Xu Zhang

Oct 21, 2024 | nature.com | Xu Zhang

AbstractAge-related changes in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) contribute to white matter dysfunction. In aged mice, we hypothesized that myelin-dense fimbria OPCs possess niche-specific properties, compared to hippocampal OPCs. Aged fimbria OPCs were fewer, larger, and localized to neighboring microglia. We identified age-increased p16/Cdkn2a-expressing OPCs enriched for senescence-related pathways and distinct senescence signatures between hippocampus and fimbria.

Sep 9, 2024 | nature.com | Hong Wang |Xu Zhang |Feng Q. He |Lin Liu

AbstractThe last glacial maximum (LGM) is widely acknowledged as the most recent cold period representing maximum global ice conditions. However, substantial warming is observed over Northern Hemisphere. Here, we show that the LGM climate shifted from very cold to fairly warm, followed by less cold conditions in the early Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1) phases.

Aug 29, 2024 | nature.com | Xu Zhang

AbstractDasiphora fruticosa (Rosaceae), commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a flowering shrub of high ornamental value yet underutilized in East Asian landscapes. Given its broad elevational distribution range, D. fruticosa serves as an ideal model for studying genetic adaptations and speciation along elevation gradients. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of D.

Aug 16, 2024 | nature.com | Xu Zhang

AbstractAnalysis of protein modifications is critical for quality control of therapeutic biologics. However, the identification and quantification of naturally occurring glycation of membrane proteins by mass spectrometry remain technically challenging. We used highly sensitive LC MS/MS analyses combined with multiple enzyme digestions to determine low abundance early-stage lysine glycation products of influenza vaccines derived from embryonated chicken eggs and cultured cells.

May 10, 2024 | nature.com | Xu Dong |Xu Zhang |Maili Liu |Changwen Jin

AbstractThe WRKY transcription factors play essential roles in a variety of plant signaling pathways associated with biotic and abiotic stress response. The transcriptional activity of many WRKY members are regulated by a class of intrinsically disordered VQ proteins. While it is known that VQ proteins interact with the WRKY DNA-binding domains (DBDs), also termed as the WRKY domains, structural information regarding VQ-WRKY interaction is lacking and the regulation mechanism remains unknown.