Using a combination of light microscopy and biochemical assays, Harvey McMahon’s group, in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, have identified aggregation-dependent endocytosis (ADE) as the pathway by which cells respond to surface perturbations.
Aggregation of proteins on cell surface triggers rapid uptake and degradation
New computational method for genome analysis
Julian Gough’s group, in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has designed a computational method for genome analysis capable of making knowledge-based predictions directly from a human genome.
HIV-1 needs the cell metabolite IP6 to build its capsid and infect cells
In an international collaboration led by Leo James’ group, researchers have discovered that HIV-1 builds its capsid using a metabolite called IP6 that it captures from cells with a net-like protein lattice. Disabling this capture mechanism prevents capsid construction and renders HIV-1 non-infectious.
Integrin-mediated T helper 2 cell clustering revealed as key step and potential therapeutic target in allergic immune response
Researchers in Andrew McKenzie’s group, in the LMB’s PNAC Division, have used high-throughput CRISPR screening to identify a role for alpha V beta 3 integrin in IL-13 production which contributes to unwanted inflammation during an asthma or allergic immune response.
DNA replication initiation shapes the evolution and expression of the human genome
One of the universal events in the lifecycle of every cell is the initiation of genome duplication. Julian Sale’s group in the LMB’s PNAC Division have used high-resolution maps of human replication origins to demonstrate the mutagenic properties of DNA replication origins.
Refactoring the genetic code to create organisms protected by a genetic firewall
Jason Chin’s group refactor the genetic code to create genetically isolated organisms which cannot exchange genetic information with naturally-occurring organisms in the environment.