This study identifies LPHN2 as a force-sensing GPCR critical for auditory function, showing its role in mechanoelectrical transduction and hearing loss when deficient.

bioRxiv · Oct 24, 2023 · PreprintPhysiology

An efficient peptide ligase engineered from a bamboo asparaginyl endopeptidase

X.-B. Wang, C.-H. Zhang, T. Zhang, H.-Z. Li, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, G. Lei, C.-J. Cai, Z.-Y. Guo

The paper engineers a bamboo-derived peptide ligase with improved activity by modifying its activation mechanism.

bioRxiv · Sep 7, 2023Biochemistry

The ghrelin receptor GHSR has two efficient agonists in an ancient fish species

H.-Z. Li, Y.-F. Wang, Y.-S. Zheng, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, Z.-Y. Guo

The study identifies that GHSR in coelacanth binds and is activated by motilin, while zebrafish and large yellow croaker GHSRs do not bind motilin, suggesting ancient fish GHSRs had two agonists.

bioRxiv · Jun 3, 2023 · PreprintBiochemistry

Nanomolar range of FAM237B can activate receptor GPR83

H.-Z. Li, Y.-F. Wang, W.-F. Hu, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, Z.-Y. Guo

The paper shows that FAM237B activates GPR83 at nanomolar concentrations, confirming it as an endogenous agonist.

bioRxiv · May 4, 2023Biochemistry

FAM237A, rather than peptide PEN and proCCK56-63, is a ligand of the orphan receptor GPR83

H.-Z. Li, Y.-F. Wang, X.-X. Shao, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, S.-L. Wang, Z.-Y. Guo

This study identifies FAM237A as the true ligand of GPR83, refuting previous claims that PEN and proCCK56-63 are agonists of this receptor.

bioRxiv · Sep 27, 2022 · PreprintBiochemistry

LEAP2 is a more conserved ligand than ghrelin for fish GHSRs

H.-Z. Li, X.-X. Shao, Y.-F. Wang, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, Z.-Y. Guo

The paper shows LEAP2 binds more consistently to fish GHSRs than ghrelin, suggesting LEAP2 is a more conserved ligand in these species.

bioRxiv · Sep 21, 2022Biochemistry

Development of esterase-resistant and highly active ghrelin analogs via thiol-ene click chemistry

H.-Z. Li, X.-X. Shao, L.-L. Shou, N. Li, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, Z.-Y. Guo

This study develops esterase-resistant and highly active ghrelin analogs using thiol-ene click chemistry, showing improved stability and activity in serum.

bioRxiv · Jun 29, 2022Biochemistry

Development of a novel bioluminescent activity assay for peptide ligases

C.-H. Zhang, X.-X. Shao, X.-B. Wang, L.-L. Shou, Y.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, Z.-Y. Guo

The paper develops a bioluminescent assay to identify and characterize peptide ligases, finding that several plant species likely express these enzymes.

bioRxiv · Nov 1, 2021 · PreprintBiochemistry

PTP-MEG2 regulates quantal size and fusion pore opening through two distinct structural bases and substrates

Y.-f. Xu, J. Sun, X. Yu, X. Chen, M. Cui, Z. Yang, C.-h. Liu, X.-z. Yang, Y.-j. Wang, S. Zhang, C. Wang, Z.-y. Zhang, W.-d. Zhao, C.-h. Wang, Z.-l. Ji, , Y.-c. Song

This study identifies how PTP-MEG2 regulates exocytosis by dephosphorylating specific sites on NSF, DYNAMIN2, and MUNC18-1, revealing distinct structural mechanisms for substrate recognition.

bioRxiv · Sep 17, 2020Cell Biology

Integration of gut microbiome, host biomarkers, and urine metabolome data reveals networks of interactions associated with distinct clinical phenotypes

R.-J. Li, Z.-Y. Jie, Q. Feng, R.-L. Fang, F. Li, Y. Gao, H.-H. Xia, H.-Z. Zhong, B. Tong, J.-Y. Xu, L. Madsen, C.-L. Liu, Z.-G. Xu, J. Wang, H.-M. Yang, , K.-L. He

bioRxiv · Jan 2, 2019Microbiology