Cataract-Prone Variants of γD-Crystallin Populate a Conformation with a Partially Unfolded N-Terminal Domain under Native Conditions

Study on Partially Unfolded Intermediate of γD-Crystallin Variants under Native Conditions Academic Background Human γD-crystallin is a structural protein in the eye lens, crucial for maintaining its transparency and stability. It must remain folded throughout an individual’s lifetime to avoid aggregation and protein deposition, thus preventing cat...

Human MAIT Cell Response Profiles Biased Toward IL-17 or IL-10 Are Distinct Effector States Directed by the Cytokine Milieu

Functional Plasticity of Human MAIT Cells and Their Role in Immune Regulation Academic Background Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are a type of unconventional T lymphocyte found abundantly in healthy humans, especially in mucosal tissues. MAIT cells exhibit innate-like characteristics, rapidly recognizing antigens derived from mic...

Spatial Patterning Analysis of Cellular Ensembles (SPACE) Detects Complex Spatial Organization at the Cell and Tissue Levels

Spatial Patterning Analysis of Cellular Ensembles (SPACE): Revealing Complex Spatial Patterns in Biological Tissues Academic Background The function of biological tissues depends on the interactions of cells, molecules, and structures in three-dimensional space. Understanding these spatial organization patterns can provide new insights into patholo...

Fixational Eye Movements as Active Sensation for High Visual Acuity

Fixational Eye Movements as Active Sensation for High Visual Acuity Academic Background Human visual perception is a complex process, especially when we attempt to maintain stable gaze. Even then, the eyes still produce small involuntary movements known as fixational eye movements (FEM). These FEM typically include drifts and microsaccades. Previou...

Intracranial Substrates of Meditation-Induced Neuromodulation in the Amygdala and Hippocampus

Study on the Neuroregulatory Effects of Meditation: A Case Study of Loving-Kindness Meditation Academic Background Meditation, as a mental training technique, has long been believed to regulate emotions and enhance mental health. Specifically, Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM), which focuses on cultivating positive emotions towards oneself and other...

Genome-wide association study of prostate-specific antigen levels in 392,522 men identifies new loci and improves prediction across ancestry groups

Multi-Ancestry Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals New Loci for Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels and Improves Prediction Across Ancestral Groups Research Background and Problem Statement Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein secreted by the prostate gland, commonly used for prostate cancer screening. However, PSA levels are influenced not ...

Mechanistic Insights into Inactivating Mutations in the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter (SLC46A1), and Compensatory Mutations that Restore Function

Research Background and Problem Statement Hereditary Folate Malabsorption (HFM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired intestinal absorption of folates and hindered transport across the choroid plexus into cerebrospinal fluid. This disease is caused by inactivating mutations in the gene encoding the Proton-Coupled Folate T...

A Statistical Framework for Multi-Trait Rare Variant Analysis in Large-Scale Whole-Genome Sequencing Studies

A New Framework for Multi-Trait Rare Variant Analysis: Multistaar Research Background and Problem Statement With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies and the decreasing cost of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), researchers can delve deeper into the impact of rare variants on complex human traits. However, single-trait analysis me...

The Inflammatory Landscape of a Whole-Tissue Explant Model of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Research Background Current Status and Challenges in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a relatively common and highly morbid inflammatory skin disease. It affects approximately 1% of the global population, disproportionately impacting women and marginalized groups. HS’s pathogenesis is complex, involving genetic, im...

Development and Validation of a Time-Varying Correction Factor for QT Interval Assessment in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients

Development and Validation of a Time-Varying Correction Factor for QT Interval Assessment in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients Academic Background and Research Motivation During the treatment of active tuberculosis (Tuberculosis, TB), patients often experience tachycardia (Tachycardia), which typically diminishes as they recover. Elevated heart ...