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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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.