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The transcription factor TATA-box binding protein (TBP) modulates gene expression in nuclei. This process requires the involvement of nuclear transport receptors, collectively termed karyopherin- (Kap-) in yeast, and various regulatory factors. Previous studies showed that Kap114p, a Kap- that mediates nuclear import of yeast TBP (yTBP), modulates yTBP-dependent transcription. However, how Kap114p associates with yTBP to exert its multifaceted functions has remained elusive. The team led by Dr. Kuo-Chiang Hsia (Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica) and Dr. Wei-Yi Chen (Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University) presents a cryo-EM structure of Kap114p, one of the Kap-βs, in complex with TATA box binding protein and reveals a non-canonical function beyond nuclear transport that modulates TBP-dependent transcription. This study has been published in in the journal Nature Communications.

A research team led by Dr. Yi-Ping Hsueh, Distinguished Research Fellow at the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinca used high-end optical microscopy and biochemical approaches to demonstrate that KLHL17 and SYNPO, two autism-linked proteins, act in concert to regulate the organization and distribution of the spine apparatus, a specialized endoplasmic reticulum structure at excitatory synapses. KLHL17 and SYNPO promote clustering of the spine apparatus in the excitatory synapse to regulate calcium dynamics and consequently influence neuronal plasticity and activation. Furthermore, via collaboration with Dr. Bi-Chang Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the Research Center of Applied Sciences, they applied an improved expansion microscopy technology to successfully observe the three-dimensional ultrastructure and organization of the spine apparatus, as well as of the KLHL17 and SYNPO proteins, with an ultra-resolution of nearly 30 nanometers. Their research clearly links the function of the spine apparatus to ASD via control of synaptic plasticity. This study has been published in the journal PLOS Biology (August 2023).

A study has unraveled a mystery that persisted for fifty years in plant science – the elusive role of Pathogenesis-Related Protein 1 (PR1) in plant immunity. Led by Dr. Yet-Ran Chen at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, this research casts a revealing light on the pivotal mechanism governing the enzymatic transformation of canonical immune biomarker PR1 into a potent CAPE cytokine. This transformation initiates plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a critical defense function against pathogenic infection. Remarkably, even plants incapable of synthesizing or perceiving salicylic acid, a central hormone for activating SAR, can activate systemic immunity when exposed to trace amounts of CAPE. This achievement serves as a foundation for enhancing crops' resilience against diseases and introduces novel perspectives for mitigating the adverse effects of global warming on plant immunity. This study has been published in the journal Nature Communications (August 2023).

Unlocking the potential of protein activation has historically posed challenges, necessitating extensive screening and biochemical assays. Dr. Kuen-Phon Wu at the Institute of Biological Chemistry has led a team to demonstrate a paradigm shift. By integrating the advanced deep learning tool, ProteinMPNN, they have engineered ubiquitin into a potent allosteric activator tailored for Rsp5 E3 ligase. The entire process was fully automated from protein designs to sample preparation to functional assays took only three months. This milestone heralds a new era, where AI-driven protein design obviates the need for exhaustive experimental screening and validation. This study has been published in in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology (August 2023).

The latest issue of Asia-Pacific Research Forum has just been published by the Center for Asia-Pacific Area Studies (CAPAS), RCHSS. Articles in this issue (No. 72) include:

Twenty-nine scholars author this book to review the development of political science in Taiwan.

We are proud to announce the publication of Grammatical Studies on Early Chinese Dialects (早期漢語方言語法), edited by Dr. Min-hua Chiang, Research Fellow of ILAS and Dr. Carine Yuk-man Yiu, Associate Professor from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

We are pleased to announce the new publication of issue 24.3 of Language and Linguistics. This issue includes 5 articles:

Please see the table of contents below:

Please see the table of contents below: