T. Iwasaki

Determining the structure of protein-bound ceramides, essential lipids for skin barrier function

This study identifies the structure of protein-bound ceramides as Cys-bound epoxy-enone ceramides through chemical and biochemical analyses.

Chronic BCR signaling generates and maintains age-associated B cells from anergic B cells

This study shows chronic BCR signaling generates and maintains age-associated B cells from anergic B cells, and Btk inhibition reduces ABCs and lupus pathogenicity.

Upregulated Fcrl5 disrupts B cell anergy and causes autoimmunity

This study shows that upregulated Fcrl5 disrupts B cell anergy, leading to autoimmunity by activating autoreactive B cells and exacerbating autoimmune disease models.

Generation of stable microtubule superstructures by binding of peptide-fused tetrameric proteins to inside and outside

This study develops a tetrameric protein that binds to microtubules to generate stable superstructures, offering insights for nanomaterial design.

Histidine-rich protein 2: a new pathogenic factor of Plasmodium falciparum malaria

This study identifies PfHRP2 as a pathogenic factor in P. falciparum malaria, showing cytotoxicity and suggesting EDTA as a potential therapeutic agent.

Multistep changes in amyloid structure that are induced by cross-seeding on a rugged energy landscape

This study investigates how cross-seeding of insulin amyloid fibrils from different species leads to structural changes and new amyloid forms with distinct properties.

PLZF is a new substrate of CRBN with thalidomide and 5-hydroxythalidomide

The paper identifies PLZF as a CRBN substrate degraded by thalidomide and 5-hydroxythalidomide, linking it to teratogenesis.

Fundamental resource specialization of herbivorous butterflies decreases toward lower latitudes

This study finds that fundamental resource specialization of herbivorous butterflies increases with latitude, driven by climate, diversity, and body size, contrary to the common assumption about realized specialization.

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.

Geographical co-occurrence of butterfly species: The importance of niche filtering by host plant species

This study examines geographical co-occurrence patterns of 232 butterfly species in Japan, finding that host plant sharing promotes co-occurrence through niche filtering rather than competition.