IN THIS ISSUE
FIRST PERSON
CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
CELL SCIENCE AT A GLANCE
- Actin assembly mechanisms at a glance
Summary: The morphological diversity and distinct dynamics of mammalian actin structures are established by coordinating the targeting and activation of actin filament nucleators, elongators and associated myosin motor proteins.
HYPOTHESIS
- A rim-and-spoke hypothesis to explain the biomechanical roles for cytoplasmic intermediate filament networks
Summary: The cytoplasmic intermediate filament comprises a rim and spoke arrangement supporting the plasma membrane and connecting to the nucleus, to deliver their mechanosensory functions.
SHORT REPORT
- Loss of OCRL increases ciliary PI(4,5)P2 in Lowe oculocerebrorenal syndrome
Summary: Lack of OCRL elevates PI(4,5)P2 levels in primary cilia of human patient cells and cells from a mouse model of Lowe syndrome, supporting a role for OCRL in ciliary phosphoinositide regulation.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- LPP3 mediates self-generation of chemotactic LPA gradients by melanoma cells
Highlighted Article: Melanoma cells can create and follow their own gradients of attractant, via a new mechanism by which tumour cells may undergo metastasis.
- A PGAM5–KEAP1–Nrf2 complex is required for stress-induced mitochondrial retrograde trafficking
Summary: Mitochondria undergo retrograde trafficking in response to proteasome inhibition. Disruption of the mitochondrial PGAM5-KEAP1-Nrf2 complex leads to degradation of the mitochondrial GTPase Miro2 and inhibition of stress-induced mitochondrial trafficking.
- The deubiquitylase USP10 regulates integrin β1 and β5 and fibrotic wound healing
Highlighted Article: The deubiquitylase USP10 regulates αv integrin protein levels, fibrotic markers and myofibroblast persistence in a wound. Ubiquitin-mediated pathways should thus be considered in the pathogenesis of fibrotic healing.
- C-terminal motifs in promyelocytic leukemia protein isoforms critically regulate PML nuclear body formation
Summary: The formation of PML-NBs, important sub-nuclear protein structures, is differentially regulated by the unique C-terminal portion of each PML isoform.
- Drosophila Atlastin in motor neurons is required for locomotion and presynaptic function
Highlighted Article: Disruption of Drosophila motor neuron Atlastin produces locomotor defects, axonal trafficking disorganization and synaptic dysfunction, providing insights into the cellular and pathological roles of neuronal atlastin in human spastic paraplegias.
- Vinexin family (SORBS) proteins play different roles in stiffness-sensing and contractile force generation
Summary: Comparing the functions of vinexin family (SORBS) proteins reveals that vinexin-α and CAP regulate vinculin behavior depending on the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, while ArgBP2 plays a role in generating greater contractile forces.
- Optogenetic interrogation of integrin αVβ3 function in endothelial cells
Highlighted Article: Optogenetics show that the interaction of kindlin-2 with β3 integrin and other binding partners supports endothelial cell functions relevant to angiogenesis, including sprouting and podosome formation.
- LDL switches the LRP6 internalization route from flotillin dependent to clathrin dependent in hepatic cells
Summary: LRP6 is transcytosed with Niemann–Pick C1-like 1 protein, which mediates cholesterol absorption from the bile, to the apical membrane of hepatic cells, and LDL alters LRP6 trafficking to the lysosome.
- Sequential activities of Dynein, Mud and Asp in centrosome–spindle coupling maintain centrosome number upon mitosis
Highlighted Article: Centrosomes are tightly coupled to the bipolar spindle. In Drosophila, Dynein and Mud initiate the centrosome–spindle coupling during prophase, whereas Asp is necessary to maintain it during metaphase.
- Arl8b is required for lysosomal degradation of maternal proteins in the visceral yolk sac endoderm of mouse embryos
Summary: The small GTPase Arl8b, known to be involved in lysosomal function, contributes to mouse embryonic growth by mediating lysosomal degradation of maternal proteins in the visceral yolk sac endoderm.
- Lipopolysaccharide modulates p300 and Sirt1 to promote PRMT1 stability via an SCFFbxl17-recognized acetyldegron
Summary: Bacteria-derived endotoxin LPS downregulates both the acetyltransferase p300 and the deacetylase Sirt1 to promote PRMT1 protein stability via an SCFFbxl17 E3 ligase-recognized acetydegron that augments bronchial epithelial cell overgrowth.
- Association of FK506 binding proteins with RyR channels – effect of CLIC2 binding on sub-conductance opening and FKBP binding
Summary: FK506 binding proteins influence RyR gating and this contributes to excess Ca2+ release in the CLIC2 RyR channelopathy.
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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.
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