Tau structures from range of neurological diseases revealed through cryo-EM analysis suggests a new way to characterise tauopathies on the basis of filament folds.
Classification of human tauopathies based on tau filament folds
Tail of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is optimised to reach the cell surface causing infection to spread to neighbouring cells
Sean Munro’s group, in collaboration with Leo James’ group, have determined how the tail of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 allows the virus to travel beyond the Golgi in order to reach the cell surface and direct fusion to neighbouring cells to form syncytia.
Advanced understanding of how suprachiasmatic nucleus regulates the body’s circadian rhythm
Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of over 30,000 suprachiasmatic nucleus cells by Michael Hastings’ group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division has identified specific cell populations and highlighted the role of Prokineticinsignalling network to the body’s circadian rhythm.
Pathway behind disposal of ‘orphan’ proteins identified
Many proteins in cells assemble into complex structures formed of multiple parts, often resulting in excess parts which are unusable. Now, Manu Hegde’s group have discovered a new pathway that degrades leftover components. Disruption of this pathway leads to neurodegeneration.
Unexpected matrix protein rearrangements seen in structures from intact HIV-1 virus
John Briggs’ group has provided the first description of HIV-1 matrix protein structures determined within both immature and mature authentic virus particles, showing how they rearrange on maturation of the virus ahead of infection of another cell.
Testing the capacity for intracellular antibodies to neutralise SARS-CoV-2
While infected with SARS-CoV-2, our immune systems generate antibodies against both Spike (S) and Nucleoprotein (N). However, standard tests only show neutralisation for S-antibodies. Leo James’ group has developed a new assay that measures anti-viral activity of N-antibodies.