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| Open AccessStructure and distinct supramolecular organization of a PSII-ACPII dimer from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea
The authors report structure of PSII-ACPII from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea, providing insights into a distinct supramolecular organization and assembly of antennas in the supercomplex and possible excitation energy transfer pathways.
- Zhiyuan Mao
- , Xingyue Li
- & Guangye Han
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Article
| Open AccessRegiodivergent biosynthesis of bridged bicyclononanes
Hypericum plants contain complex compounds with promising medicinal properties. Here, the authors report a pair of enzymes catalyzing prenylation and regiodivergent cyclization. The forged scaffolds are characteristic of hyperforin analogs.
- Lukas Ernst
- , Hui Lyu
- & Benye Liu
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Article
| Open AccessProton-coupled transport mechanism of the efflux pump NorA
Efflux pumps confer antibiotic resistance by coupling proton import with drug export. In this work, the authors uncover the proton-coupled transport mechanism for the clinically relevant efflux pump NorA from the pathogenic bacterium S. aureus.
- Jianping Li
- , Yan Li
- & Nathaniel J. Traaseth
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Article
| Open AccessApo and Aβ46-bound γ-secretase structures provide insights into amyloid-β processing by the APH-1B isoform
Incomplete proteolysis of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides by γ-secretases is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Using cryo-EM and functional analyses, this study uncovers the γ-secretase – Aβ46 structure and unveils key interactions for efficient Aβ cleavage.
- Ivica Odorčić
- , Mohamed Belal Hamed
- & Rouslan G. Efremov
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Article
| Open AccessHuman neutralizing antibodies target a conserved lateral patch on H7N9 hemagglutinin head
Here the authors isolate two human antibodies, H7.HK1 and H7.HK2, that achieve broad and potent neutralization against H7N9 influenza by targeting a distinct lateral patch on the hemagglutinin head, thus making them favorable to complement other antibodies for combination therapy.
- Manxue Jia
- , Hanjun Zhao
- & Xueling Wu
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Article
| Open AccessHairpin protein partitioning from the ER to lipid droplets involves major structural rearrangements
Lipid droplet (LD) function relies on protein partitioning between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and LD. The authors show that UBXD8 adopts distinct conformations in both membranes and undergoes structural rearrangements during ER-to-LD partitioning.
- Ravi Dhiman
- , Rehani S. Perera
- & Bianca Schrul
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Article
| Open AccessStructure and inhibition of the human lysosomal transporter Sialin
Sialin transports multiple substrates including sialic acid out of lysosomes, and neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles. This study reports the cryo-EM structures of Sialin in multiple states revealing its transport and pH-sensing mechanisms.
- Philip Schmiege
- , Linda Donnelly
- & Xiaochun Li
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Article
| Open AccessImpact of secretin receptor homo-dimerization on natural ligand binding
GPCRs can form functionally important dimers. Here, authors study impact of dimerization of the secretin receptor on peptide ligand binding and show high receptor conformational dynamics that facilitate G protein recruitment and activation.
- Kaleeckal G. Harikumar
- , Sarah J. Piper
- & Laurence J. Miller
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Article
| Open AccessAngle between DNA linker and nucleosome core particle regulates array compaction revealed by individual-particle cryo-electron tomography
Here, using cryo-ET, the 3D structures of individual nucleosome particles were characterized to observe changes under varying ionic strengths and in the presence of protein H1, revealing key regulatory roles in chromatin organization dynamics.
- Meng Zhang
- , César Díaz-Celis
- & Gang Ren
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Article
| Open AccessCystine-knot peptide inhibitors of HTRA1 bind to a cryptic pocket within the active site region
Here the authors use phage display to develop cystine-knot peptides that inhibit the trimeric serine protease HTRA1. Structural and biochemical characterisation uncovered binding of the peptides to a cryptic pocket that locked the active site in a noncompetent state.
