This study identifies a small molecule, SCC944, that targets ARF1-CSW interactions and reduces GTP-bound ARF1, showing potential as a therapeutic for ALS/FTD.

Scientific Reports · Oct 3, 2026Peer-reviewedPharmacology & Toxicology

KHSRP-mediated Decay of Axonally Localized Prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA Slows Nerve Regeneration

Matthew D. Zdradzinski, Lauren S. Vaughn, Samaneh Matoo, Kayleigh Trumbull, Terika P. Smith, Davis W. Noblitt, Courtney N. Buchanan, Ashley Loomis, Elizabeth L. Thames, Seung Joon Lee, Nora I. Perrone‐Bizzozero, Qun Lu, Jessica Larsen, Jeffery L. Twiss

The paper shows that KHSRP-mediated decay of axonal Prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA slows nerve regeneration by regulating mRNA stability and transport in response to growth signals.

PLoS Genetics · Nov 7, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Single-vessel transcriptome map pathological landscapes and reveal NR2F2-mediated smooth muscle cell phenotype acquisition in capillary malformations

Vi Nguyen, Irving Mao, Siyi He, Ivonne Astrid Arias Castellanos, Mackenzie Azuero, Marcelo L. Hochman, Rong H. Yin, Laena Pernomian, Elliott H Chen, Harold Ira Friedman, Yanhua Chen, Qun Lu, Daping Fan, Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau, Dong‐bao Chen, , Wenbin Tan

The paper constructs a spatial transcriptomic atlas of capillary malformations, identifies EndMT and AJ disruption, and shows NR2F2 drives SMC phenotype acquisition in vascular lesions.

bioRxiv · Sep 2, 2025 · PreprintPathology

Selective axonal translation of prenylated Cdc42 mRNA isoform supports axon growth

Seung Joon Lee, Amar N. Kar, Matthew D. Zdradzinski, Priyanka Patel, Pabitra Kumar Sahoo, Riki Kawaguchi, Byron J. Aguilar, Kelsey D. Lantz, Caylee McCain, Giovanni Coppola, Qun Lu, Jeffery L. Twiss

The paper shows that prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA localizes to PNS axons and promotes axon growth through localized translation and prenylation.

Journal of Cell Science · Mar 5, 2021Peer-reviewedNeuroscience