IN THIS ISSUE
CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
COMMENTARIES
- Third harmonic generation microscopy of cells and tissue organization
Summary: The basis of third harmonic generation microscopy and its versatile applications in cell and tissue research are reviewed, as well as its emerging applicability in clinical practice.
- Computational ‘microscopy’ of cellular membranes
Summary: Computational modelling, or ‘microscopy’, has emerged as a powerful tool to study cell membranes across a broad range of resolutions, complementing experimental microscopy methods.
SHORT REPORT
- Wnt/β-catenin and LIF–Stat3 signaling pathways converge on Sp5 to promote mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal
Summary: This study reveals a new function of Sp5 in mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal mediated by CHIR99021 and LIF, and reprogramming of EpiSCs into naїve ESCs.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- PTP-PEST controls EphA3 activation and ephrin-induced cytoskeletal remodelling
Highlighted Article: This study shows new roles for the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST in controlling EphA3 receptor tyrosine kinase activity, trafficking and Eph-induced cell retraction.
- Role of epithelial Na+ channels in endothelial function
Summary: ENaCs endogenous to human endothelial cells are mechano-sensitive. Persistent activation of ENaCs will inevitably lead to endothelium dysfunction and even vascular diseases.
- The formins FHOD1 and INF2 regulate inter- and intra-structural contractility of podosomes
Highlighted Article: This study identifies the formins FHOD1 and INF2 as new components of podosomes in primary human macrophages, which regulate inter- and intra-structural contractility at discrete podosome substructures.
- Reactive oxygen species exert opposite effects on Tyr23 phosphorylation of the nuclear and cortical pools of annexin A2
Summary: Reactive oxygen species cause two opposite and transient Tyr23-based modifications of annexin A2; its dephosphorylation in the nucleus and phosphorylation at the cell cortex, resulting in release of the protein in exosomes.
- Mon1–Ccz1 activates Rab7 only on late endosomes and dissociates from the lysosome in mammalian cells
Highlighted Article: A combination of a Rab7 sensor and confocal FRET imaging techniques revealed that the Mon1–Ccz1 complex activates Rab7 only on late endosome and dissociates from lysosome in mammalian cells.
- Loss of PGL-1 and PGL-3, members of a family of constitutive germ-granule components, promotes germline apoptosis in C. elegans
Summary: PGL-1 and PGL-3, members of a family of constitutive germ-granule components, suppress excessive germline apoptosis by repressing both the protein levels of CED-4 and the cytoplasmic translocation of SIR-2.1 in C. elegans.
- FGF control of E-cadherin targeting in the Drosophila midgut impacts on primordial germ cell motility
Summary: FGF signaling modulates zygotic E-cadherin distribution to maintain posterior midgut epithelial 3D architecture, impacting on primordial germ cell motility during Drosophila early embryonic development.
- Srv2/CAP is required for polarized actin cable assembly and patch internalization during clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Summary: Srv2/CAP is required for efficient endocytosis owing to its role in the formation of the actin patches that aid in vesicle invagination and in the formation of the actin cables that these move along.
- PAK6 targets to cell–cell adhesions through its N-terminus in a Cdc42-dependent manner to drive epithelial colony escape
Summary: PAK6 targeting to cell–cell contacts is dependent on both a polybasic motif and binding to Cdc42. Disruption of PAK6 targeting to cell–cell contacts inhibits epithelial cell colony escape.
- CULD is required for rhodopsin and TRPL channel endocytic trafficking and survival of photoreceptor cells
Summary: CULD, a CUB- and LDLa-domain transmembrane protein that is enriched in photoreceptor cells, is required in endocytic turnover of rhodopsin and TRPL.
- Haemoglobin degradation underpins the sensitivity of early ring stage Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinins
Summary: Down-modulation of the expression of haemoglobin-degrading falcipains in P. falciparum renders early ring stage parasites resistant to artemisinins.
- Orc5 induces large-scale chromatin decondensation in a GCN5-dependent manner
Summary: Human Orc5 associates with H3 histone acetyl transferase GCN5, enhancing the chromatin-opening function of Orc5 during G1 and allows the establishment of preRCs at the origins.
- Rop, the Sec1/Munc18 homolog in Drosophila, is required for furrow ingression and stable cell shape during cytokinesis
Summary: Live-imaging genetic screens revealed that Rop, a homolog of the syntaxin-interacting protein Sec1/Munc18, is required for maintaining contractile ring integrity and cell shape during furrow ingression.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
- Fast and precise targeting of single tumor cells in vivo by multimodal correlative microscopy
Highlighted Article: We provide here a novel correlative workflow combining intravital microscopy, microCT and 3D electron microscopy to reveal metastatic events in mouse brain and skin tissue at high resolution.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST IN OTHER COB JOURNALS
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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.