- Yanjie Li
- , Yuehua Wei
- & Daniel Kirchhofer
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Article
| Open AccessIntegrating cryo-OrbiSIMS with computational modelling and metadynamics simulations enhances RNA structure prediction at atomic resolution
Conventional structural biology techniques are limited in deciphering complex RNA structures and dynamic interactions. Here the authors show an integrated approach that combines cryogenic OrbiSIMS (cryo-OrbiSIMS) with computational methods for modelling RNA structures at atomic resolution.
- Shannon Ward
- , Alex Childs
- & Aditi N. Borkar
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Article
| Open AccessA potent Henipavirus cross-neutralizing antibody reveals a dynamic fusion-triggering pattern of the G-tetramer
There are no approved interventions for Hendra or Nipah viruses. Here, the authors isolate a G glycoprotein-specific antibody with cross-neutralizing and in vivo protective activities, and structurally resolve its binding pattern to the G protein.
- Pengfei Fan
- , Mengmeng Sun
- & Sandra Chiu
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Article
| Open AccessHuman CD4-binding site antibody elicited by polyvalent DNA prime-protein boost vaccine neutralizes cross-clade tier-2-HIV strains
Here the authors isolate monoclonal antibody HmAb64 from a healthy volunteer who received an experimental polyvalent DNA prime-protein boost HIV vaccine, and show that it’s specific for the CD4 binding site and neutralizes cross-subtype HIV isolates including several tier-2 viruses.
- Shixia Wang
- , Kun-Wei Chan
- & Shan Lu
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Article
| Open AccessThe SUN-family protein Sad1 mediates heterochromatin spatial organization through interaction with histone H2A-H2B
Here authors identify the interaction between the SUN-family protein Sad1 and histone H2A-H2B in S. pombe, and reveal the roles of the Sad1-histone interaction in the association of heterochromatin with the nuclear envelope and heterochromatin silencing.
- Wenqi Sun
- , Qianhua Dong
- & Yong Chen
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Article
| Open AccessCellular structure of dinosaur scales reveals retention of reptile-type skin during the evolutionary transition to feathers
The evolution of feathers is associated with the evolution of related skin microstructures. Here, the authors demonstrate that Psittacosaurus, a non-avian feathered dinosaur, retained scaled skin like its ancestors in body regions lacking feathers.
- Zixiao Yang
- , Baoyu Jiang
- & Maria E. McNamara
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Article
| Open AccessHeliorhodopsin-mediated light-modulation of ABC transporter
Here, authors classify genes flanking the Heliorhodopsin (HeR)-encoding genes and identify highly conserved residues for protein–protein interactions, revealing a function of HeR as regulatory rhodopsin for multidrug resistance.
- Shin-Gyu Cho
- , Ji-Hyun Kim
- & Kwang-Hwan Jung
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Article
| Open AccessMitoribosome structure with cofactors and modifications reveals mechanism of ligand binding and interactions with L1 stalk
This study uses cryo-EM, biochemical, and computational approaches to shed light on the fundamental mechanisms underlying the human mitoribosome function, including ligand binding, modifications, Fe-S clusters, and aging-related polyamines.
- Vivek Singh
- , Yuzuru Itoh
- & Alexey Amunts
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Article
| Open AccessSOS1 tonoplast neo-localization and the RGG protein SALTY are important in the extreme salinity tolerance of Salicornia bigelovii
The authors show that in the halophyte Salicornia the sodium transporter SOS1 localizes to the tonoplast, likely storing sodium in the vacuole. The intrinsically disordered protein SALTY, increases yeast salt tolerance possibly stabilizing ribosomes in the ER.
- Octavio R. Salazar
- , Ke Chen
- & Sandra M. Schmöckel
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Article
| Open AccessStructural mechanisms for binding and activation of a contact-quenched fluorophore by RhoBAST
FLAPs have recently emerged as RNA counterparts to fluorescent proteins. Here, the authors determine the crystal structure of a FLAP called RhoBAST in complex with its ligand TMR-DN and reveal the mechanisms for binding and activation.
