Anthony Leung
@leunglab.bsky.social
Professor. Science and social about my lab at Johns Hopkins University working on PARP and RNA biology. Views are my own.
What if RNA had a molecular twin?
Our new study w/ the Bedford Lab (MD Anderson) shows poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) competes with RNA for the same proteins—creating RNA–PAR crosstalk.
Unlike RNA, PAR’s info isn’t in sequence but chain length.
🔗 academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
#PARcode
Our new study w/ the Bedford Lab (MD Anderson) shows poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) competes with RNA for the same proteins—creating RNA–PAR crosstalk.
Unlike RNA, PAR’s info isn’t in sequence but chain length.
🔗 academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
#PARcode
Nuclear poly(A)-binding protein and nucleolin utilize their RNA recognition motifs to read PAR chains
Abstract. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a post-translational modification mediated by ADP-ribosyltransferases, known as PARPs, which attach ADP-ri
academic.oup.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
What if RNA had a molecular twin?
Our new study w/ the Bedford Lab (MD Anderson) shows poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) competes with RNA for the same proteins—creating RNA–PAR crosstalk.
Unlike RNA, PAR’s info isn’t in sequence but chain length.
🔗 academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
#PARcode
Our new study w/ the Bedford Lab (MD Anderson) shows poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) competes with RNA for the same proteins—creating RNA–PAR crosstalk.
Unlike RNA, PAR’s info isn’t in sequence but chain length.
🔗 academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
#PARcode
A whirlwind few days in Cancún for the 2nd Spatial Genome Conference
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, so should we.
@fusionconf.bsky.social
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, so should we.
@fusionconf.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 5:23 PM
A whirlwind few days in Cancún for the 2nd Spatial Genome Conference
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, so should we.
@fusionconf.bsky.social
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, so should we.
@fusionconf.bsky.social
A whirlwind few days in Cancún for the 2nd Spatial Genome Conference 🌊
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, and so should we.
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, and so should we.
November 4, 2025 at 2:47 AM
A whirlwind few days in Cancún for the 2nd Spatial Genome Conference 🌊
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, and so should we.
Great science, great people — and a reminder why we do this.
After 20 yrs in nuclear organization, ideas once “unorthodox” (like nuclear actin) are now gaining mainstream.
Science moves, and so should we.
Thrilled that our PAR-labeling tech supported new Nature findings from the Gorbunova–Seluanov team! Characterizing CIRBP in bowhead whales reveals how PARP regulation may shape longevity. Kudos to Hongrui Liu & Raymond Cai!
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Evidence for improved DNA repair in long-lived bowhead whale - Nature
Analysis of the longest-lived mammal, the bowhead whale, reveals an improved ability to repair DNA breaks, mediated by high levels of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein. &nbs...
www.nature.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Thrilled that our PAR-labeling tech supported new Nature findings from the Gorbunova–Seluanov team! Characterizing CIRBP in bowhead whales reveals how PARP regulation may shape longevity. Kudos to Hongrui Liu & Raymond Cai!
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Anthony Leung
Have you already seen this research article, recently published in LSA:
PARP10 is Critical for Stress Granule Initiation @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
PARP10 is Critical for Stress Granule Initiation @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
October 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Have you already seen this research article, recently published in LSA:
PARP10 is Critical for Stress Granule Initiation @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
PARP10 is Critical for Stress Granule Initiation @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
Reposted by Anthony Leung
This study identifies PARP10 as a key regulator of stress granule assembly by ADP-ribosylating G3BP1 and modulating eIF2α phosphorylation and translation factor recruitment @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
October 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
This study identifies PARP10 as a key regulator of stress granule assembly by ADP-ribosylating G3BP1 and modulating eIF2α phosphorylation and translation factor recruitment @leunglab.bsky.social www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
How do our cells build “emergency rooms” when under attack?
New from our lab in Life Science Alliance: PARP10 triggers stress granule formation—revealing a way to tune how cells respond to stress, infection, or cancer.
Read: www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
New from our lab in Life Science Alliance: PARP10 triggers stress granule formation—revealing a way to tune how cells respond to stress, infection, or cancer.
Read: www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
PARP10 is critical for stress granule initiation
Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates enriched with RNA and translation factors. They form in response to stress, in part through phosphorylation of the translation initiation...
www.life-science-alliance.org
October 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
How do our cells build “emergency rooms” when under attack?
New from our lab in Life Science Alliance: PARP10 triggers stress granule formation—revealing a way to tune how cells respond to stress, infection, or cancer.
Read: www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
New from our lab in Life Science Alliance: PARP10 triggers stress granule formation—revealing a way to tune how cells respond to stress, infection, or cancer.
