Dongchun Ni

Feb 27, 2024 | nature.com | Jaroslaw Sedzicki |Dongchun Ni |Henning Stahlberg

AbstractThe synthesis of complex sugars is a key aspect of microbial biology. Cyclic β-1,2-glucan (CβG) is a circular polysaccharide critical for host interactions of many bacteria, including major pathogens of humans (Brucella) and plants (Agrobacterium). CβG is produced by the cyclic glucan synthase (Cgs), a multi-domain membrane protein. So far, its structure as well as the mechanism underlining the synthesis have not been clarified.

Feb 14, 2024 | nature.com | Dongchun Ni |Liwei Guo |Henning Stahlberg |Shuguang Yuan

AbstractThe application of computational biology in drug development for membrane protein targets has experienced a boost from recent developments in deep learning-driven structure prediction, increased speed and resolution of structure elucidation, machine learning structure-based design and the evaluation of big data.

Nov 9, 2023 | nature.com | Hongtao Liu |Rossitza N. Irobalieva |Julia Kowal |Dongchun Ni |Kamil Nosol |Henning Stahlberg | +2 more

AbstractBSEP (ABCB11) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that is expressed in hepatocytes and extrudes bile salts into the canaliculi of the liver. BSEP dysfunction, caused by mutations or induced by drugs, is frequently associated with severe cholestatic liver disease. We report the cryo-EM structure of glibenclamide-bound human BSEP in nanodiscs, revealing the basis of small-molecule inhibition.

Nov 3, 2023 | nature.com | Americo G Duarte |Dongchun Ni |Henning Stahlberg |Christof Holliger

AbstractOrganohalide-respiring bacteria are key organisms for the bioremediation of soils and aquifers contaminated with halogenated organic compounds. The major players in this process are respiratory reductive dehalogenases, corrinoid enzymes that use organohalides as substrates and contribute to energy conservation. Here, we present the structure of a menaquinol:organohalide oxidoreductase obtained by cryo-EM.

Jul 19, 2023 | science.org | Dongchun Ni |Xuhang Lu |Henning Stahlberg |Babatunde E Ekundayo