- Yufan Zhang
- , Zhonghe Xu
- & Xianyang Fang
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Article
| Open AccessStructural mechanism of bacteriophage lambda tail’s interaction with the bacterial receptor
Here, Ge et al use cryo-electron microscopy to resolve the structure of the bacteriophage lambda tail in complex with its LamB receptor from Shigella sonnei and shed light on the conformational changes that the phage tail fiber undergoes in response to binding.
- Xiaofei Ge
- & Jiawei Wang
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Article
| Open AccessStructures of the mumps virus polymerase complex via cryo-electron microscopy
The viral polymerase complex is crucial for both genome replication and transcription in non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses. Here, the authors link varying structures of polymerase complexes with their dual functions and propose a sliding model for them to advance along the RNA templates.
- Tianhao Li
- , Mingdong Liu
- & Qing-Tao Shen
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Article
| Open AccessThe 8-17 DNAzyme can operate in a single active structure regardless of metal ion cofactor
Here, the authors use solution-state NMR to characterize the structure of 8–17 DNAzyme, revealing that all metal cofactors induce the same DNAzyme fold in contrast to previous findings.
- Julia Wieruszewska
- , Aleksandra Pawłowicz
- & Witold Andrałojć
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Article
| Open AccessStructure of HIV-1 RRE stem-loop II identifies two conformational states of the high-affinity Rev binding site
HIV relies on the RRE RNA interaction with Rev protein for nuclear export of viral mRNAs. The structure of the high-affinity Rev binding site in RRE in two conformations suggests a mechanism for initial Rev binding and oligomerization onto RRE.
- Jerricho Tipo
- , Keerthi Gottipati
- & Kyung H. Choi
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Article
| Open AccessThe EV71 2A protease occupies the central cleft of SETD3 and disrupts SETD3-actin interaction
Enteroviruses are responsible for several human diseases without treatment. This study describes the molecular interactions between SETD3, actin, and viral 2A in viral replication, providing a framework for the development of host-targeted therapies against enteroviruses.
- Xiaopan Gao
- , Bei Wang
- & Sheng Cui
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Article
| Open AccessStructure, mechanism, and evolution of the last step in vitamin C biosynthesis
Photosynthetic organisms, fungi, and animals contain distinct pathways for vitamin C biosynthesis, but the final biosynthetic step consistently involves an oxidation reaction catalysed by the aldonolactone oxidoreductases. Here, the authors investigate the origin and evolution of the diversified activities and substrate preferences featured by these enzymes using different methods and find evidence that they share a common ancestor.
- Alessandro Boverio
- , Neelam Jamil
- & Andrea Mattevi
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Article
| Open AccessAccelerating reliable multiscale quantum refinement of protein–drug systems enabled by machine learning
Biomacromolecule structures are vital for drug design. Here, the authors integrate one or two machine learning potentials in an ONIOM-based quantum refinement method, achieving reliable drug structures at an QM level in proteins with high efficiency.
- Zeyin Yan
- , Dacong Wei
- & Lung Wa Chung
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Article
| Open AccessExtracellular modulation of TREK-2 activity with nanobodies provides insight into the mechanisms of K2P channel regulation
K2P channels are important regulators of cellular electrical activity. Here the authors show how nanobody fragments can be used to detect and modulate TREK2 K2P channel activity to provide insight into the mechanism of gating.
- Karin E. J. Rödström
- , Alexander Cloake
- & Stephen J. Tucker
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Article
| Open AccessInterplay between Mg2+ and Ca2+ at multiple sites of the ryanodine receptor
Skeletal ryanodine receptor controls calcium mobilization indispensable for muscle contraction. Here, authors combine cryo-EM and molecular dynamics to uncover the structural basis of the intricate regulation of this channel by calcium and magnesium.
- Ashok R. Nayak
- , Warin Rangubpit
- & Montserrat Samsó
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Article
| Open AccessStructures of H5N1 influenza polymerase with ANP32B reveal mechanisms of genome replication and host adaptation
The authors demonstrate how avian H5N1 influenza A virus polymerase interacts with human ANP32B to facilitate the replication of the viral genetic information in mammalian hosts, revealing insights into cross-species transmission.
