Rafael Fernández-Leiro

Disruption of R2TP-mediated PIKK maturation with de novo designed binders

The paper identifies RUVBL1/2-RPAP3 interface as a vulnerability and develops de novo protein binders that selectively disrupt R2TP, reducing PIKK levels without affecting other RUVBL1/2 complexes.

The novel viper FETUA-3 protein evolved a unique mode of inhibiting snake venom metalloproteinases

This study investigates how the rattlesnake FETUA-3 protein evolved to inhibit venom metalloproteinases through structural and functional analyses.

A dedicated motif in human polymerase gamma enables DNA synthesis through replication roadblocks

This study identifies a Template Stabilising Motif in human Polγ that enables DNA synthesis through replication roadblocks by stabilizing template engagement.

A comprehensive genetic catalog of human double-strand break repair

This study presents a comprehensive catalog of human double-strand break repair genes using genome-wide knockout data, revealing novel mechanisms and factors involved in DSB repair.

Automated and modular protein binder design with BinderFlow

This paper introduces BinderFlow, a modular pipeline for protein binder design, and BFmonitor, a dashboard for campaign monitoring, making generative protein design more accessible.

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor GNF-7 targets senescent cells through allosteric activation of GCN2.

This study identifies GNF-7 as a senolytic drug that activates GCN2 to kill senescent cells, showing synergy with CDK4/6 inhibitors in preclinical models.

Auto-regulation of the real-time kinetics of the human mitochondrial replicative helicase

This study investigates the real-time kinetics of Twinkle, a human mitochondrial helicase, and identifies regulatory roles of its N-terminal ZBD and C-terminal tail, along with mtSSB interactions.

Disruption of CAD oligomerization by pathogenic variants

This study identifies pathogenic CAD mutations that disrupt oligomerization, showing their impact on enzymatic activity and nucleotide synthesis.

Generalized displacement of DNA- and RNA-binding factors mediates the toxicity of arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides

This study shows arginine-rich CPPs like (PR)n displace DNA- and RNA-binding factors, impairing nucleic acid processes and causing toxicity, similar to PROTAMINE's effects.