John J. Fak

Lipid Activation of a Thalamic GPCR Extends Working Memory Time-scales

This study identifies a lipid signaling mechanism involving AEA-Gpr12 in thalamus that extends working memory duration by suppressing cAMP and supporting sustained neural activity in PFC.

Genetic mapping identifies Homer1 as a developmental modifier of attention

This study identifies Homer1 as a gene that modulates attention by altering prefrontal cortex inhibitory tone and signal-to-noise ratio in mice.

FMRP regulates mRNAs encoding distinct functions in the cell body and dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons

The paper identifies compartment-specific FMRP targets in CA1 pyramidal neurons and shows how FMRP regulates different mRNA functions in cell bodies and dendrites.

FMRP binding to a ranked subset of long genes is revealed by coupled CLIP and TRAP in specific neuronal cell types

The paper develops a mouse model to identify FMRP mRNA targets in specific neurons, revealing that FMRP binds to a ranked subset of long genes related to Fragile X phenotypes.

AGO CLIP reveals an activated network for acute regulation of brain glutamate homeostasis after ischemic stroke

The paper uses AGO CLIP to identify miRNA-target interactions in the brain after ischemic stroke, revealing miR-29 family members lose target regulation, leading to rapid proteomic changes in glutamate homeostasis.

Whole-genome deep learning analysis reveals causal role of noncoding mutations in autism

The paper uses deep learning to analyze whole-genome data from ASD families, showing noncoding mutations significantly impact transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation and contribute to autism.

ZFP36 RNA-binding proteins restrain T-cell activation and anti-viral immunity

This study identifies ZFP36 RNA-binding proteins as regulators of T-cell activation and anti-viral immunity, showing they restrain T-cell expansion and effector functions.

Differential 3’ Processing of Specific Transcripts Expands Regulatory and Protein Diversity Across Neuronal Cell Types

The paper identifies differences in alternative polyadenylation (APA) between mouse cerebellar neuron types and shows how APA affects gene regulation and function.

Neuron-specific cTag-CLIP reveals cell-specific diversity of functional RNA regulation in the brain

The paper uses NOVA2 cTag-CLIP to study RNA regulation in specific neurons, revealing cell-type differences in RBP actions and their impact on RNA diversity and function.