W. Giang

The transmembrane domain of the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein-1 governs lipid raft association to promote desmosome adhesive strength

This study identifies the biophysical properties of desmoglein-1 transmembrane domains as key determinants of lipid raft association and desmosome adhesive function.

MARCH family E3 ubiquitin ligases selectively target and degrade cadherin family proteins

This study identifies MARCH family ubiquitin ligases as regulators of cadherin degradation, showing differential targeting of VE-cadherin versus N-cadherin through specific domains and lysine residues.

Architecture and dynamics of a novel desmosome-endoplasmic reticulum organelle

The paper identifies a novel subcellular architecture where the endoplasmic reticulum interacts with desmosomes and keratin filaments, influencing ER organization and dynamics.

The level of oncogenic Ras controls the malignant transformation of Lkb1 mutant tissue in vivo.

A Drosophila model shows that high oncogenic Ras levels drive malignant transformation in Lkb1 mutant tissue, with implications for human lung adenocarcinoma.

VE-cadherin endocytosis controls vascular integrity and patterning during development

This study shows that VE-cadherin endocytosis is essential for vascular development by promoting actin-dependent cell migration and vessel stabilization through p120 binding.