Alaina H. Willet

A multivalent docking platform and Rcn1-mediated inhibition control the extent of calcineurin recruitment to the cell division site for the dephosphorylation of multiple cytokinetic proteins

This study identifies how calcineurin (CN) is recruited to the cytokinetic ring in fission yeast and shows that Rcn1 inhibits CN to regulate cytokinesis.

A Glucan Synthase-Remodeler Module Organizes Branched Glucan Assembly in the Fungal Cell Wall

This study identifies Ghs2 as a binding partner of Bgs3 in fission yeast, showing they co-localize and work together to synthesize and branch β-1,3-glucan in the fungal cell wall.

A non-muscle α-actinin is an intrinsic component of the cardiac Z-disc and regulates sarcomere turnover, contractility, and heart remodeling

This study identifies ACTN4 as a non-muscle α-actinin in cardiac sarcomeres, showing it regulates contractility, hypertrophy, and heart remodeling without disease hallmarks.

Alpha-actinin-1 stabilizes focal adhesions to facilitate sarcomere assembly in cardiac myocytes

This study shows ACTN1 is essential for sarcomere assembly in cardiac myocytes by stabilizing focal adhesions, distinct from ACTN2's role at Z-discs.

Solid-State NMR Analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Reveals Role of α-Amylase Family Enzymes in Cell Wall Structure and Function

This paper uses solid-state NMR to study the role of α-amylase family enzymes in S. pombe cell wall structure and function, revealing their non-redundant role with glucan synthase in cell wall synthesis.