Meng Li

Widespread Presence of Catalytic RNAs in All Domains of Life

The paper identifies millions of self-cleaving ribozymes in humans and other species, revealing a much larger ribozyme-ome than previously thought and their potential roles in gene regulation and biotechnology.

Phylogenetic and functional characterization of Asgard primases

This study characterizes Asgard archaeal primases, showing they fall into two groups with distinct phylogenetic and functional features, supporting the hypothesis that Asgard archaea are the origin of Eukarya.

Microcompartments in archaeal ancestors of eukaryotes: a bioenergetic engine that could have fuelled eukaryogenesis

The paper identifies archaeal microcompartments in Hodarchaeales, showing they enhance energy production and may have contributed to eukaryogenesis.

Oxygen-adaptive plasticity of Asgard archaea dependent on terminal oxidase and globin

This study shows that some Asgard archaea use terminal oxidase and globin for oxygen adaptation, suggesting ancient oxygen tolerance and potential role in eukaryogenesis.

Jumbo phages possess independent synthesis and utilization systems of NAD+

This study identifies NAD-jumbo phages, which synthesize and utilize NAD+ for their life cycle, and finds they are widespread in various ecosystems.

Genomic landscape of antiviral defense systems in prokaryotes and phages

This study systematically analyzes 132 antiviral defense systems across 212,599 prokaryotic genomes, revealing their diversity and distribution among bacteria, archaea, and viruses.

Potent LILRB1 D1D2-containing antibodies inhibit RIFIN-mediated immune evasions

This study designs antibodies targeting the LILRB1 receptor's D1D2 domain to block RIFIN-mediated immune evasion in malaria parasites, enhancing NK cell activity.

Novel Asgard archaea phylum Hermodarchaeota degrade alkanes and aromatics via alkyl/benzyl-succinate synthase and benzoyl-CoA pathway

The paper identifies a new Asgard archaea phylum, Hermodarchaeota, capable of degrading alkanes and aromatics via alkyl/benzyl-succinate synthase and benzoyl-CoA pathway in anaerobic sediments.

Expanding diversity of Asgard archaea and the elusive ancestry of eukaryotes

The paper expands the phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of Asgard archaea and suggests eukaryotes may have originated from an unknown ancestral lineage outside extant archaea.

Asgard archaea are diverse, ubiquitous, and transcriptionally active microbes

This study identifies 13 Asgard archaeal subgroups, reveals their widespread distribution in anaerobic environments, and provides evidence of their transcriptionally active mixotrophic lifestyle.