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Synthetic receptor signaling systems have evolved as platforms for user-controlled programming of cellular functions. This Perspective reviews these advances and defines a metrics-based engineering workflow to support future engineering efforts.
Cryo-EM structures of Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors (MRGPRs) that are involved in the allergic reaction and itch response reveal structural insights into their activation mechanism, and offer the potential to discover new therapeutic agents for pain and hypersensitivity reactions.
Second-generation engineered soluble ACE2 proteins display enhanced binding to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and operate as ‘decoys’ that interfere with viral infection, reduce lung injury and lower mortality in mouse models.
K48-linked ubiquitin chains direct substrates for proteasomal degradation. Nakasone et al. provide the molecular basis for K48-linked ubiquitin chain synthesis by UBE2K and reveal a multivalent ubiquitin-binding mechanism of UBA in extending the ubiquitin chain.
