Dong An

Electrostatics and Local Aromatic Residues Govern Lipid Binding and Membrane Penetration of Synaptotagmin C2 Domains

This study identifies electrostatic and aromatic residues as key determinants of lipid binding and membrane penetration in synaptotagmin C2 domains through molecular dynamics simulations.

Syntaxin 1A Transmembrane Domain Palmitoylation Induces a Fusogenic Conformation

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that Stx1A TMD palmitoylation stabilizes its conformation, facilitates SNARE complex formation, and modulates fusion pore dynamics during neurotransmitter release.

SNARE complex assembly and disassembly dynamics in response to Ca2+ current activation in live cells

The paper uses a SNAP25-based FRET construct to show SNARE complex assembly and disassembly dynamics in live cells, revealing that FRET ratio transients reflect complex disassembly rather than diffusion.