IN THIS ISSUE
CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
OBITUARY
CELL SCIENCE AT A GLANCE
- The Exocyst at a Glance
Summary: The octameric exocyst complex is implicated in vesicle tethering during exocytosis. Recent works from different fields have revealed its role beyond membrane trafficking.
COMMENTARY
- Tropomyosin – master regulator of actin filament function in the cytoskeleton
Summary: This Commentary explains how tropomyosin isoforms determine the function of individual actin filaments in the cytoskeleton, and their subsequent use in directing cell structure and function.
SHORT REPORTS
- Dissecting the roles of human BUB1 in the spindle assembly checkpoint
Highlighted Article: BUB1 forms a platform for targeting spindle assembly checkpoint proteins to unattached kinetochores. It is shown here that the recruitment of CDC20 is crucial for the role of BUB1 in the spindle assembly checkpoint.
- Endothelial MMP14 is required for endothelial-dependent growth support of human airway basal cells
Summary: Basal cell and endothelial cell crosstalk might play a substantial role in maintaining normal airway structure, with alteration of this crosstalk contributing towards smoking-dependent airway remodeling.
- Contribution of NADPH oxidase to the establishment of hippocampal neuronal polarity in culture
Summary: NOX function is involved in the establishment of neuronal polarity.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- A role for Rab23 in the trafficking of Kif17 to the primary cilium
Highlighted Article: The small GTPase Rab23 mediates the transport of the kinesin-2 motor Kif17 to the primary cilium by interacting with it and its adaptor importin β2.
- Robust hematopoietic progenitor cell commitment in the presence of a conflicting cue
Summary: Progenitor cells can make robust commitment decisions in the face of conflicting cues by modulating the expression levels of lineage-specific receptors.
- The prion protein inhibits monocytic cell migration by stimulating β1 integrin adhesion and uropod formation
Highlighted Article: PrP modulates β1 integrin adhesion and migration of monocytes through RhoA-induced actin remodeling mediated by cofilin and through the regulation of ERM-mediated membrane–cytoskeleton linkage.
- RNA splicing regulated by RBFOX1 is essential for cardiac function in zebrafish
Summary: The zebrafish splicing regulator rbfox1 is necessary for tightly regulated splicing and unconstrained cardiac function, making it an interesting candidate for targeting during human cardiomyopathy.
- A local VE-cadherin and Trio-based signaling complex stabilizes endothelial junctions through Rac1
Highlighted Article: The Rho-GEF Trio controls the stability of endothelial cell–cell junctions by locally activating the GTPase Rac1 at VE-cadherin-based junctions. Loss of Trio increases focal adherens junctions and electrical resistance.
- The homeobox gene DLX4 regulates erythro-megakaryocytic differentiation by stimulating IL-1β and NF-κB signaling
Summary: The homeobox gene DLX4 promotes megakaryocyte development at the expense of erythroid generation by inducing IL-1 and NF-κB signaling.
- The late endocytic Rab39a GTPase regulates the interaction between multivesicular bodies and chlamydial inclusions
Highlighted Article: Rab39a GTPase participates in the delivery of MVBs and host lipids to maturing chlamydial inclusions, thereby promoting inclusion growth and bacterial development.
- Cezanne regulates E2F1-dependent HIF2α expression
Summary: Cezanne regulates HIF2α levels and activity by modulating expression of the HIF2α gene through regulation of E2F1 protein levels. Cezanne depletion impairs normal cell cycle progression and increases cell death.
- Epigenetic modifiers reduce inflammation and modulate macrophage phenotype during endotoxemia-induced acute lung injury
Summary: Combinatorial treatment with Aza+TSA reduces inflammation and promotes an anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype in ALI, and has a therapeutic potential for patients with sepsis and ALI.
- Paxillin-dependent regulation of IGF2 and H19 gene cluster expression
Summary: A new regulatory pathway whereby paxillin mediates the expression of two growth-related genes, IGF2 and H19, is presented, uncovering a role for paxillin in cell proliferation.
- Modulation of flagellum attachment zone protein FLAM3 and regulation of the cell shape in Trypanosoma brucei life cycle transitions
Summary: Trypanosoma brucei FLAM3 is a flagellar FAZ protein. Its depletion leads to a reduction in FAZ length, which has different consequences depending on the life cycle stage of the parasite.
- Transport of the cholera toxin B-subunit from recycling endosomes to the Golgi requires clathrin and AP-1
Summary: Clathtin and AP-1 are required for the retrograde transport of cholera toxin from recycling endosomes to the Golgi complex.
- A STIM1-dependent ‘trafficking trap’ mechanism regulates Orai1 plasma membrane residence and Ca2+ influx levels
Summary: Intracellular Orai1 trafficking to the plasma membrane in response to Ca2+ store depletion modulates store-operated Ca2+ entry influx through a ‘trafficking trap’ mechanism that depends on STIM1 expression levels.
- An unconventional calmodulin-anchoring site within the AB module of Kv7.2 channels
Summary: A new dispensable site in the Kv7.2 channel affects its regulation by CaM, such that its function can be rescued by CaM when one of the other two CaM-interaction sites is impaired.
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2020 at The Company of Biologists
Despite the challenges of 2020, we were able to bring a number of long-term projects and new ventures to fruition. While we look forward to a new year, join us as we reflect on the triumphs of the last 12 months.
Mole – The Corona Files
"This is not going to go away, 'like a miracle.' We have to do magic. And I know we can."
Mole continues to offer his wise words to researchers on how to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cell scientist to watch – Christine Faulkner
In an interview, Christine Faulkner talks about where her interest in plant science began, how she found the transition between Australia and the UK, and shares her thoughts on virtual conferences.
Read & Publish participation extends worldwide
“The clear advantages are rapid and efficient exposure and easy access to my article around the world. I believe it is great to have this publishing option in fast-growing fields in biomedical research.”
Dr Jaceques Behmoaras (Imperial College London) shares his experience of publishing Open Access as part of our growing Read & Publish initiative. We now have over 60 institutions in 12 countries taking part – find out more and view our full list of participating institutions.
JCS and COVID-19
For more information on measures Journal of Cell Science is taking to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, please see here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hestiate to contact the Editorial Office.