Stephen C. Pak

Sequelae and reversal of age-dependent alterations in mitochondrial dynamics via autophagy enhancement in reprogrammed human neurons

This study investigates age-related changes in mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy in reprogrammed human neurons, finding that autophagy enhancement can reverse these age-dependent alterations.

Dominant negative ATP5F1A variants disrupt oxidative phosphorylation causing neurological disorders

This study identifies de novo ATP5F1A variants causing neurological disorders through dominant negative mechanisms, expanding the known phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of complex V deficiency.

ATG-3 limits Orsay virus infection in C. elegans through regulation of collagen pathways

The paper shows ATG-3 limits Orsay virus infection in C. elegans by regulating collagen pathways, independent of autophagic flux.

Autophagic enhancer rescues Tau accumulation in a stem cell model of frontotemporal dementia

This study shows that a mutation in the MAPT gene disrupts autophagy in neurons, leading to Tau accumulation, and that an autophagy enhancer drug reduces Tau levels.

Functional analysis of a novel de novo variant in PPP5C associated with microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay

The paper functionally validates a de novo PPP5C variant in a human proband using C. elegans, showing it causes loss-of-function and is likely responsible for the patient's phenotypes.

Mechanisms of Action of Autophagy Modulators Dissected by Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Analysis

The paper performs a quantitative systems pharmacology analysis of 225 autophagy modulators to uncover their molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways.

Quantitative Assessment Of Cell Fate Decision Between Autophagy And Apoptosis

This paper builds a computational model to study how cells decide between autophagy and apoptosis under stress, revealing that cytoplasmic Ca2+ acts as a rheostat regulated by G-protein signaling and AMPK.