Morgan E. DeSantis

Pericentrin contains internal adaptor-like sequences that activate dynein directly

The paper shows that Pericentrin contains an internal sequence that directly activates dynein for co-translational transport, challenging the notion that dynein relies solely on N-terminal adaptors.

Synthetic cargo adaptors reveal molecular features that can enhance dynein activation

This study engineers synthetic cargo adaptors to investigate how they modulate dynein activation and transport properties in vitro and in cells.

Taxol exploits molecular switches within tubulin to stabilize microtubules.

This study identifies structural switches in tubulin that Taxol exploits to stabilize microtubules by reverting them to a pre-hydrolysis state.

Accessibility of the unstructured α-tubulin C-terminal tail is controlled by microtubule lattice conformation

The paper investigates the accessibility of the α-tubulin C-terminal tail (Y-CTT) and finds it is regulated by microtubule lattice conformation through nucleotide state and MAP interactions.

ZCWPW1 organizes telomeric architecture to drive meiotic chromosome movements

This study identifies ZCWPW1 as a chromatin-based regulator of telomere architecture and meiotic chromosome movements, independent of PRDM9.

Occludin Acts as a Dynein Adaptor Regulating Permeability and Collateral Angiogenesis

This study identifies occludin's role as a dynein adaptor regulating vascular permeability and collateral angiogenesis through phosphorylation-dependent trafficking.

KIF5B drives meiotic chromosome dynamics via interaction with the KASH5-LINC complex

This study identifies KIF5B as a key component of the force-generating machinery for meiotic chromosome movements, interacting with the KASH5-LINC complex.

CCSer2 gates dynein activity at the cell periphery

The paper identifies CCSer2 as a protein that gates dynein activity at the cell periphery by inhibiting its regulator Ndel1, enabling spatially restricted dynein activation.

Cargo adaptor identity controls the mechanism and kinetics of dynein activation

The paper investigates how different cargo adaptors influence the kinetics and mechanism of dynein-dynactin complex formation, revealing distinct assembly pathways and stable tripartite complexes.