IN THIS ISSUE
COMMENTARIES
- Nuclear migration events throughout development
Summary: Nuclear migration is a central part of many cell and developmental processes. A surprisingly large number of different molecular mechanisms exist to move nuclei to specific, intracellular locations.
- Expanding functions of GIT Arf GTPase-activating proteins, PIX Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GIT–PIX complexes
Summary: In this Commentary, we discuss recent findings in key physiological systems that exemplify the current understanding of the functions of GIT, PIX and the GIT–PIX complex.
SHORT REPORTS
- A mutation abolishing the ZMPSTE24 cleavage site in prelamin A causes a progeroid disorder
Highlighted article: We describe a mutation in the human lamin A/C gene that destroys the ZMPSTE24 cleavage site and causes a progeroid disorder.
- Nuclear transport of paxillin depends on focal adhesion dynamics and FAT domains
Summary: We find that nuclear translocation of paxillin is tuned by focal adhesion maturation. This could provide a method for mechanosensing signals to be used by cells to control transcription.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Mechanical signals regulate and activate SNAIL1 protein to control the fibrogenic response of cancer-associated fibroblasts
Highlighted article: SNAIL1 is a mechanoresponsive regulator of the fibrogenic response of tumors. The work provides insight into the transcriptional response of tumors to their microenvironment and CAF activation to sustain tumor fibrogenesis.
- FRMD4A–cytohesin signaling modulates the cellular release of tau
Summary: Cell-to-cell transmission of pathological proteins in neurodegenerative diseases is not well understood. We describe a new mechanism whereby FRMD4A, a late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk gene, regulates secretion of tau.
- Reciprocal regulation of actin cytoskeleton remodelling and cell migration by Ca2+ and Zn2+: role of TRPM2 channels
Highlighted article: Migration of some cancer cell lines is regulated by TRPM2 channels, which modulate the levels of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions. In turn, these two ions regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics in a reciprocal fashion.
- Vimentin filaments regulate integrin–ligand interactions by binding to the cytoplasmic tail of integrin β3
Summary: Vimentin filaments underneath the plasma membrane might provide integrin-binding sites to mediate integrin clustering, which in turn can enhance integrin–ligand interaction.
- Microtubule bundling plays a role in ethylene-mediated cortical microtubule reorientation in etiolated Arabidopsis hypocotyls
Highlighted article: Microtubule arrays are reoriented in response to ethylene-mediated etiolated hypocotyl cell elongation by regulation of microtubule bundles in certain orientations within Arabidopsis.
- Mapping growth-factor-modulated Akt signaling dynamics
Summary: Using real-time tracking of a fluorescent sensor molecule, these studies address signaling specificity by determining how actions of different growth factors are encoded into distinct Akt signaling dynamics.
- Two classes of short intraflagellar transport train with different 3D structures are present in Chlamydomonas flagella
Highlighted article: In-depth analyses of IFT train ultrastructure in regenerating Chlamydomonas flagella shows the occurrence of three train types with different 3D structure, implicating differences in function.
- ESCRT-0 complex modulates Rbf-mutant cell survival by regulating Rhomboid endosomal trafficking and EGFR signaling
Summary: Inactivation of ESCRT-0 complex promotes Rb-mutant cell death by disrupting Rhomboid endosomal trafficking and inhibiting EGFR signaling.
- Optogenetic activation reveals distinct roles of PIP3 and Akt in adipocyte insulin action
Summary: Optogenetic activation with new PI3K and Akt probes support that both Akt-dependent and Akt-independent pathways are necessary for consistent GLUT4 translocation.
- Type II PI4-kinases control Weibel-Palade body biogenesis and von Willebrand factor structure in human endothelial cells
Summary: Phosphatidylinositol 4 kinases regulate the formation and function of an endothelial secretory organelle that is crucial for haemostasis in mammals.
- Together, the IFT81 and IFT74 N-termini form the main module for intraflagellar transport of tubulin
Summary: Tubulin transport is specifically impaired by mutations to the proposed tubulin-binding domains of the intraflagellar transport proteins IFT81 and IFT74.
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Cell scientist to watch: Janet Iwasa
Read our interview with molecular animator Janet Iwasa, where she talks about her transition from the wet lab, explains how animation can facilitate research and discusses the challenges of the field.
New funding scheme supports sustainable events
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Mole – The Corona files
“Despite everything, it's just incredible that we get to do science.”
Mole continues to offer his wise words to researchers on how to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JCS and COVID-19
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