Brian A. Kelch

Regulation of tension-dependent localization of LATS1 and LATS2 to adherens junctions.

This study identifies the molecular mechanism by which LIMD1 recruits LATS1/2 to adherens junctions through LIM domains and an N-terminal IDR, mediated by a conserved LATS-LATCH motif.

Cooperativity and Communication between the Active Sites of the Dimeric SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

This study investigates how the two active sites of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro communicate and cooperate in catalysis using enzymatic assays, crystal structures, and engineered mutations.

The structure of a thermostable phage's Portal Vertex and Neck Complex illuminates the headful maturation mechanism

The paper determines the structure of the portal vertex and neck complex in the hyperthermophilic phage Oshimavirus, revealing a pressure-sensitive mechanism for terminating DNA packaging and triggering tail attachment.

SARM1, the executioner of axon degeneration, is an ADP-ribosyl transferase and autoMARylation negatively regulates its activation

This study identifies SARM1 as an ADP-ribosyl transferase that auto-MARylates, regulating its activity and subcellular localization in axon degeneration.

PCNA is a Nucleotide Exchange Factor for the Clamp Loader ATPase Complex

The paper presents structures of the yeast clamp loader RFC and shows PCNA facilitates nucleotide exchange by promoting ADP release through subunit separation.

Dueling Endogenous Viral-Like Sequences Control Synaptic Plasticity

This study shows that the Copia retrotransposon protein influences synaptic plasticity in Drosophila by antagonizing the Arc homolog, suggesting transposons play an essential role in cellular processes.

PCNA thermosensitivity underlies an Ataxia Telangiectasia-like disorder

The paper identifies a second PCNA mutation, C148S, causing PARD, showing both variants have thermo-stability defects leading to reduced chromatin-bound PCNA and temperature-dependent phenotypes.

Atomistic Basis of Force Generation, Translocation, and Coordination in a Viral Genome Packaging Motor

The paper presents the first atomic-resolution structure of a viral DNA packaging motor and describes its mechanism through molecular dynamics simulations.