Hong-Ru Chen

Abstract Phosphorylation-targeting chimeras (PhosTACs) enable targeted protein dephosphorylation by recruiting phosphatases through induced proximity. However, the direct recruitment of phosphatase subunits or holoenzymes with small molecules remains challenging, as suitable ligands are scarce and often compromise enzymatic activity or cellular function.

eLife Assessment This is an important study that utilized in vivo optical measurements of the cortical metabolic rate of O2 and blood flow, as well as measurements in isolated mitochondria to assess the uncoupling of the oxidative phosphorylation due to hypoxia-ischemia injury of the neonatal brain, and effects of the hypothermia treatment.

Abstract Hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) forms neurofibrillary tangles, a key biomarker for Alzheimer disease and additional neurodegenerative tauopathies. However, neurofibrillary tangles are not sufficient to cause neuronal dysfunction or death. Intrahippocampal injection of tau isolated from AD patients has limited effects on the cognitive functions of non-transgenic mice, despite the recapitulation of pathological tau deposits in the mouse brain.