Read: www.life-science-alliance.org/content/8/12...
As the Chair of Innovation Translation Council, venturing beyond lab science at the Bloomberg American Health Summit 2025.
A lot to absorb — and much to reflect on about scaling public health innovation to reach millions.
Grateful to Josh Sharfstein for making it possible to attend 🙏
A lot to absorb — and much to reflect on about scaling public health innovation to reach millions.
Grateful to Josh Sharfstein for making it possible to attend 🙏
October 1, 2025 at 12:09 AM
As the Chair of Innovation Translation Council, venturing beyond lab science at the Bloomberg American Health Summit 2025.
A lot to absorb — and much to reflect on about scaling public health innovation to reach millions.
Grateful to Josh Sharfstein for making it possible to attend 🙏
A lot to absorb — and much to reflect on about scaling public health innovation to reach millions.
Grateful to Josh Sharfstein for making it possible to attend 🙏
Reposted by Anthony Leung
The @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social Office of Research launched the Innovation Translation Council, chaired by BMB Professor Anthony Leung (@leunglab.bsky.social)! The ITC will connect researchers at the School with resources to translate their innovative research into community impacts. Learn more ⤵️
research@BSPH Launches Innovation Translation Council | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
publichealth.jhu.edu
September 16, 2025 at 7:53 PM
The @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social Office of Research launched the Innovation Translation Council, chaired by BMB Professor Anthony Leung (@leunglab.bsky.social)! The ITC will connect researchers at the School with resources to translate their innovative research into community impacts. Learn more ⤵️
What a fantastic day of science at FCBIS! @friedlab.bsky.social and I had a blast co-organizing this exciting dive into the chemistry-biology interface—great conversations, amazing energy, and a standout keynote by
@edwardmarcotte.bsky.social. Thanks to all who joined us!
@edwardmarcotte.bsky.social. Thanks to all who joined us!
May 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
What a fantastic day of science at FCBIS! @friedlab.bsky.social and I had a blast co-organizing this exciting dive into the chemistry-biology interface—great conversations, amazing energy, and a standout keynote by
@edwardmarcotte.bsky.social. Thanks to all who joined us!
@edwardmarcotte.bsky.social. Thanks to all who joined us!
Reposted by Anthony Leung
Interferon function couples immune signaling to the ubiquitin–proteasome system.
Study from the @leunglab.bsky.social @johnshopkinsbmb.bsky.social
🆕 #preprintpeerreview @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social
Referee reports and author's response letter available here
--> doi.org/10.1101/2024...
Study from the @leunglab.bsky.social @johnshopkinsbmb.bsky.social
🆕 #preprintpeerreview @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social
Referee reports and author's response letter available here
--> doi.org/10.1101/2024...
April 30, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Interferon function couples immune signaling to the ubiquitin–proteasome system.
Study from the @leunglab.bsky.social @johnshopkinsbmb.bsky.social
🆕 #preprintpeerreview @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social
Referee reports and author's response letter available here
--> doi.org/10.1101/2024...
Study from the @leunglab.bsky.social @johnshopkinsbmb.bsky.social
🆕 #preprintpeerreview @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social
Referee reports and author's response letter available here
--> doi.org/10.1101/2024...
Reposted by Anthony Leung
Great to get to publish another one on the emerging connections between ADP-ribosylation, immune signaling, ubiquitin and protein aggregation/degradation
🥳 Out now @embojournal.org!
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Interferon-induced PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation in p62 bodies requires the ubiquitin-proteasome system | The EMBO Journal
imageimageInterferon induces the formation of ADP-ribosylation (ADPr)-enriched p62 bodies, requiring
PARP14 and p62. Unlike canonical p62 bodies, these ADPr-enriched structures are independent
of auto...
www.embopress.org
April 8, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Great to get to publish another one on the emerging connections between ADP-ribosylation, immune signaling, ubiquitin and protein aggregation/degradation
🥳 Out now @embojournal.org!
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Interferon-induced PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation in p62 bodies requires the ubiquitin-proteasome system | The EMBO Journal
imageimageInterferon induces the formation of ADP-ribosylation (ADPr)-enriched p62 bodies, requiring
PARP14 and p62. Unlike canonical p62 bodies, these ADPr-enriched structures are independent
of auto...
www.embopress.org
April 8, 2025 at 1:43 AM
🥳 Out now @embojournal.org!
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Interferon induces a new class of p62 bodies, with #antiviral & #immunotherapy implications.
p62 is usually linked to #autophagy — but not here.
These are driven by PARP14-mediated ADP-ribosylation & rely on #ubiquitin #proteasome system. www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
In the midst of funding uncertainty in D.C., our lab took a moment to see the cherry blossoms.
