Publications

synaptic strength is bidirectionally controlled by opposing activity-dependent regulation of nedd4-1 and usp8.	the trafficking of ampa receptors (ampars) to and from synapses is crucial for synaptic plasticity. previous work has demonstrated that ampars undergo activity-dependent ubiquitination by the e3 ubiquitin ligase nedd4-1, which promotes their internalization and degradation in lysosomes. here, we define the molecular mechanisms involved in ubiquitination and deubiquitination of ampars. we report that nedd4-1 is rapidly redistributed to dendritic spines in response to ampar activation and not in r ...	25505317
hepatitis c virus, mitochondria and auto/mitophagy: exploiting a host defense mechanism.	hepatitis c virus (hcv) is the major reason for liver transplantation and the main cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in a great number of countries. as for the other viruses, this pathogen interferes in more than one process and in more than one way with host cell biology. a mounting body of evidence points, in particular, toward the drastic alterations of mitochondrial physiology and functions that virus is able to induce, albeit the mechanisms have partly remained elusive. role of ...	24627598
viruses and autophagy.	autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular process by which bulk cytoplasm is enveloped inside a double-membraned vesicle and shuttled to lysosomes for degradation. within the last 15 years, the genes necessary for the execution of autophagy have been identified and the number of tools for studying this process has grown. autophagy is essential for tissue homeostasis and development and defective autophagy is associated with a number of diseases. as intracellular parasites, during th ...	19750559
directing dendritic cell immunotherapy towards successful cancer treatment.	the use of dendritic cells (dcs) for tumor immunotherapy represents a powerful approach for harnessing the patient's own immune system to eliminate tumor cells. however, suboptimal conditions for generating potent immunostimulatory dcs, as well as the induction of tolerance and suppression mediated by the tumors and its microenvironment have contributed to limited success. combining dc vaccines with new approaches that enhance immunogenicity and overcome the regulatory mechanisms underlying peri ...	20473346
adp-ribosylation factor 6 regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling in coordination with rac1 and rhoa.	in this study, we have documented an essential role for adp-ribosylation factor 6 (arf6) in cell surface remodeling in response to physiological stimulus and in the down regulation of stress fiber formation. we demonstrate that the g-protein-coupled receptor agonist bombesin triggers the redistribution of arf6- and rac1-containing endosomal vesicles to the cell surface. this membrane redistribution was accompanied by cortical actin rearrangements and was inhibited by dominant negative arf6, impl ...	10779358