Vladimir Peña

U2 snRNP recognizes the branch site through a loaded-spring strand-invasion mechanism

This study reveals a loaded-spring mechanism by which U2 snRNP recognizes the branch site through spontaneous strand invasion driven by conformational energy release.

Structure and function of otoferlin, a synaptic protein of sensory hair cells essential for hearing

The paper investigates the structure and function of otoferlin, showing how it binds Ca2+ and facilitates synaptic vesicle fusion in inner hair cells.

Determinants of spliceostatin reactivity at a spliceosomal zinc finger

This study identifies the molecular mechanism by which spliceostatin binds and inhibits the SF3b complex, revealing the role of ZnCys4 coordination and proton relay in covalent bond formation.

Structural Basis of Lipid Membrane Binding by Human Ferlins

This study determines the cryo-EM structures of human myoferlin and dysferlin bound to Ca2+ and lipids, revealing how their domain dynamics enable membrane binding and fusion.

An integrated model for termination of RNA polymerase III transcription

The paper investigates RNAPIII transcription termination in budding yeast, showing T-tracts are necessary but not sufficient, and secondary structures and Sen1 helicase are important for termination.

Alternative catalytic residues in the active site of Esco acetyltransferases

The paper identifies critical catalytic residues in Esco2 acetyltransferase and proposes a mechanism for its enzymatic activity.