WRITING SAMPLES
Science Journal Articles
Creation of an albino squid line by CRISPR-Cas9 and its application for in vivo functional imaging of neural activity
Cephalopods are notable for their large
nervous systems and complex behaviors.
Progress in understanding the
underpinnings of these traits has been
limited by the lack of a genetically
tractable model. Using CRISPR, Ahuja
et al. generate albino lines of the squid
Euprymna berryi and then use them to
image neural activity in vivo.
nervous systems and complex behaviors.
Progress in understanding the
underpinnings of these traits has been
limited by the lack of a genetically
tractable model. Using CRISPR, Ahuja
et al. generate albino lines of the squid
Euprymna berryi and then use them to
image neural activity in vivo.
Discovery of a Small Molecule Promoting Mouse and Human Osteoblast Differentiation via Activation of p38 MAPK-β
Cook et al. carried out a screen and
identified a small molecule that can
promote bone formation, and determined
that it functions by activation of a specific
regulatory kinase, p38-b. This compound
is a promising candidate to develop a new
bone healing drug.
identified a small molecule that can
promote bone formation, and determined
that it functions by activation of a specific
regulatory kinase, p38-b. This compound
is a promising candidate to develop a new
bone healing drug.
trappc11 is required for protein glycosylation in zebrafish and humans
Activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) can be either adaptive or pathological. We term the pathological UPR that causes fatty liver disease a “stressed UPR.” Here we investigate the mechanism of stressed UPR activation in zebrafish bearing a mutation in the trappc11 gene, which encodes a component of the transport protein particle (TRAPP) complex. trappc11 mutants are characterized by secretory pathway defects, reflecting disruption of the TRAPP complex. In addition, we uncover a defect in protein glycosylation in trappc11 mutants that is associated with reduced levels of lipid-linked oligosaccharides (LLOs) and compensatory up-regulation of genes in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway that produces the LLO anchor dolichol. Treating wild-type larvae with terpenoid or LLO synthesis inhibitors phenocopies the stressed UPR seen in trappc11 mutants and is synthetically lethal with trappc11 mutation. We propose that reduced LLO level causing hypoglycosylation is a mechanism of stressed UPR induction in trappc11 mutants. Of importance, in human cells, depletion of TRAPPC11, but not other TRAPP components, causes protein hypoglycosylation, and lipid droplets accumulate in fibroblasts from patients with the TRAPPC11 mutation. These data point to a previously unanticipated and conserved role for TRAPPC11 in LLO biosynthesis and protein glycosylation in addition to its established function in vesicle trafficking.
Education & Engagement
What is Science?
Science brings a sense of understanding to the wonders of the world surrounding us. It brings us together in awe of how such complicated and seemingly chaotic systems like rain and thunderstorms can work together in such simplicity and harmony like water evaporating and accumulating up until it gets to be too much and finally falls down, as rain and thunderstorms! It is where it is today because curious people looked out the window and asked questions. They did way back then, and they continue to do so now. And THAT is science. It is set in stone, as basic principles are established. Yet it is also constantly in flux as new possibilities are explored. Science is a closed system of answers that is open-ended for another season, and you’re invited to watch.
Operation Covid : Fight The Pathogen
If your immune system is the military, then vaccines are the equivalent of a military drill. A simulation to prepare you for when the real enemy infiltrates your territory, in droves. A weakened or killed form of the pathogen is introduced into the body, the first “shot”. Your body then recognizes key characteristics of this pathogen, activates T-cells to execute “Operation: Fight The Pathogen” and develops target-specific antibodies to do so. Once this is embedded in the cells’ memory, if the pathogen ever dares to enter your body, the cavalry will be primed and armed, ready to exterminate!