Z. A. McDargh

Three membrane fusion pore families determine the pathway to pore dilation

The paper derives exact solutions for membrane fusion pores, identifying three families and showing dilation involves transitioning from a narrow to wide pore with an intermediate unstable state.

Actin turnover protects the cytokinetic contractile ring from structural instability

The paper uses simulations to show cofilin-mediated actin severing prevents actin bridging in fission yeast cytokinetic contractile rings.

Atomic-Resolution Prediction of Degrader-mediated Ternary Complex Structures by Combining Molecular Simulations with Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange

This paper predicts atomic-resolution structures of degrader-mediated ternary complexes using combined HDX-MS and molecular dynamics simulations, validated by experimental data.

Contractile ring constriction and septation in fission yeast are integrated mutually stabilizing processes

This study models the integrated contractile ring and septation system in fission yeast, showing mutual stabilization between the two processes.

Dynamical transitions of the actomyosin cortex can trigger single cell morphogenesis

This study shows that complex single-cell shape changes can arise from cortical patterns in an active gel model, suggesting controlled cortical instability can trigger morphogenesis.

Myosins generate contractile force and maintain organization in the cytokinetic contractile ring

This study measures contractile ring tension in fission yeast and identifies Myo2 and Myp2 as key contributors to force generation and ring organization.

The neuronal calcium sensor Synaptotagmin-1 and SNARE proteins cooperate to dilate fusion pores

This study shows Synaptotagmin-1 promotes fusion pore dilation by reorienting SNARE complexes through calcium-induced C2 domain insertion, enhancing neurotransmitter and hormone release.