- Ecco Staller
- , Loïc Carrique
- & Ervin Fodor
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Article
| Open AccessStructure and genome editing of type I-B CRISPR-Cas
Here the authors present two cryo-EM structures of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6714 (Syn) type I-B Cascade, revealing the molecular mechanisms that underlie RNA-directed Cascade assembly, target DNA recognition and local conformational changes of the effector complex upon R-loop formation.
- Meiling Lu
- , Chenlin Yu
- & Yibei Xiao
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Article
| Open AccessCryo-EM structures of the human Elongator complex at work
Here the authors determined several cryo-EM structures of the human Elongator complex, which modifies anticodons of tRNAs. The structural work is complemented by functional analyses to understand this clinically relevant cellular machine at the molecular level.
- Nour-el-Hana Abbassi
- , Marcin Jaciuk
- & Sebastian Glatt
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Article
| Open AccessChemical manipulation of an activation/inhibition switch in the nuclear receptor PXR
PXR is a receptor activated by diverse compounds that triggers detoxification pathways in the cell, and blocking this receptor may increase the effectiveness of certain drugs. Here, the authors present the structural basis of PXR inhibition.
- Efren Garcia-Maldonado
- , Andrew D. Huber
- & Taosheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessStructural and dynamic insights into the activation of the μ-opioid receptor by an allosteric modulator
Here, the authors utilise NMR and cryo-EM to characterise the binding of an allosteric modulator to μ-opioid receptor (MOR), revealing modulator binding can potentiate receptor activation by altering the conformational dynamics in the core region of MOR.
- Shun Kaneko
- , Shunsuke Imai
- & Ichio Shimada
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Article
| Open AccessMicrofibril-associated glycoprotein 4 forms octamers that mediate interactions with elastogenic proteins and cells
Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is involved in fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases. Wozny et al. reveal structural aspects mediating MFAP4 octamer formation critical for its interaction with elastogenic proteins and cells.
- Michael R. Wozny
- , Valentin Nelea
- & Dieter P. Reinhardt
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Article
| Open AccessTargeting bacterial nickel transport with aspergillomarasmine A suppresses virulence-associated Ni-dependent enzymes
Aspergillomarasmine A (AMA) chelates metal ions such as Zn2+ and Ni2+, which are essential for the activity of enzymes that are important for virulence of several pathogens. Here, Sychantha et al. show that AMA inhibits bacterial Ni2+ uptake and Ni-dependent enzymes, and reduces bacterial virulence in an animal infection model.
- David Sychantha
- , Xuefei Chen
- & Gerard D. Wright
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Article
| Open AccessThe structural basis for 2′−5′/3′−5′-cGAMP synthesis by cGAS
Here, the authors provide structural and biochemical data describing the mechanism through which cGAS synthesizes 2′−5′/3′−5′-cGAMP.
- Shuai Wu
- , Sandra B. Gabelli
- & Jungsan Sohn
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Article
| Open AccessStructural basis of human NOX5 activation
NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is activated by Ca2+ signaling, catalyzing superoxide production by transferring electrons from intracellular NADPH to extracellular oxygen. Here the authors uncover the molecular basis of NOX5 activation and electron transfer.
- Chenxi Cui
- , Meiqin Jiang
- & Ji Sun
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Article
| Open AccessStructural insights into drug transport by an aquaglyceroporin
Pentamidine and melarsoprol are drugs used to treat sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei. Here, authors present cryo-EM structures of TbAQP2 with molecular dynamic simulations, revealing mechanisms shaping substrate specificity and drug permeation.
- Wanbiao Chen
- , Rongfeng Zou
- & Chongyuan Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-confidence 3D template matching for cryo-electron tomography
Enabling visual proteomics with high-confidence 3D template matching (TM) in CryoET. 3D TM precisely localizes macromolecular complexes, individual subunits, and different functional states in situ, revealing molecular interactions within cells.
- Sergio Cruz-León
- , Tomáš Majtner
- & Gerhard Hummer
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Article
| Open AccessGenetic and functional diversity of β-N-acetylgalactosamine-targeting glycosidases expanded by deep-sea metagenome analysis
Four β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase gene families were identified via deep-sea metagenome analysis. The biochemical and structural characterization of the aforementioned enzymes revealed their functional diversity and monophyletic evolutionary history.
