Biophysics

eLife assessment

This paper presents important findings on the hexametric structure of MCM8/9, which potentially explain its role as a DNA helicase in homologous recombination. This solid work will be of interest to biologists studying DNA transactions.

eLife assessment

This is an important report on the discovery of a strong sensitizing effect of cannabidiol on the activation of TRPV2 channels by 2-APB. The conclusions are convincingly supported by solid electrophysiological recordings and cryo-EM structures, but identification of a clear molecular mechanism will require additional structural work. The paper will be of interest to the ion channel research community.

eLife assessment

This is a valuable study, carried out in a solid and comprehensive manner. The results advance the understanding of one of the steps of the HIV life cycle, via a better description of the mechanisms underlying Gag-Pol dimerization.

eLife assessment

This important interdisciplinary study substantially advances our understanding of the prolactin receptor interactions with the membrane lipids and the effect of these interactions on cell signaling. The authors use a combination of state-of-the-art NMR structural analysis, simulations, and cellular assays to provide compelling experimental evidence for protein complexes being regulated by IDR-membrane interactions. The work will be of broad interest to structural biologists and biochemists, and the results presented herein are likely relevant for other non-tyrosine kinase receptors.

eLife assessment

Using surface micropatterning, optical activation, and theoretical analysis, the authors provide compelling evidence that adjacent cells actively propagate mechanical stress in epithelial tissues. The response of the receiver cell is active and enhanced when the principal stress direction is perpendicular to the orientation of actin fibers. This work is important and a must-read for everybody wanting to understand tissue mechanics.

eLife assessment

This fundamental work substantially advances our understanding of polymer physics underpinnings of genome folding, organization, and regulation. The conclusions are supported by both convincing computer simulations and analytical theory. The work will be of significant interest to the genome folding community.

eLife assessment

This important manuscript combines cryo-EM and a suite of compelling whole cell and proteoliposome transport assays to establish the mechanism and structure of the full-length human SLC26A6 chloride/bicarbonate exchangers, including the first partial view of the previously unresolved IVS region of an SLC26 STAS domain. In combination with prior studies on additional SLC26 paralogs, including the SLC26A9 paralog initially reported by the same group, the study provides broadly relevant insights into the mechanistic diversity of the SLC26 transporters. This study is of interest to the biophysics community and the field of membrane transport.

eLife assessment

This study provides valuable insight into the diversity within the NRAMP superfamily of transporters. Evidence of divalent metal ion transport and the structure (obtained without added metal ions) are convincing. However, molecular insight into Al3+ recognition and transport is incomplete, and the work would be strengthened by the determination of a metal-bound structure or additional experiments (such as molecular dynamics simulations or quantitative Al3+ binding/transport assays) to support the proposed Al3+ binding site. The work will be of interest to structural biologists and biophysicists studying NRAMP transporters.

eLife assessment

This valuable study discovers that zinc ions can activate some OTOP proton channels, identifying a pharmacological tool for research, and further establishing that OTOP channels gate. The data presented provide convincing support for the conclusions made by the authors, and the study is expected to be of considerable interest to physiologists investigating OTOP and other proton channels.

eLife assessment

The study represents an impressive effort to use atomistic simulations to probe cryptic binding sites in the envelope of six flaviviruses. Moreover, using constant pH simulations, the authors suggest that a cluster of ionizable residues contribute to the pH dependent conformational rearrangements required in the infection process. Therefore, the study provides new mechanistic insights that can be helpful in future efforts to develop drugs that target flaviviruses.