Ursula Jakob

Polyamines control inorganic polyphosphate levels during bacterial nitrogen starvation

This study identifies polyamines as regulators of inorganic polyphosphate accumulation in E. coli during nitrogen starvation.

The filopodial scaffold polyphosphate dictates cell adhesion-versus-invasion decisions

This study identifies polyphosphate as a structural component of filopodia that regulates cell adhesion and invasion, with implications for tumor suppression.

Microprotein Regulates G-quadruplex Driven RNA Aggregation

This study identifies ZNF706 as a microprotein that modulates G-quadruplex formation and RNA phase behavior, reducing pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases.

Paralogs with distinct phase behaviors broaden the in vivo stress response range of condensates

This study shows that paralogs H-NS and StpA form distinct condensates with different phase behaviors, enabling bacteria to adjust condensate stability for stress response.

HP-Bodies - Ancestral Condensates that Regulate RNA Turnover and Protein Translation in Bacteria

The paper identifies polyphosphate as a scaffold for phase-separated condensates in bacteria and humans, showing its role in RNA turnover and translation.

Amyloid Accelerator Polyphosphate Implicated as the Mystery Density in α-Synuclein Fibrils

This study identifies polyphosphate as the 'mystery density' in α-synuclein fibrils by showing it binds to lysine residues, affecting fibril formation and toxicity.

A dynamic redox switch turns TRC40 into a chaperone protecting human cells against ATP-depleting, oxidative stress

This study shows TRC40 switches from an ATP-dependent targeting factor to an ATP-independent chaperone under oxidative stress, preventing protein aggregation and supporting proteostasis.

Developmental Reactive Oxygen Species Target Histone Methylation to Individualize Stress resistance and Lifespan

The paper shows that early developmental ROS increases stress resistance and lifespan by reducing histone H3K4me3 levels in C. elegans and mammalian cells.