- Tomomi Sumida
- , Satoshi Hiraoka
- & Takuro Nunoura
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Article
| Open AccessMultimodal binding and inhibition of bacterial ribosomes by the antimicrobial peptides Api137 and Api88
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) inhibit bacterial protein biosynthesis. Here, the authors show that the honey-bee derived PrAMPs Api137 and Api88 inhibit bacterial ribosomes through multiple mechanisms, promising for drug development.
- Simon M. Lauer
- , Maren Reepmeyer
- & Ralf Hoffmann
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Article
| Open AccessMolecular basis of bacterial DSR2 anti-phage defense and viral immune evasion
The defense-associated sirtuin 2 (DSR2) system protects bacteria from phages by depleting NAD+. Here, authors elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DSR2 assembly, activation, and inhibition, providing important insights into bacterial anti-phage defense.
- Jiafeng Huang
- , Keli Zhu
- & Ang Gao
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Article
| Open AccessAptameric hirudins as selective and reversible EXosite-ACTive site (EXACT) inhibitors
Inspired by the biologics of hematophagous organisms such as leeches, the authors in this work design and create inhibtors of thrombin and factor Xa by linking exosite-binding aptamers with small molecule active site inhibtors. They coin these inhibitors EXACT inhibitors.
- Haixiang Yu
- , Shekhar Kumar
- & Bruce A. Sullenger
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Article
| Open AccessContemporary HIV-1 consensus Env with AI-assisted redesigned hypervariable loops promote antibody binding
HIV-1 Env consensus sequences that reflect recent sequences for clades B, C, and CRF01_AE were redesigned using AI-assisted methods to shorten hypervariable loops and limit strain-specific targeting. The modified Envs show improved antibody binding.
- Hongjun Bai
- , Eric Lewitus
- & Morgane Rolland
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Article
| Open AccessIntramolecular autoinhibition regulates the selectivity of PRPF40A tandem WW domains for proline-rich motifs
The specific recognition of a proline-rich motif in the intrinsically disordered region of SF1 by the PRPF40A tandem WW domains is modulated by an intramolecular autoinhibition, suggesting a general mechanism to enhance WW binding selectivity.
- Santiago Martínez-Lumbreras
- , Lena K. Träger
- & Michael Sattler
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Article
| Open AccessIdentification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the LINE-1 retrotransposon endonuclease
The LINE-1 retrotransposon is a target for the development of therapies to treat age-associated disease. Here the AUs describes the characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the endonuclease domain of LINE-1.
- Alexandra M. D’Ordine
- , Gerwald Jogl
- & John M. Sedivy
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Article
| Open AccessStructural basis and synergism of ATP and Na+ activation in bacterial K+ uptake system KtrAB
KtrAB complex is essential in K+ uptake for bacteria. Here authors illustrate the synergism of ATP and Na+ in activating K+ uptake of KtrAB from Bacillus subtilis and its gating mechanism, which may also shed light on other Na+-activated K+ channels.
- Wesley Tien Chiang
- , Yao-Kai Chang
- & Nien-Jen Hu
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Article
| Open AccessMechanistic basis of the dynamic response of TWIK1 ionic selectivity to pH
Using computer simulations authors identify the dynamic molecular motions controlling the structural conformation of the TWIK1 ion channel, showing that its ability to transport sodium upon acidification result from the evolution of the classical potassium-selective pore.
- Franck C. Chatelain
- , Nicolas Gilbert
- & Olivier Bignucolo
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Article
| Open AccessImpact of distinct FG nucleoporin repeats on Nup98 self-association
Here, the authors demonstrate that mutations in the FG repeats of Nup98 significantly reduce its self-association capabilities and present a cryoEM structure exhibiting higher stability per residue then previously observed, suggesting spatial variations in self-association.
- Alain Ibáñez de Opakua
- , Christian F. Pantoja
- & Markus Zweckstetter