IN THIS ISSUE
CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
CELL SCIENCE AT A GLANCE
- Pseudostratified epithelia – cell biology, diversity and roles in organ formation at a glance
Summary: Here, we give readers an overview of the biology and characteristics of pseudostratified epithelia.
COMMENTARY
- Caught in the act – protein adaptation and the expanding roles of the PACS proteins in tissue homeostasis and disease
Summary: We summarize how the vertebrate PACS proteins acquired specific motifs that enabled them to function as metabolic switches that integrate cytoplasmic membrane trafficking and interorganellar communication with nuclear gene expression.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- SNAP-25 gene family members differentially support secretory vesicle fusion
Highlighted Article: SNAP-25 family members differentially support neuron survival, and dense-core and synaptic vesicle fusion in Snap-25-null mutant neurons.
- PTK7 localization and protein stability is affected by canonical Wnt ligands
Summary: In the presence of canonical Wnt proteins, the regulator of planar cell polarity PTK7 is endocytosed and degraded in lysosomes. By contrast, PTK7 inhibits canonical Wnt signaling suggesting a mechanism of mutual inhibition.
- 3D motion of vesicles along microtubules helps them to circumvent obstacles in cells
Highlighted Article: We develop a new method to track vesicle dynamics in three dimensions and show that vesicles change their position while actively transporting along microtubules in living cells to overcome obstacles.
- Spatiotemporal regulation of cell fusion by JNK and JAK/STAT signaling during Drosophila wound healing
Summary: During Drosophila wound healing, JAK/STAT signaling restricts cell fusion to the periphery of the wound, whereas in the wound vicinity, JAK/STAT signaling is inhibited by fusion-promoting JNK signaling.
- A novel ATP-synthase-independent mechanism coupling mitochondrial activation to exocytosis in insulin-secreting cells
Highlighted Article: Secretagogues stimulating mitochondria in pancreatic β-cells act by two different mechanisms to promote insulin secretion. The pathways are distinct in their dependence on ATP-synthase, Ca2+ signals and redox changes.
- CLUH couples mitochondrial distribution to the energetic and metabolic status
Summary: Mitochondrial distribution within the cell is critical for supplying ATP at specific sites. We show here that CLUH couples mitochondrial distribution to the energetic and metabolic status in human cells.
- Human prostate luminal cell differentiation requires NOTCH3 induction by p38-MAPK and MYC
Highlighted Article: p38-MAPK-mediated induction of NOTCH3 is required for prostate epithelial differentiation; this is mediated in part via MYC and enhancer-driven transcription, as well as enhanced mRNA stability.
- Transient mechanical strain promotes the maturation of invadopodia and enhances cancer cell invasion in vitro
Summary: Tugging on ECM fibers promotes the maturation of invadopodia and cell invasion in highly invasive cancer cells. This specific form of mechanical signaling downregulates integrin β3 resulting in increased cofilin activity.
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JCS and COVID-19
We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on researchers worldwide. The Editors of all The Company of Biologists’ journals have been considering ways in which we can alleviate concerns that members of our community may have around publishing activities during this time. Read about the actions we are taking at this time.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Editorial Office if you have any questions or concerns.
Ricardo Henriques introduces FocalPlane
FocalPlane Scientific Advisory Board member Ricardo Henriques (University College London) gives a brief introduction to our upcoming microscopy community site. Follow us on Twitter @focalplane_jcs or sign up for the latest launch updates.
The Corona Files
“…if there is one thing that is achingly, chillingly clear, if it wasn't already, is that this thing we do is really, really important.”
Our resident insectivore, Mole, has started a new series – The Corona Files. Follow Mole’s weekly musings on how COVID-19 is changing the landscape for researchers.
Do you have an idea for a Workshop?
Our Workshop programme may be on hold for now, but we are welcoming ideas for the 2022 line-up. The proposal deadline is 29 May 2020, so find out how to pitch your idea to the Workshop Committee in good time.
Call for papers: Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Showcase your breakthrough research on all aspects of cell biology relating to host-pathogen interactions for our upcoming Special Issue. Articles must be received by 30 July 2020 for consideration. Find out more about the scope, publication schedule and how to submit your manuscript.