impaired MHC expression due to mutations in ORF8 and S.

Neutralizing antibody responses and cellular responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron subvariant BA.5 after an mRNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine dose in kidney transplant recipients

This study evaluates antibody and cellular immune responses in kidney transplant recipients after three mRNA vaccine doses, finding lower neutralizing titers and T cell responses compared to healthy controls.

Inhibitors of cannabinoid receptor 1 suppress the cellular entry of Lujo virus

This study identifies CB1 receptor antagonists as inhibitors of Lujo virus entry by suppressing viral membrane fusion and reducing infectivity in vitro.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB variant derived from recombination of two Omicron subvariants

This study identifies XBB as a SARS-CoV-2 variant resulting from recombination of BA.2 subvariants, showing increased resistance to neutralizing antibodies and enhanced fusogenicity compared to BA.2.75.

Convergent evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants leading to the emergence of BQ.1.1 variant

The paper investigates convergent evolution in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, identifying five critical spike protein substitutions in BQ.1.1 that enhance viral fitness and antibody resistance.

Comparative pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants including BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5

This study compares the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5, finding BA.5 is more fusogenic and induces stronger inflammation than earlier variants.

Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75

This study investigates the virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75, finding it has higher transmissibility and pathogenicity compared to BA.2 and BA.5, but similar sensitivity to antiviral drugs.

Virological characteristics of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants including BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5

This study analyzes the virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5, finding they have higher reproduction numbers, reduced neutralization by prior immunity, increased replication in lung cells, and greater pathogenicity in hamsters compared to BA.2.

Characterization of various remdesivir-resistant mutations of SARS-CoV-2 by mathematical modeling and molecular dynamics simulation.

This study identifies remdesivir-resistant SARS-CoV-2 mutations using viral reconstruction, mathematical modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations, showing mutations reduce antiviral activity without increasing viral production.

SARS-CoV-2 spike P681R mutation, a hallmark of the Delta variant, enhances viral fusogenicity and pathogenicity

This study shows the P681R mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances fusogenicity and pathogenicity in the Delta variant compared to the prototypic virus.

An emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutant evading cellular immunity and increasing viral infectivity

This study identifies two SARS-CoV-2 mutations, L452R and Y453F, that evade HLA-restricted cellular immunity and increase viral infectivity.

Establishment of a reverse genetics system for SARS-CoV-2 using circular polymerase extension reaction

This study develops a PCR-based reverse genetics system for SARS-CoV-2 using CPER to generate infectious clones with high accuracy and titer.

Various miRNAs are involved in efficient HCV replication

This study identifies miRNAs other than miR-122 that support HCV replication in non-hepatic cells by interacting with the viral 5UTR and stabilizing the IRES structure.

USP15 participates in HCV propagation through the regulation of viral RNA translation and lipid droplet formation

This study identifies USP15 as a host factor for HCV propagation, showing it regulates viral RNA translation and lipid droplet formation in hepatic cells.