Academic Background Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is a core mechanism for maintaining normal cellular function, with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) responsible for degrading approximately 80% of abnormal proteins. Traditionally, proteins were thought to require ubiquitination for recognition and degradation by the 26S proteasome. Howeve...

Academic Background G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in the human body, transmitting extracellular signals through heterotrimeric G proteins (composed of Gα and Gβγ subunits). G proteins function as molecular switches, with their activity states regulated by the GTP/GDP cycle: - Inactive state: Gα bind...

1. Research Background Meiosis is the core process of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes, generating haploid gametes through homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, and crossover. Polyploidy is a major driver of plant evolution, but additional chromosome copies disrupt key meiotic steps, leading to sterility or genomic instability. Core scientific ...

Academic Background Microbiomes are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, consisting of hundreds of functionally distinct microbial populations interacting through complex resource exchange networks. However, a long-standing unresolved question is: How is this extraordinary diversity maintained through metabolic interactions among populations...

Academic Background Touch is one of the earliest developed human senses and is crucial for physical and mental well-being. However, with the increasing prevalence of virtual communication, the lack of tactile interaction in remote exchanges may lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and loneliness. Previous studies have shown that touch can e...