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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From Development