Miguel Padilla‐Blanco

A single Omicron mutation reshapes ORF3a-driven host-cell remodelling

This study identifies how a single mutation in the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2's ORF3a protein alters its host-cell remodelling effects, shifting from lipid accumulation to preserving Golgi structure.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a Drives Mitochondrial Dysfunction via PDK4 Activation and Complex I Inhibition

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a causes mitochondrial dysfunction by activating PDK4 and inhibiting complex I, altering host metabolism.

In Vitro and Viral Evolution Convergence Reveal the Selective Pressures Driving Omicron Emergence

This study uses in vitro evolution to show that stringent selection pressures rapidly converge on Omicron-like mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, mirroring real-world viral evolution patterns.

Omicron-Enhanced Immunosuppressive Effects of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a and ORF9b Accessory Proteins on Monocytic Inflammatory Response

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins ORF3a and ORF9b suppress monocytic inflammatory responses, with Omicron variants enhancing this effect.

A Protein Language Model for Exploring Viral Fitness Landscapes

This paper introduces CoVFit, a protein language model that predicts SARS-CoV-2 variant fitness using spike protein sequences, identifying fitness-enhancing mutations and predicting emerging variants.