Persistent Pseudopod Splitting is an Effective Chemotaxis Strategy in Shallow Gradients

Academic Background Chemotaxis is a critical behavior in which cells or microorganisms move directionally along chemical gradients, playing vital roles in physiological processes such as immune responses, wound healing, and pathogen infections. However, how cells select optimal motility modes (e.g., pseudopod splitting or de novo formation) in comp...

Molecular Insights into De Novo Small-Molecule Recognition by an Intron RNA Structure

Academic Background RNA, as a carrier of genetic information and functional molecule, has long been considered an “undruggable” target. In recent years, with advances in RNA structural biology, scientists have begun exploring the development of small-molecule drugs targeting RNA. However, this field faces three core challenges: (1) lack of systemat...

Structural Insights into the Ubiquitin-Independent Midnolin-Proteasome Pathway

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...

Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors Function as Molecular Glues to Stabilize Gq/11 Heterotrimers

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...

Cross-Feeding Creates Tipping Points in Microbiome Diversity

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...