V. Ovchinnikov

DNA methylation enables recurrent endogenization of giant viruses in an animal relative

The paper shows that DNA methylation in Amoebidium appalachense silences endogenized giant viruses, contributing 14% of its genes and revealing a dynamic process of viral integration and purging.

Placental mammal derived microRNAs alter pathways in the endometrial epithelia important for endometrial function.

This study identifies placental mammal-specific miRNAs and their targets in endometrial epithelial cells, showing their role in implantation and potential involvement in recurrent pregnancy loss.

Caecilian genomes reveal molecular basis of adaptation and convergent evolution of limblessness in snakes and caecilians.

The paper analyzes caecilian genomes to identify molecular mechanisms underlying limblessness and convergent evolution with snakes, finding shared genetic targets involved in limb development.

Multiscale affinity maturation simulations to elicit HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies

This paper simulates B cell receptor affinity maturation to model the evolution of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies using real germline sequences and vaccine candidate antigens.

A burst of regulatory and protein innovation at the origin of placental mammals drove the emergence of placenta and underpins divergent early pregnancy strategies in modern mammals.

The paper identifies a core miRNA network that originated in placental mammals and explains the evolution of placenta and diverse pregnancy strategies.

Extreme conservation of miRNA complements in Opisthorchiids

The paper curates and reannotates miRNA complements of Opisthorchiid liver flukes, identifying conserved and species-specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers.