This study identifies PGBD5 as a transposase-derived gene essential for brain development in humans and mice, with deficiency causing intellectual disability and seizures.

Science Advances · Jan 14, 2026Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Modular platform for therapeutic drug delivery using trifunctional bio-orthogonal macromolecular conjugates

Danmeng Luo, Ning Wang, Hannah Major-Monfried, John Ralls, Sophia Rha, Stacy A. Maitland, Karthikeyan Ponnienselvan, Makiko Yamada, Daniel E. Bauer, Scot A. Wolfe, Alex Kentsis

The paper develops a modular platform for synthesizing bio-orthogonal macromolecular conjugates (BMCs) to enable targeted delivery of macromolecular therapeutics with improved efficiency and specificity.

Bioconjugate Chemistry · Nov 10, 2025Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

Analysis of DNA transposition by DNA transposases in human cells

Yves Bigot, Makiko Yamada, Helen Mueller, Victor Morell, Sabine Alves, Thierry Lecomte, Alex Kentsis

The paper investigates DNA transposition activity of PGBD5 in human cells, showing that overexpression causes DNA damage and challenges previous findings of transposition.

bioRxiv · Apr 26, 2023 · PreprintMolecular Biology

Mllt11 regulates the migration and neurite outgrowth of cortical projection neurons during development

Danielle Stanton‐Turcotte, Karolynn Hsu, Samantha A. Moore, Makiko Yamada, James P. Fawcett, Angelo Iulianella

This study identifies Mllt11's role in regulating migration and neurite outgrowth of cortical projection neurons during brain development.

Journal of Neuroscience · Apr 4, 2022Peer-reviewedDevelopmental Biology