T. Okamoto

Brefeldin A and M-COPA block the export of RTKs from the endoplasmic reticulum via simultaneous inactivation of ARF1, ARF4, and ARF5

This study shows that BFA and M-COPA inhibit RTK export from the ER by inactivating ARF1, ARF4, and ARF5, leading to cancer cell apoptosis.

Importin-7-dependent nuclear localization of the Flavivirus core protein is required for infectious virus production.

This study identifies importin-7 as a nuclear carrier for Flaviviridae core proteins and shows its requirement for infectious virus production.

Trichinella spiralis secretes stage-specific extracellular vesicles for modulating host microenvironment for parasitism.

This study identifies stage-specific extracellular vesicles from Trichinella spiralis that modulate host microenvironment through unique and shared biomolecules to support parasitism.

Deep mutational scanning of whole SARS-CoV-2 spike in an inverted infection system

The paper develops a DMS platform to analyze SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations, finding that spike expression, not ACE2 affinity, primarily affects infectivity and evolution.

Autonomous development and regeneration of isolated rice egg cells in a fertilization-independent manner

The paper shows that cold treatment allows isolated rice egg cells to divide and regenerate into mature plants, producing polyploid offspring with specific genetic patterns.

An engineered ACE2 decoy broadly neutralizes Omicron subvariants and shows therapeutic effect in SARS-CoV-2-infected cynomolgus macaques

This paper shows an engineered ACE2 decoy neutralizes Omicron subvariants and is effective in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in macaques.

CiDRE+ M2c macrophages hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 cause COVID-19 severity

This study identifies IL-10-driven M2c macrophages as key contributors to severe COVID-19 by facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights CiDRE as a potential therapeutic target.

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.

Establishment of a stable SARS-CoV-2 replicon system for application in high-throughput screening.

This study develops a stable SARS-CoV-2 replicon system for high-throughput antiviral screening under BSL2 conditions, demonstrating its utility with remdesivir and interferon-β.

Engineered ACE2 counteracts vaccine-evading SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

This paper shows engineered ACE2 neutralizes Omicron and other sarbecoviruses effectively despite its high number of spike mutations.

Isolation of gametes and zygotes from Setaria viridis

This paper describes a method to isolate gametes, zygotes, and embryos from Setaria viridis for studying fertilization and development in angiosperms.

Liquid-liquid phase separation of florigen activation complex induces flowering

This study shows that the florigen activation complex (FAC) undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation, which is essential for flowering in plants.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 disturbs nucleocytoplasmic trafficking to advance the viral replication

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 disrupts nucleocytoplasmic trafficking by inhibiting STAT1 nuclear translocation and binding importin 1, enhancing viral replication, particularly in older individuals.

Whole-genome sequence analysis of mutations in rice plants regenerated from zygotes, mature embryos, and immature embryos

The paper analyzes whole-genome sequences of rice plants regenerated from different embryonic sources to assess somaclonal variation and mutation rates.

High affinity modified ACE2 receptors protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters

The paper engineers high-affinity ACE2 receptors to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters, showing protection against infection without viral escape mutations.

Generation of human bronchial organoids for SARS-CoV-2 research

This paper generates human bronchial organoids that support SARS-CoV-2 infection and drug testing, showing reduced viral load with TMPRSS2 inhibition.

A specialized deceptive pollination system based on elaborate mushroom mimicry

The paper identifies Arisaema sikokianum as using mushroom-mimicking traits to attract specific flies for pollination, revealing its unique evolutionary adaptation.

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.