Zhijian Cao

TL;DR: The genome sequence of Mesobuthus martensii is reported, containing 32,016 protein-coding genes, the most among sequenced arthropods, and reveals a unique adaptation model of arthropod, offering new insights into the genetic bases of the living fossils.

TL;DR: The results show that the rs242941 G/G genotype and homozygous GAG haplotype of the three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with fluoxetine therapeutic response in MDD patients of high-anxiety (HA).

TL;DR: The design of a new peptide inhibitor that is potent and selective for Kv1.3, and the successful design of ADWX-1 suggests that rational design based on the structural model of the peptide-channel complex should accelerate the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for human channelopathies.

TL;DR: The first scorpion Kunitz-type potassium channel toxin family with three groups and seven members is identified, of which a novel inhibitor, Hg1, is specific for Kv1.3 channel, and their structural and functional diversity strongly suggest that Kunitzer-type toxins are a new source to screen and design potential peptides for diagnosing and treating Kv 1.3-mediated autoimmune diseases.

TL;DR: Evidence is provided that host defense peptides from scorpion venom can be modified for antiviral activity by rational design and represents a practical approach for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents, especially against RNA viruses.