Zhuohua Zhang

A mutant bacterial O-GlcNAcase visualizes a progressive decline of protein O-GlcNAcylation in early Drosophila embryos critical for neurodevelopment

The paper develops a fluorescent probe to visualize O-GlcNAcylation in Drosophila embryos, showing its decline during early development and its role in neurodevelopmental gene regulation.

Deficiency in endocannabinoid synthase DAGLB contributes to Parkinson's disease and dopaminergic neuron dysfunction

This study shows that deficiency in DAGLB, an endocannabinoid synthase, contributes to Parkinson's disease by impairing dopaminergic neuron function and motor learning, with potential therapeutic implications for 2-AG augmentation.

Spread of pathological α-synuclein from urogenital nerves initiates multiple system atrophy-like symptoms

This study shows that misfolded α-synuclein spreads from urogenital nerves to the brain, causing MSA-like symptoms through micturition reflex pathways.