2025
C-terminal amides mark proteins for degradation via SCF–FBXO31
A recent “Nature” paper by the groups of Jacob Corn (IMHS, D-BIOL) and Jeffrey Bode (D-CHAB) reveals how cells remove chemically damaged proteins. They discovered that the human SCF–FBXO31 complex scans proteins for C-terminal amidation, a sign of oxidative damaged, and induces their degradation.
Mechanistic insights into noncanonical protein splicing by a radical SAM splicease
A recent Angewandte Chemie paper by the Vagstad and Piel groups (IMB) illuminates key mechanistic features of the unusual conversion of tyrosine residues to α-keto-β-amino acids by post-translational spliceases. Such ketoamide moieties are clinically used protease-inhibiting pharmacophores.
Millions of reconstructed genomes from diverse microbiomes at global scale
A recent “Nucleic Acids Research” paper by the Sunagawa group (IMB) showcases the new mOTUs online database (mOTUs-db), a resource which allows to select and download genomes from host- associated and environmental microbiomes, representing the largest prokaryotic genome collection to date.
An unanticipated role for satellite DNA repeats in genome defence
A recent PLoS Biology study from the Jagannathan lab (IBC) in collaboration with the Brennecke group (IMBA) and Beltrao group (IMSB) reveals a link between satellite DNA organization and heritable transposon repression in Drosophila germ cells.
Targeted Localization of the Mother Centrosome in CD8+ T Cells Undergoing Asymmetric Cell Division Promotes Memory Formation
A recent "Cell Reports" paper by the Oxenius group (IMB) demonstrates a role of targeted centrosome inheritance during CD8+ T cell division for the generation of memory precursor cells.