The norepinephrine transporter (NET) plays a crucial role in synaptic neurotransmission and is implicated in major depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, yet our understanding of its allosteric, conformation-selective regulation-crucial for developing targeted therapeutics-remains limited. Through cryo-electron microscopy analysis of NET complexes with levomilnacipran, vanoxerine, and vilazodone, we identify a previously undefined allosteric site within NET's inner vestibule that enables conformation-selective regulation. This discovery introduces a "valve model," in which specific residues partition the cytoplasmic cavity into distinct chambers, determining inhibitor binding specificity. Leveraging this structural insight through virtual screening, we identify a set of inhibitors with potent NET inhibitory activity and demonstrate their antidepressant effects. Moreover, our structural identification of inhibitor occupancy at this conformation-selective site defines a mechanistic framework for targeted therapeutic intervention. These findings advance our understanding of NET allosteric modulation, providing a structure-guided framework for developing next-generation antidepressants targeting the inward-open conformation of NET for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Population aging is accelerating, yet the multi-organ aging process and the geroprotective effects of dietary protein restriction (PR) remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted comprehensive proteomic analyses on 41 mouse tissues during male mouse aging and PR. Our findings identified tissue-specific aging hallmarks, including widespread changes in immunoglobulins and serine protease inhibitors across multiple tissues. PR mitigated age-related tissue-specific protein expression, epigenomic states, and protein phosphorylation patterns, and it significantly improved adipose tissue functions. These findings were supported by independent reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), phosphoproteomics, and pathological analyses. Furthermore, analysis of plasma samples from mice and humans confirmed the cardiovascular benefits of PR. We identified sexual and temporal variations in the impact of PR, with middle age being the optimal intervention period. Overall, our study depicts the multi-organ aging process and provides valuable insights into the geroprotective potential of PR.

Whether and how cancer exploits distant organs to escape immune surveillance remains largely unknown. Using clinical data from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and three murine oral cancer models, we find that cancer cells under immune pressure secrete slit guidance ligand 2 (SLIT2) through an activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-dependent pathway, which activates tumor-innervating nociceptive neurons and aggravates cancer-induced pain. This activation then stimulates tumor-draining lymph-node (TDLN)-innervating nociceptive neurons and increases calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) secretion, remodeling TDLNs into an immune-suppressed state. Consequently, decreased CCL5 secretion from immune-suppressed TDLNs promotes M2-like polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, facilitating tumor growth and reducing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy. Targeting nociceptive neurons or the ATF4-SLIT2-CGRP axis restores immune activity, alleviates cancer-induced pain, and improves ICB responses. Our findings reveal an inter-organ neuroimmune circuit co-opted by cancer to escape immune surveillance, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to enhance immunotherapy.

Many species regenerate lost body parts following amputation. Most limb regeneration research has focused on the immediate injury site. Meanwhile, body-wide injury responses remain largely unexplored but may be critical for regeneration. Here, we discovered a role for the sympathetic nervous system in stimulating a body-wide stem cell activation response to amputation that drives enhanced limb regeneration in axolotls. This response is mediated by adrenergic signaling, which coordinates distant cellular activation responses via the α2Α-adrenergic receptor, and local regeneration responses via β-adrenergic receptors. Both α2A- and β-adrenergic signaling act upstream of mTOR signaling. Notably, systemically activated axolotls regenerate limbs faster than naive animals, suggesting a potential selective advantage in environments where injury from cannibalism or predation is common. This work challenges the predominant view that cellular responses underlying regeneration are confined to the injury site and argues instead for body-wide cellular priming as a foundational step that enables localized tissue regrowth.

Detection of DNA is a fundamental strategy for life to recognize non-self or abnormal-self to subsequently trigger the downstream responses. However, the mechanism underlying DNA sensing is incompletely understood. Here, we show that a key neural executioner, sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) motif containing 1 (SARM1), senses double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to promote cell death. dsDNA-bound and -activated SARM1 to degrade nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in a sequence-independent manner. SARM1 bound dsDNA via the TIR domain, and lysine residues in the TIR domain contributed to dsDNA binding. In the cellular context, cytosolic dsDNA from dsDNA transfection or chemotherapy treatment was colocalized with SARM1 and activated SARM1 to elicit NAD+ degradation and cell death, which was abrogated by SARM1 knockout or DNA-binding residue mutation. Consistently, SARM1 knockout blocked chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) in mice. Our results reveal SARM1 as a DNA sensor, which might be targetable for therapeutic interventions.

