IN THIS ISSUE
JCS PRIZE
CELL SCIENCE AT A GLANCE
- Regulators of actin filament barbed ends at a glance
Summary: Assembly of actin filaments at barbed ends drives motile processes. Here, we discuss the control of polarized filament assembly by various regulators that interact with and compete for barbed ends.
COMMENTARY
- The mechanical regulation of integrin–cadherin crosstalk organizes cells, signaling and forces
Summary: Multiple layers of crosstalk between integrins, cadherins and forces drive spatial organization of signaling and forces within cells.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- SHIP2 controls plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2 thereby participating in the control of cell migration in 1321 N1 glioblastoma cells
Highlighted Article: SHIP2 modulates the balance between PI(4,5)P2 and PI4P, thereby participating in the control of migration in 1321 N1 glioblastoma cells through the organization of focal adhesions.
- Nuclear size is sensitive to NTF2 protein levels in a manner dependent on Ran binding
Summary: NTF2 reduces the diameter of the NPC, nuclear import of large cargos and nuclear size in a Ran-binding-dependent manner, in both Xenopus and mammalian cells.
- Correctors of mutant CFTR enhance subcortical cAMP–PKA signaling through modulating ezrin phosphorylation and cytoskeleton organization
Highlighted Article: Correctors of F508del CFTR, by activating ezrin and actin cytoskeleton re-organization, generate a sub-cortical pool of cAMP of adequate amplitude to activate chloride secretion.
- Translational control mediated by hnRNP K links NMHC IIA to erythroid enucleation
Summary: Post-transcriptional regulation of NMHC IIA protein expression by hnRNP K contributes to the process of enucleation in induced erythroid maturation.
- A tetraspanin regulates septate junction formation in Drosophila midgut
Highlighted Article: A tetraspanin family protein, Tsp2A is an essential component of septate junctions in the Drosophila endodermal epithelia and is involved in intestinal barrier function.
- Inhibition of the PI3K–Akt and mTORC1 signaling pathways promotes the elongation of vascular endothelial cells
Summary: PI3K–Akt and mTORC1 inhibitors induce angiogenic elongation of vascular endothelial cells without an excessive VEGF stimulation.
- Myosin Vb mediates Cu+ export in polarized hepatocytes
Summary: Myosin Vb regulates Cu+-induced recycling of ATP7B at the apical membrane in polarized hepatocytes.
- Proteasome storage granules are transiently associated with the insoluble protein deposit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Summary: Carbon source depletion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads to the triage of proteasome storage granules (PSGs) and dysfunctional proteasomes on the IPOD, to ensure that only structurally ‘correct’ proteasomes are deployed.
- Soluble LILRA3 promotes neurite outgrowth and synapses formation through a high-affinity interaction with Nogo 66
Summary: LILRA3 protein is a soluble new high-affinity ligand to Nogo 66 and promotes neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in primary cortical neurons by antagonising Nogo-66-mediated inhibition.
- Activator of G-protein signaling 8 is involved in VEGF-mediated signal processing during angiogenesis
Summary: Activator of G-protein signaling 8 (AGS8) regulates the angiogenic events in endothelial cells by influencing the intracellular distribution of VEGFR-2. A new signal input to angiogenesis by AGS8 is suggested.
- REV1 promotes PCNA monoubiquitylation through interacting with ubiquitylated RAD18
Summary: Monoubiquitylation (mUb) of PCNA is a crucial event coordinating DNA damage tolerance pathways. We report here that translesion synthesis polymerase REV1 can promote PCNA–mUb through its preferential association with RAD18–mUb.
- A new role for cofilin in retinal neovascularization
Summary: Pak1 and its downstream effector cofilin play an essential role in VEGFA-induced angiogenic events in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization in vivo.
- Nuclear envelope expansion is crucial for proper chromosomal segregation during a closed mitosis
Summary: Identification of a new fatty acid synthase inhibitor for nuclear division by a chemical genetic screen revealed a link between nuclear envelope expansion and faithful chromosome segregation in a closed mitosis.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
- Distinguishing aggregate formation and aggregate clearance using cell-based assays
Highlighted Article: Disequilibrium between aggregate formation and clearance leads to accumulation of aggregated proteins. We have created a new cell-based assay that can determine how modifiers can impact on aggregate burden.
- DAZL and CPEB1 regulate mRNA translation synergistically during oocyte maturation
Highlighted Article: The RNA-binding proteins DAZL and CPEB1 cooperate to regulate mRNA translation and protein synthesis during the meiotic cell cycle in mouse oocytes.
CORRECTIONS
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
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