The paper investigates VAP family tether selectivity and dynamics at membrane contact sites, revealing distinct MCS footprints and compensatory mechanisms in cellular homeostasis.

bioRxiv · Sep 18, 2026 · PreprintCell Biology

CRISPR activation screen uncovers MARCKSL1 as a gauge for extracellular vesicle secretion.

Yingjie Zhong, Anna E. George, Roman I. Koning, Nalan Liv, Cecilia de Heus, Rayman T.N. Tjokrodirijo, Manon Messchendorp, Jimmy J.L.L. Akkermans, Birol Cabukusta, George M.C. Janssen, Peter A. van Veelen, Ruud H. M. Wijdeven, Jacques Neefjes, Frederik J. Verweij, Ilana Berlin

The paper identifies MARCKSL1 as a regulator of extracellular vesicle secretion pathways through a CRISPR activation screen and functional studies.

Cell Reports · Jul 31, 2026Peer-reviewedCell Biology

USP24 is an ISG15 cross-reactive deubiquitinasethat mediates IFN-I production by de-ISGylatingthe RNA helicase MOV10

Rishov Mukhopadhyay, Simeon D. Draganov, Timo Oosenbrug, Jimmy J. L. L. Akkermans, Marjolein Kikkert, Klaus‐Peter Knobeloch, Günter Fritz, M Ángeles Guzmán, Sonia Zúñiga, Robbert. Q. Kim, Annemarthe G. van der Veen, Benedikt Mathias Kessler, Adán Pinto-Fernández, Paul P. Geurink, Ayşegül Sapmaz

This study identifies USP24 as a novel ISG15 cross-reactive deubiquitinase that de-ISGylates MOV10 to negatively regulate IFN-I production.

Nature Communications · Jun 19, 2026Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

Salmonella exploits USP32 to coordinate Rab14 and Rab11 recycling pathways for intracellular survival

Ayşegül Sapmaz, Sabina Y. van der Zanden, Jimmy J.L.L. Akkermans, Loréline Menager, Lennert Janssen, Esteban Francois, Natascha Hagoort, Ilana Berlin, Jacques Neefjes, Virginie Stévenin

This study identifies USP32 as a key factor enabling Salmonella to manipulate Rab14 and Rab11 pathways for intracellular survival.

bioRxiv · Jan 5, 2026 · PreprintCell Biology