In the SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription complex (RTC), the nascent template-product duplex is unwound into a template strand for recycling and a product strand that needs to be capped. Here, we determined structures of the SARS-CoV-2 RTC in the pre- and post-capping initiation (CI) states. In the pre-CI state, the RTC has a dimer-of-dimeric architecture (ddRTC). The upstream RNA duplex in one RTC is reciprocally unwound by a helicase in a head-to-head-positioned RTC in the 3'-5' direction. The helicases bind either ADP or ADP⋅Pi in their ATP-binding pockets, suggesting a mechanism for ATP-hydrolysis-driven unwinding. In the post-CI state, the binding of nsp9 to the nsp12 nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) disrupts the ddRTC. The N terminus of nsp9 and the triphosphorylated 5' end of the product strand co-localize in NiRAN's catalytic site, exhibiting the state prior to nsp9 RNAylation for capping. These results provide an insight into the concurrence of template recycling and RNA capping in the SARS-CoV-2 RTC.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) constitutes the core of ribosomes and is extensively chemically modified. Technical challenges have precluded systematically dissecting rRNA modifications and their dynamics. We develop Pan-Mod-seq, permitting inference of 16 distinct modifications across dozens of samples in parallel. We applied Pan-Mod-seq to RNA from 14 species spanning all domains of life, cultured under highly diverse conditions. While dynamic modifications are rare in mesophiles, in extreme hyperthermophiles, ∼50% of modifications are dynamic. We dissect the biogenesis and function of a conserved module of tandem m5C-ac4C modifications, co-induced at high temperatures, via enzymes intrinsically regulated by temperature and required for growth at higher temperatures. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of ribosomes from wild-type (WT) and enzyme-deficient archaea reveal recurrent molecular interactions through which they confer structural stability, and biophysical studies demonstrate their synergistic thermostabilizing role. Our findings systematically dissect rRNA modification plasticity and pave the way for surveying the rRNA epitranscriptome in health and disease.

T cell-mediated tumor killing underlies immunotherapy success. Here, we used long-term in vivo imaging and high-resolution spatial transcriptomics of zebrafish endogenous melanoma, as well as multiplex imaging of human melanoma, to identify domains facilitating the immune response during immunotherapy. We identified cancer regions of antigen presentation and T cell engagement and retention (CRATERs) as pockets at the stroma-melanocyte boundaries of zebrafish and human melanoma. CRATERs are rich in antigen-recognition molecules, harboring the highest density of CD8+ T cells in tumors. In zebrafish, CD8+ T cells formed prolonged interactions with melanoma cells within CRATERs, characteristic of antigen recognition. Following immunostimulatory treatment, CRATERs expanded, becoming the major sites of activated CD8+ T cell accumulation and tumor killing. In humans, elevation in CRATER density in biopsies following immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy correlated with a clinical response to therapy. CRATERs are structures that show active tumor killing and may be useful as a diagnostic indicator for immunotherapy success.

Design of ion channels responsive to environmental cues has significant implications in modulating cellular activities and sensor development, but it remains a significant challenge due to the complexities involved in designing stimuli-induced conformational changes in proteins. Here, we report the accurate de novo design of voltage-gated anion channels, namely dVGACs. dVGACs adopt a 15-helix pentameric architecture featuring arginine constrictions within the transmembrane span and show voltage-dependent anions currents in patch-clamp experiments. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of dVGACs closely align with the design models. Cryo-EM structures and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the arginine constrictions undergo voltage-induced conformational changes, serving as both a voltage sensor and a selectivity filter as designed. Notably, the anion selectivity and voltage sensitivity of dVGACs can be tuned through targeted mutations for suppressing neuronal firing in situ. The ability to create ion channels with custom-designed conformational changes refreshes our insights into membrane biophysics and unveils diverse potential applications.

The origins of the early medieval Magyars who appeared in the Carpathian Basin by the end of the 9th century CE remain incompletely understood. Previous archaeogenetic research identified the newcomers as migrants from the Eurasian steppe. However, genome-wide ancient DNA from putative source populations has not been available to test alternative theories of their precise source. We generated genome-wide ancient DNA data for 131 individuals from archaeological sites in the Ural region in northern Eurasia, which are candidates for the source based on historical, linguistic, and archaeological evidence. Our results tightly link the Magyars to people of the early medieval Karayakupovo archaeological horizon on both the European and Asian sides of the southern Urals. The ancestors of the people of the Karayakupovo archaeological horizon were established in the broader Urals by the Late Iron Age, and their descendants persisted in the Volga-Kama region until at least the 14th century.

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics are revolutionizing science. Latin America's unique genetic diversity, environment, and endemic infectious diseases offer exceptional opportunities to deploy these technologies for societal and scientific impact. We highlight regional challenges and opportunities, offering recommendations to boost capacity, foster collaboration, and promote research equity.

In a recent issue of Nature Biomedical Engineering, Ingrole et al. explore a new approach for needle-free vaccine delivery through the mouth. They devise and test a dental-floss-based flu vaccine as an alternative mode of mucosal vaccination.

In this issue of Cell, Xu and colleagues develop an approach integrating genome editing, artificial intelligence, and robotics to enhance crop improvement. By reconfiguring reproductive traits for automated pollination in crops such as tomatoes and soybeans, their approach accelerates hybrid seed production and yields crops with better stress tolerance, flavor, and resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture and crop diversity.

Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), which is characterized by relentless disease progression, lacks effective treatment. While recent studies have highlighted the importance of B cells in driving compartmentalized central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in PMS pathogenesis, current B cell depletion therapies, such as CD20 monoclonal antibodies, face challenges in targeting plasma cells within the CNS. Here, we treated five patients with PMS (one primary PMS and four secondary PMS) with anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy in an ongoing phase 1 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04561557). Only grade 1 cytokine release syndrome was observed, and all grade ≥3 cytopenias occurred within 40 days post-infusion in all five patients. Meanwhile, we detected plasma cell depletion in CNS compartments, prolonged expansion and relieved exhaustion of CAR-T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, and attenuation of microglial activation. These findings provided insights into the potential application of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy for advancing clinical management of PMS.

Plants have evolved a conduit system with reinforced walls and innovative wall structures that ensure efficient transport of water and nutrients. Vessel pits, fine three-dimensional (3D) cavities in conduit walls, are key determinants of plant hydraulics and growth plasticity. However, their ultrastructure and formation mechanisms are unknown. Here, we reveal the nanoscale 3D structure of pits and the molecular pathway that mediates pit shaping and sustains xylem robustness and grain yield. A quantitative trait locus for pit size (PS1), identified by a genome-wide association study in rice, is a xylan deacetylase that controls pit geometry. An elite PS1 allele modifies xylans to a hypoacetylated state, facilitating their binding to cellulose and maintaining wall coherence around pit boundaries. The elite haplotypes confer rice varieties with enhanced nitrogen transport and grain yield. We thus discover a molecular pathway that boosts xylem hydraulics and crop yield, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.

Sugarcane is a major crop of unclear origins due to its complex polyploid interspecific genome. We analyzed genome ancestries using whole-genome sequence data from 390 representative accessions based on repeated k-mers and chloroplast phylogeny. The results provided evidence that Saccharum officinarum was domesticated in the New Guinea region from the S. robustum wild species and revealed that its genome is a mosaic involving different S. robustum subgroups. We discovered a wild Saccharum contributor to most modern cultivars, likely originating from East Melanesia. We highlighted two early centers of sugarcane diversification associated with human transport, one in continental Asia through hybridization with different S. spontaneum subgroups and one in the Melanesian and Polynesian islands via hybridization with the discovered ancestor and Miscanthus. Finally, we revealed the genome ancestry of modern cultivars, highlighting untapped wild Saccharum diversity as a source of alleles for breeding programs.

Parkinson's disease (PD) has long been considered an appropriate candidate for cell replacement therapy. We generated high-purity dopaminergic progenitors (A9-DPCs) from human embryonic stem cells and evaluated their safety and exploratory efficacy in a single-center, open-label, dose-escalation phase 1/2a trial (NCT05887466) for PD patients. Twelve patients with moderate-to-severe PD received bilateral putamen transplantation of low-dose (3.15 million cells; n = 6) or high-dose (6.30 million cells; n = 6) A9-DPC with immunosuppression. No dose-limiting toxicities or graft-related adverse events were observed. At 12 months, off-medication Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III scores and Hoehn and Yahr stage improved, with greater motor improvements in the high-dose group. Dopamine transporter positron emission tomography (PET) imaging showed increased posterior putamen uptake with greater uptake in the high-dose group after transplantation, supporting graft survival. These findings indicate that bilateral transplantation of A9-DPC is safe and may improve parkinsonian motor symptoms in patients with PD.

Rapid remodeling of actin filament (F-actin) networks is essential for the movement and morphogenesis of eukaryotic cells. The conserved actin-binding proteins coronin, cofilin, and actin-interacting protein 1 (AIP1) act in synergy to promote rapid F-actin network disassembly, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we uncover the concerted molecular actions of coronin, cofilin, and AIP1 that lead to actin filament aging and severing. We find that the cooperative binding of coronin allosterically promotes inorganic phosphate release from F-actin and induces filament undertwisting, thereby priming the filament for cofilin binding. Cofilin then displaces coronin from the filament via a strand-restricted cooperative binding mechanism. The resulting cofilactin serves as a high-affinity platform for AIP1, which induces severing by acting as a clamp that disrupts inter-subunit filament contacts. In this "molecular squeezing" mechanism, AIP1 and not cofilin is responsible for filament severing. Our work redefines the role of key disassembly factors in actin dynamics.

Variable expressivity of disease-associated variants implies a role for secondary variants that modify clinical features. We assessed the effects of modifier variants on the clinical outcomes of 2,455 individuals with primary variants. Among 124 families with the 16p12.1 deletion, distinct rare and common variant classes conferred risks for specific developmental features, including short tandem repeats for neurological defects. Network analysis suggested distinct mechanisms involving 16p12.1 genes and secondary variants specific to each proband. Within disease and population cohorts of 976 individuals with the 16p12.1 deletion, we found opposing effects of secondary variants on clinical features across ascertainments. Additional analysis of 1,479 probands with other primary variants, such as the 16p11.2 deletion and CHD8 variants, and 1,528 probands without primary variants showed that phenotypic associations differed by primary variant context and were influenced by synergistic interactions between primary and secondary variants. Our study provides a paradigm to dissect the personalized genomic architecture of complex disorders.