This study characterizes an ALMS1 knockout rat model, showing it develops metabolic syndrome with hypertension, obesity, and hyperleptinemia, revealing ALMS1's role in metabolic regulation and its sex- and age-dependent effects.

Acta Physiologica · Feb 15, 2026Peer-reviewedPhysiology

Predictive and Experimental Motif Interaction Analysis Identifies Functions of the WNK-OSR1/SPAK Pathway

Clinton A. Taylor, Ji-Ung Jung, Sachith Gallolu Kankanamalage, Justin Li, Magdalena G. Grzemska, Ankita Bachhawat Jaykumar, Svetlana A. Earnest, Steve Stippec, Purbita Saha, Eustolia Sauceda, Melanie H. Cobb

The paper identifies interaction motifs of the WNK-OSR1/SPAK pathway and validates their function through experimental testing.

Communications Biology · Sep 5, 2025Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

SMURF1/2 are novel regulators of WNK1 stability

Ankita Bachhawat Jaykumar, Sakina A. Plumber, Derk D. Binns, Chonlarat Wichaidit, Katherine Luby‐Phelps, Melanie H. Cobb

The paper identifies SMURF1/2 as regulators of WNK1 stability and shows their interaction with WNK1 and its role in TGF-beta signaling.

Kinases and Phosphatases · Sep 20, 2024Peer-reviewedBiochemistry

WNKs regulate mouse behavior and alter central nervous system glucose uptake and insulin signaling

Ankita Bachhawat Jaykumar, Derk D. Binns, Clinton A. Taylor, Anthony N. Anselmo, Sachith Gallolu Kankanamalage, Shari G. Birnbaum, Kimberly M. Huber, Melanie H. Cobb

This study shows that inhibiting WNK kinases improves learning and memory in mice by enhancing hippocampal glucose uptake and insulin signaling.

bioRxiv · Jun 9, 2024 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition