Leonid Chernomordik

This study identifies a pathway by which SARS-CoV-2 Spike activates PIEZO1-sphingomyelinase signaling to promote cell-cell fusion through ceramide generation and phosphatase-mediated actin cortex detachment.

This study identifies elevated surface La as a cause of hyperfusion and impaired resorption in osteopetrosis and shows that inhibiting La can restore osteoclast function.

The paper investigates how phosphatidylserine exposure and Annexin A5 binding weaken the actin cortex during osteoclast fusion, revealing a bidirectional signaling pathway involving Ca2+ and lipid redistribution.

This study identifies an oxidized form of La protein at the osteoclast surface, driven by ROS signaling, which promotes multinucleation and bone resorption.