Timothy Spicer

A SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor trimerizes to lock the spike protein in a closed conformation

This paper describes a trimeric inhibitor, S22, that stabilizes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in a closed conformation, preventing ACE2 binding and viral entry.

Biosensor Cell Array Reveals Temporal GABA Secretion Dynamics from Pancreatic Islets

The paper reveals that GABA secretion from pancreatic beta cells occurs via the LRRC8A/D VRAC channel and is coordinated with calcium influx and depolarization, not vesicular release or insulin secretion.

Discovery of a potent anti-Zika virus benzamide series targeting the viral protein NS4B

This paper identifies potent benzamide compounds against Zika virus by targeting NS4B, showing superior potency and novel resistance mutation patterns compared to existing treatments.

Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators of Immune Checkpoint Function

The paper develops selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) that modulate immune checkpoint function by altering GR activity states through structural design and machine learning.

The Endo-GeneScreen Platform Identifies Drug-Like Probes that Regulate Endogenous Protein Levels within Physiological Contexts

The paper introduces Endo-GeneScreen, a platform that identifies small molecules regulating endogenous protein levels, and demonstrates its application in finding probes for Syngap1-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

Human SYNGAP1 Regulates the Development of Neuronal Activity by Controlling Dendritic and Synaptic Maturation

This study shows that SYNGAP1 loss-of-function in human neurons leads to enhanced dendritic morphogenesis, increased excitatory synapses, and altered network activity.