We’re not naive—we know the challenges.
But we believe in science, in community, and in each other.
We’re in this together.
We’re not naive—we know the challenges.
But we believe in science, in community, and in each other.
We’re in this together.
April 1, 2025 at 10:53 PM
In the midst of funding uncertainty in D.C., our lab took a moment to see the cherry blossoms.
We’re not naive—we know the challenges.
But we believe in science, in community, and in each other.
We’re in this together.
We’re not naive—we know the challenges.
But we believe in science, in community, and in each other.
We’re in this together.
New Paper💡PARP enzymes regulate ADP-ribosylation, a protein modification linked to cancer, infections & neurodegeneration. But it comes with two forms—MARylation (single) & PARylation (multiple). Meet dELTA-MS, a mass spec method that identifies both in one experiment!
pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....
pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....
dELTA-MS: A Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Approach for Identifying ADP-Ribosylation Sites and Forms
ADP-ribosylation, characterized by the addition of adenosine diphosphate ribose, can occur in both monomeric (MARylation) and polymeric (PARylation) forms. Little is known about the specific contribut...
pubs.acs.org
March 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
New Paper💡PARP enzymes regulate ADP-ribosylation, a protein modification linked to cancer, infections & neurodegeneration. But it comes with two forms—MARylation (single) & PARylation (multiple). Meet dELTA-MS, a mass spec method that identifies both in one experiment!
pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....
pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Anthony Leung
Be sure to also read about:
☘️ #Nrf2 activity regulation by #UbLigases (Albena Dinkova-Kostova et al)
☘️ roles of structured domains in #biomolecularcondensates (@jerelleaj.bsky.social et al)
☘️ PARPs and ADP-ribosylation-mediated #biomolecularcondensates (@leunglab.bsky.social et al)
...
☘️ #Nrf2 activity regulation by #UbLigases (Albena Dinkova-Kostova et al)
☘️ roles of structured domains in #biomolecularcondensates (@jerelleaj.bsky.social et al)
☘️ PARPs and ADP-ribosylation-mediated #biomolecularcondensates (@leunglab.bsky.social et al)
...
March 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Be sure to also read about:
☘️ #Nrf2 activity regulation by #UbLigases (Albena Dinkova-Kostova et al)
☘️ roles of structured domains in #biomolecularcondensates (@jerelleaj.bsky.social et al)
☘️ PARPs and ADP-ribosylation-mediated #biomolecularcondensates (@leunglab.bsky.social et al)
...
☘️ #Nrf2 activity regulation by #UbLigases (Albena Dinkova-Kostova et al)
☘️ roles of structured domains in #biomolecularcondensates (@jerelleaj.bsky.social et al)
☘️ PARPs and ADP-ribosylation-mediated #biomolecularcondensates (@leunglab.bsky.social et al)
...
Reposted by Anthony Leung
I'm super excited to share our study in collaboration with @jnpruneda.bsky.social, published today in @embojournal.org! We show that PARPs are modified with a non-canonical ester-linked mono-ADP-ribosylated ubiquitin species for the first time in cells: www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Ubiquitin is directly linked via an ester to protein-conjugated mono-ADP-ribose | The EMBO Journal
imageimageCertain E3 ligases have been found to ubiquitylate hydroxyl groups on free NAD+ and
ADP-ribose in vitro, but the in vivo occurrence of this dual post-translational modification
has remained ...
www.embopress.org
February 25, 2025 at 5:52 PM
I'm super excited to share our study in collaboration with @jnpruneda.bsky.social, published today in @embojournal.org! We show that PARPs are modified with a non-canonical ester-linked mono-ADP-ribosylated ubiquitin species for the first time in cells: www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Celebrating 14 years of science, teamwork, and resilience! To mark our lab’s anniversary, we traded pipettes for pottery—turns out shaping clay is just as therapeutic as shaping experiments. With NIH funding uncertainties, a little calm goes a long way. Grateful for this team! #LabLife
February 22, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Celebrating 14 years of science, teamwork, and resilience! To mark our lab’s anniversary, we traded pipettes for pottery—turns out shaping clay is just as therapeutic as shaping experiments. With NIH funding uncertainties, a little calm goes a long way. Grateful for this team! #LabLife
Excited to share our new review on biomolecular condensates mediated by PARPs and ADP-ribosylation @ Trends in Biochemical Sciences!
Despite the uncertainty, science must march forward. Grateful for the support that makes discovery possible. #FundScience #KeepScienceStrong
Despite the uncertainty, science must march forward. Grateful for the support that makes discovery possible. #FundScience #KeepScienceStrong
Available online - the Review "PARPs and ADP-ribosylation-mediated #biomolecularcondensates: determinants, dynamics, and disease implications" from @leunglab.bsky.social and colleagues.
