Zhen Li

Neuropeptide Bursicon and its receptor mediated the transition from summer-form to winter-form of Cacopsylla chinensis

This study identifies Bursicon and its receptor as key regulators of the summer-to-winter form transition in Cacopsylla chinensis by modulating cuticle properties.

Ca2+-independent ZmCPK2 is inhibited by Ca2+-dependent ZmCPK17 during drought response in maize

The paper identifies ZmCPK2 as a negative regulator of drought resistance in maize, showing it is inhibited by the calcium-dependent ZmCPK17 during drought response.

The subcommissural organ regulates brain development via secreted peptides

The paper identifies three genes highly expressed in the subcommissural organ (SCO) and shows their ablation causes brain developmental defects, with peptide reintroduction rescuing these defects.

Plant Accessible Tissue Clearing Solvent System (PATCSOS) for 3-D Imaging of Whole Plants

The paper introduces PATCSOS, a new plant tissue clearing method enabling 3-D imaging of whole plants, including Arabidopsis tissues and other species, with high efficiency and compatibility with fluorescence imaging.

A Multisite and Multimodal Comparative Study of Cerebellar Connectome Between Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

This study compares cerebellar connectome alterations between multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders using multimodal MRI data from multiple sites.

Mck1 defines a key S-phase checkpoint effector in response to various degrees of replication threats

The paper identifies Mck1 as a key S-phase checkpoint effector that regulates dNTP homeostasis by modulating RNR and HUG1 expression in response to replication threats.

Cul4-Ddb1 ubiquitin ligases facilitate DNA replication-coupled sister chromatid cohesion through regulation of cohesin acetyltransferase Esco2

The paper identifies Cul4-Ddb1 ubiquitin ligases as regulators of Esco2-mediated sister chromatid cohesion through Smc3 acetylation in human cells.

Flexibly-oriented double Cdc45-MCM-GINS intermediates during eukaryotic replicative helicase maturation

This study identifies d-CMG intermediates during MCM helicase maturation, showing they are structurally distinct from MCM DHs and functionally immature compared to RPCs.