IN THIS ISSUE
FIRST PERSON
REVIEWS
- Talin – the master of integrin adhesions
Summary: We explain why talin is amazing, providing a paradigm for how proteins transduce force into protein recruitment, while functioning at many levels in the extracellular matrix–cytoskeleton linkage.
- Spectraplakin family proteins – cytoskeletal crosslinkers with versatile roles
Summary: Spetraplakins are key cytoskeletal crosslinkers that are evolutionarily conserved. This Review summarizes the essential roles these proteins have in coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics in many different cellular processes.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Electrophoresis of cell membrane heparan sulfate regulates galvanotaxis in glial cells
Highlighted Article: Cell surface heparan sulfate is a novel electric field sensor that regulates the galvanotaxis of glial cells through electrophoretic polarization and its function as a co-receptor for chemo-repulsive ligands such as Slit2.
- Smooth muscle function and myosin polymerization
Summary: Evanescence of smooth muscle myosin filaments is involved in the muscle's adaptation to function at different lengths.
- Stress-specific p38 MAPK activation is sufficient to drive EGFR endocytosis but not its nuclear translocation
Highlighted Article: The DNA damage-inducing agents UVB and UVC, but not X-rays or UVA, activate p38 MAPK and drive EGFR endocytosis without detectable EGFR nuclear translocation. Hence, DNA damage alone is not sufficient to induce EGFR endocytosis.
- Disruption of Rab8a and Rab11a causes formation of basolateral microvilli in neonatal enteropathy
Summary: Loss of Rab8a and Rab11a trafficking results in severe microvillus atrophy and extensive formation of basolateral microvilli in mice with neonatal enteropathy.
- The formin DAAM is required for coordination of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton in axonal growth cones
Highlighted Article: As well as operating as an actin assembly factor, the formin DAAM is involved in linking actin remodeling in filopodia to microtubule stabilization during axonal growth in Drosophila.
- Limited distal organelles and synaptic function in extensive monoaminergic innervation
Summary: Synaptic function and supply of organelles such as vesicles and mitochondria diminish in distal monoaminergic axon terminals.
- Rac1 switching at the right time and location is essential for Fcγ receptor-mediated phagosome formation
Highlighted Article: A novel mechanistic model for phagosome formation that is spatiotemporally controlled by Rac1 switching within a phagocytic cup.
- A mutation in keratin 18 that causes caspase-digestion resistance protects homozygous transgenic mice from hepatic apoptosis and injury
Summary: K18 that is resistant to caspase digestion helps to maintain keratin filament organization and delays apoptosis, thereby protecting liver from injury.
- HIRA deficiency in muscle fibers causes hypertrophy and susceptibility to oxidative stress
Summary: Eliminating the histone chaperone HIRA from mouse skeletal muscle produced a hypertrophic response, compromised sarcolemmal integrity and left muscle fibers that were susceptible to stress-induced degeneration.
- Importin-β and CRM1 control a RANBP2 spatiotemporal switch essential for mitotic kinetochore function
Summary: Importin-β and CRM1 regulate the timing of RANBP2 at mitotic kinetochores in opposite ways, with consequences for kinetochore function, including SUMO-conjugated topoisomerase-IIα accumulation and K-fibre stability.
- Rab7 palmitoylation is required for efficient endosome-to-TGN trafficking
Summary: Rab7 undergoes palmitoylation, a post-translational modification required for endosome-to-TGN trafficking but not for other Rab7 functions.
- Clathrin-mediated post-fusion membrane retrieval influences the exocytic mode of endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies
Summary: Compensatory endocytosis plays key roles in Weibel-Palade body exocytosis. Inhibition of this process results in a change of exocytic mode and the release of von Willebrand factor as tangled strings.
- The cell adhesion molecule CHL1 interacts with patched-1 to regulate apoptosis during postnatal cerebellar development
Summary: The adhesion molecule close homolog of L1 (CHL1) is a novel ligand of the hedgehog receptor patched-1. The CHL1–patched-1 interaction promotes survival of cerebellar granule cells during postnatal mouse development.
- Deficiency of PHB complex impairs respiratory supercomplex formation and activates mitochondrial flashes
Summary: The prohibitin (PHB) complex has a novel role in regulating mitoflash activity by affecting respiratory supercomplex formation and, thus, basal mitochondrial ROS production.
- Lifespan extension by peroxidase and dual oxidase-mediated ROS signaling through pyrroloquinoline quinone in C. elegans
Summary: A peroxidase and dual oxidase system generates longevity-promoting ROS at the plasma membrane in C. elegans. Pyrroloquinoline quinone can activate the dual oxidase involved in lifespan extension.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
- Breaking the color barrier – a multi-selective antibody reporter offers innovative strategies of fluorescence detection
Summary: We present a multi-color bipartite protein reporter for cell surface labeling of receptors. This permits innovative strategies of detection previously difficult or impossible with conventional fluorescent systems.
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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.