Selected Grantee Publications
- Clear All
- 34 results found
- Rodent Models
- Microscopy
Molecular Basis of Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Activation
Zilberg et al., Nature Communications. 2024.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44601-4
The authors reported the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (hTAAR1, hTA1) signaling complex, a key modulator in monoaminergic neurotransmission, as well as its similarities and differences with other TAAR members and rodent TA1 receptors. This discovery has elucidated hTA1’s molecular mechanisms underlining the strongly divergent pharmacological properties of human and rodent TA1 and therefore will boost the translation of preclinical studies to clinical applications in treating disorders of dopaminergic dysfunction, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and sleep-related dysfunction. Supported by ORIP (S10OD019994, S10OD026880, and S10OD030463), NIDA, NIGMS, NIMH, and NCATS.
In Vitro and In Vivo Functions of SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Enhancing and Neutralizing Antibodies
Li et al., Cell. 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.021
Antibody-dependent enhancement of infection is a concern for clinical use of antibodies. Researchers isolated neutralizing antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) or N-terminal domain (NTD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike from COVID-19 patients. Cryo-electron microscopy of RBD and NTD antibodies demonstrated function-specific binding modes. RBD and NTD antibodies mediated both neutralization and infection enhancement in vitro. However, infusion of these antibodies into mice or macaques resulted in suppression of virus replication, demonstrating that antibody-enhanced infection in vitro does not necessarily predict enhanced infection in vivo. RBD-neutralizing antibodies having cross-reactivity against coronaviruses were protective against SARS-CoV-2, the most potent of which was DH1047. Supported by ORIP (P40OD012217, U42OD021458, S10OD018164), NIAID, NCI, NIGMS, and NIH Common Fund.
Thioesterase Superfamily Member 1 Undergoes Stimulus-Coupled Conformational Reorganization to Regulate Metabolism in Mice
Li et al., Nature Communications. 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23595-x
Thermogenesis is suppressed in brown adipose tissue by thioesterase superfamily member 1 (Them1), a long chain fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase. Them1 is highly upregulated by cold ambient temperature, where it reduces fatty acid availability and limits thermogenesis. Investigators show that Them1 regulates metabolism by undergoing conformational changes in response to β-adrenergic stimulation that alter Them1 intracellular distribution. Them1 forms metabolically active puncta near lipid droplets and mitochondria. Upon stimulation, Them1 is phosphorylated at the N-terminus, inhibiting puncta formation and activity, and resulting in a diffuse intracellular localization. Investigators show that Them1 puncta are biomolecular condensates that are inhibited by phosphorylation. Them1 forms intracellular biomolecular condensates that limit fatty acid oxidation and suppress thermogenesis. When energy is demanded, the condensates are disrupted by phosphorylation to allow for maximal thermogenesis. The stimulus-coupled reorganization of Them1 provides fine-tuning of thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Supported by ORIP (S10OD019988) and others.
A Pulsatile Release Platform Based on Photo-Induced Imine-Crosslinking Hydrogel Promotes Scarless Wound Healing
Zhang et al., Nature Communications. 2021.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33723267/
Skin wound healing is a dynamic and interactive process involving the collaborative efforts of growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM), and different tissue and cell lineages. Although accumulating studies with a range of different model systems have increased our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis underlying skin scar formation, they have not been effectively translated to therapy. Development of effective therapeutic approaches for skin scar management is urgently needed. In this study, team of investigators devise a water-oil-water double emulsion strategy to encapsulate proteins within a photo-crosslinkable poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) shell, which can produce microcapsules with pulsatile drug release kinetics after administration. The results show that pulsatile release of the TGF-β inhibitor can accelerate skin wound closure while suppressing scarring in murine skin wounds and large animal preclinical models, suggesting that it could be an effective approach to achieve scarless wound healing in skin. Supported by ORIP (R01OD023700).