Sara Macías

Universal donor plasmids for biallelic degron-tagging in mammalian cells and organoids

The paper introduces universal donor plasmids for biallelic degron-tagging in mammalian cells and organoids using Cas9-induced double strand breaks and homology-independent repair.

Identification of cellular double-stranded RNAs in mammalian embryonic stem cells

The paper identifies endogenous double-stranded RNAs in mammalian embryonic stem cells by developing a method combining antibody-based purification and RNase I treatment, revealing transposable elements as their main source.

Control of retrotransposon-driven activation of the interferon response by the double-stranded RNA binding protein DGCR8

This study shows DGCR8 suppresses endogenous dsRNA from TEs to prevent IFN response activation, with implications for 22qDS.

DICER1 syndrome mutations lead to a gain of 3p-miRNA function, HERVH activity and increased metastatic potential

This study shows that DICER1 mutations lead to increased 3p-miRNA activity, HERVH activation, and metastatic potential without causing genomic instability.

DGCR8 haploinsufficiency leads to primate-specific RNA dysregulation and pluripotency defects

This study shows that DGCR8 haploinsufficiency in human pluripotent cells causes RNA dysregulation and pluripotency defects, with rescue by primate-specific miRNAs.

Double stranded RNA sensing drives interferon silencing in early development

The paper shows that pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells silence MDA5 to avoid endogenous dsRNA recognition, preventing IFN activation and ensuring normal development.

ILF3 contributes to the establishment of the antiviral type I interferon program

The paper identifies ILF3 as a host factor essential for translating antiviral cytokines and interferon-stimulated genes during dsRNA-induced antiviral responses.