Eric M. Phizicky

Pervasive divergence in protein thermostability is mediated by both structural changes and cellular environments

This study shows that both structural changes and cellular environments contribute to differences in protein thermostability between two yeast species.

A connection between the ribosome and two S. pombe tRNA modification mutants subject to rapid tRNA decay

This paper shows that mutations in ribosomal protein genes suppress temperature sensitivity in S. pombe tRNA modification mutants by reducing ribosome concentrations, thereby decreasing tRNA demand and GAAC activation.

Initiator tRNA lacking 1-methyladenosine is unexpectedly targeted by the rapid tRNA decay pathway in evolutionarily distant yeast species

The paper shows that the rapid tRNA decay pathway is involved in degrading tRNAiMet(CAU) lacking m1A58 in both S. pombe and S. cerevisiae, challenging previous assumptions about tRNA decay mechanisms.

Identification of a motif in Trm732 required for 2'-O-methylation of the tRNA anticodon loop by Trm7

The paper identifies a conserved motif in Trm732 essential for tRNA 2'-O-methylation by Trm7 in yeast and its human homolog THADA.

Hypomodified tRNA in evolutionarily distant yeasts can trigger rapid tRNA decay to activate the general amino acid control response, but with different consequences

The paper shows that hypomodified tRNA in two yeast species triggers rapid tRNA decay, which activates the GAAC pathway, but with opposite effects on tRNA decay in each species.

Formation of tRNA wobble inosine in humans is perturbed by a millennia-old mutation linked to intellectual disability

This study shows that a mutation in ADAT3, linked to intellectual disability, disrupts tRNA wobble inosine formation and ADAT2/ADAT3 complex function.

A new pathway of pre-tRNA surveillance in yeast

The paper identifies a new pathway in yeast where pre-tRNAs are degraded by the RTD pathway after nuclear export due to structural instability and increased availability.