RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST PERSON
REVIEW
- Endocytosis in proliferating, quiescent and terminally differentiated cells
Summary: Studies on endocytosis usually use transformed cells, but the majority of cells in an adult organism have exited the cell cycle. Here, we review endocytosis in dividing, quiescent and terminally differentiated cells.
SHORT REPORTS
- Biphasic recruitment of TRF2 to DNA damage sites promotes non-sister chromatid homologous recombination repair
Summary: TRF2 is recruited to DNA double-strand break damage sites through a two-step mechanism and functions in non-sister chromatid homologous recombination repair.
- Cytokine exocytosis and JAK/STAT activation in the Drosophila ovary requires the vesicle trafficking regulator α-Snap
Summary: The vesicle trafficking regulator α-Snap acts upstream of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway to induce motile cell fate during oogenesis.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Parallel signaling pathways regulate excitable dynamics differently to mediate pseudopod formation during eukaryotic chemotaxis
Summary: Eukaryotic chemotaxis and pseudopod dynamics are mediated by cGMP and PIP3 signaling pathways, which show characteristic features of excitability and refractoriness.
- Role of G-proteins and phosphorylation in the distribution of AGS3 to cell puncta
Summary: A single threonine residue in the G-protein regulatory domain of AGS3 is a determinant factor in the oscillation of AGS3 among different subcellular compartments and protein phase transitions.
- Elongated mitochondrial constrictions and fission in muscle fatigue
Highlighted Article: Exercise and electrical stimulation increase the frequency of elongated mitochondrial constrictions, providing novel structural evidence for mitochondrial dynamics stages in mouse fast-twitch muscle fibers.
- CAP1-mediated actin cycling via ADF/cofilin proteins is essential for asymmetric division in mouse oocytes
Summary: CAP1 is shown to regulate the ADF/cofilin protein family that mediates dynamic actin recycling in mouse oocytes.
- CCDC102B functions in centrosome linker assembly and centrosome cohesion
Summary: CCDC102B, a protein whose function was previously unknown, is essential for centrosome cohesion and facilitates the filament formation of rootletin.
- Localization of all four ZnT zinc transporters in Dictyostelium and impact of ZntA and ZntB knockout on bacteria killing
Highlighted Article: Metal poisoning is one of the bactericidal strategies of macrophages. Here, we describe the dynamics of free Zn2+ and the role of Zn2+ transporters during phagocytosis in Dictyostelium.
- Alpha-synuclein fibrils recruit TBK1 and OPTN to lysosomal damage sites and induce autophagy in microglial cells
Summary: Autophagy dynamics of microglial cells stimulated with the neuropathogenic protein alpha-synuclein (AS) show that autophagy is activated as a response to control AS-induced lysosomal damage.
- Tropomyosin 3.5 protects the F-actin networks required for tissue biomechanical properties
Highlighted Article: Tropomyosin 3.5 stabilizes F-actin in eye lens fiber cells and promotes normal tissue biomechanical properties. Tpm3.5 deficiency leads to F-actin network rearrangements and decreased lens stiffness and resilience.
- Soluble α-synuclein facilitates priming and fusion by releasing Ca2+ from the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ pool in PC12 cells
Summary: α-Synuclein and the Rab3A–Munc13-1–Munc18-1 act on the same population of vesicles to enhance exocytosis via different pathways, and α-synuclein activates Ca2+ release to enhance priming and fusion.
- Hepatocyte-like cells reveal novel role of SERPINA1 in transthyretin amyloidosis
Summary: Several chaperone genes are differently expressed in ATTR-derived hepatocyte-like cells and SERPINA1 might interfere with TTR aggregation.
This issue
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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.