#phaseseparation #proteincondensation #proteinaggregation
Free access at: authors.elsevier.com/a/1kZlO3S6Gf...
#phaseseparation #proteincondensation #proteinaggregation
Free access at: authors.elsevier.com/a/1kZlO3S6Gf...
February 12, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Excited to share our new review on biomolecular condensates mediated by PARPs and ADP-ribosylation @ Trends in Biochemical Sciences!
Despite the uncertainty, science must march forward. Grateful for the support that makes discovery possible. #FundScience #KeepScienceStrong
Despite the uncertainty, science must march forward. Grateful for the support that makes discovery possible. #FundScience #KeepScienceStrong
Reposted by Anthony Leung
A Primer on Indirect Cost Rates
a cartoon says hey everybody an old man 's talking while bart simpson looks on
ALT: a cartoon says hey everybody an old man 's talking while bart simpson looks on
media.tenor.com
February 8, 2025 at 12:51 AM
A Primer on Indirect Cost Rates
Thanks for highlighting our work, Marcin!
I read 2 condensate papers today, the 1st consistent with the focus on folded domains. It discussed a protein called PARP13 that contributes to growth by having folded domains capable of various interactions (binding to poly(ADP-ribose), homodimerisation, binding to RNA) - the first being key.
Regulation of stress granule maturation and dynamics by poly(ADP-ribose) interaction with PARP13 - Nature Communications
Stress granules, cellular structures essential for stress response, require poly(ADP-ribose) as a multivalent scaffold. Here, the authors show that disrupting poly(ADP-ribose) binding to PARP13 alters...
www.nature.com
January 17, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Thanks for highlighting our work, Marcin!
🔥 Most studies on condensates focus on their formation—but what about their maturation? Our research reveals PARP13 binds poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) to drive stress granule maturation.
Mutate the binding sites? Granules fragment like crazy!
Read the full story here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Mutate the binding sites? Granules fragment like crazy!
Read the full story here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Regulation of stress granule maturation and dynamics by poly(ADP-ribose) interaction with PARP13 - Nature Communications
Stress granules, cellular structures essential for stress response, require poly(ADP-ribose) as a multivalent scaffold. Here, the authors show that disrupting poly(ADP-ribose) binding to PARP13 alters...
www.nature.com
January 15, 2025 at 2:00 AM
🔥 Most studies on condensates focus on their formation—but what about their maturation? Our research reveals PARP13 binds poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) to drive stress granule maturation.
Mutate the binding sites? Granules fragment like crazy!
Read the full story here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Mutate the binding sites? Granules fragment like crazy!
Read the full story here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ✨🎄
A big thank you to our amazing team for all the hard work and for creating such a collaborative, friendly environment. Here's a little glimpse from our Christmas lunch—we’re grateful to celebrate the season together! 🥂❤️
#Teamwork #celebration
A big thank you to our amazing team for all the hard work and for creating such a collaborative, friendly environment. Here's a little glimpse from our Christmas lunch—we’re grateful to celebrate the season together! 🥂❤️
#Teamwork #celebration
December 19, 2024 at 6:18 PM
🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ✨🎄
A big thank you to our amazing team for all the hard work and for creating such a collaborative, friendly environment. Here's a little glimpse from our Christmas lunch—we’re grateful to celebrate the season together! 🥂❤️
#Teamwork #celebration
A big thank you to our amazing team for all the hard work and for creating such a collaborative, friendly environment. Here's a little glimpse from our Christmas lunch—we’re grateful to celebrate the season together! 🥂❤️
#Teamwork #celebration
Reposted by Anthony Leung
Dear all, my first post! I have postdoc positions available if you would like to join my lab in beautiful Sussex by the Sea! Please contact me on k.w.caldecott@sussex.ac.uk
December 3, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Dear all, my first post! I have postdoc positions available if you would like to join my lab in beautiful Sussex by the Sea! Please contact me on k.w.caldecott@sussex.ac.uk
No greater joy than seeing a student who completed both her master’s and PhD in my lab at Hopkins go from being afraid of public speaking to confidently presenting her research at the NIH yesterday. Moments like these make it all worthwhile! 🎓👏
Way to go, Dr. Shang-Jung Cheng!
Way to go, Dr. Shang-Jung Cheng!
December 4, 2024 at 12:07 PM
No greater joy than seeing a student who completed both her master’s and PhD in my lab at Hopkins go from being afraid of public speaking to confidently presenting her research at the NIH yesterday. Moments like these make it all worthwhile! 🎓👏
Way to go, Dr. Shang-Jung Cheng!
Way to go, Dr. Shang-Jung Cheng!