Diana M. Bautista

Self-renewal of neuronal mitochondria through asymmetric division

The paper identifies a mechanism of mitochondrial self-renewal in sensory neurons through asymmetric division, showing mtDNA-rich mitochondria at axon branch points produce mtDNA-depleted daughters.

TRPV1 Defends the Healthy Murine Cornea against Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion Independently of Sensory Nerve Firing

This study shows TRPV1 protects murine corneas from S. aureus adhesion without requiring sensory nerve firing, unlike its role against P. aeruginosa.

Drosophila epidermal cells are intrinsically mechanosensitive and modulate nociceptive behavioral outputs

The paper shows that Drosophila epidermal cells are mechanosensitive and modulate nociceptive behaviors by activating sensory neurons and altering responses to mechanical stimuli.

SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activates nociceptors to drive sneeze and pain

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2's PLpro activates nociceptors to cause sneezing and pain by triggering TRPA1-dependent responses.

Transcriptional Profiling of Identified Neurons in Leech

The paper performs transcriptional profiling of identified neurons in leeches to identify candidate genes involved in specific functions and sensory transduction.

S1PR3 mediates itch and pain via distinct TRP channel-dependent pathways

This study identifies distinct TRP channel-dependent pathways through which S1PR3 mediates itch and pain in mice.

The signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate regulates mechanical pain

This study identifies sphingosine 1-phosphate and its receptor S1PR3 as critical regulators of mechanical pain by modulating mechanonociceptor excitability.