RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
STICKY WICKET
FIRST PERSON
CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
CELL SCIENCE AT A GLANCE
- Microtubule minus-end regulation at a glance
Summary: In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review the current knowledge on the dynamics, organization and regulation of microtubule minus ends.
REVIEW
- Molecular mechanisms of chemotropism and cell fusion in unicellular fungi
Summary: A summary of the current knowledge on chemoattractant gradient detection in yeast, which occurs at a motile polarity patch. It further describes the stabilization and hyperpolarization process underlying cell fusion.
SHORT REPORT
- Heterotypic contact inhibition of locomotion can drive cell sorting between epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations
Summary: Active cell repulsion, driven by ephrin and ERK signalling, is required for fibrosarcoma cells to segregate from epithelial cells in culture.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Shear stress-induced nuclear shrinkage through activation of Piezo1 channels in epithelial cells
Summary: Fluid shear stress causes nuclear shrinkage through a Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway, and the Piezo1 channel is a key element for transmitting the shear force input to nuclei.
- GGA2 and RAB13 promote activity-dependent β1-integrin recycling
Highlighted Article: Characterization of a new endosomal complex, comprising GGA2 and RAB13, that promotes recycling of endocytosed active β1-integrin to the plasma membrane, to support the migration of breast cancer cells.
- Identification and characterization of the land-plant-specific microtubule nucleation factor MACET4
Highlighted Article: The embryophyte-specific protein MACET4 is a cell cycle-regulated protein that localizes to the phragmoplast distal zones and nucleates microtubules in vitro.
- DLC3 suppresses MT1-MMP-dependent matrix degradation by controlling RhoB and actin remodeling at endosomal membranes
Summary: Loss of the RhoGAP protein DLC3, a putative tumor suppressor, enhances fast recycling of the metalloproteinase MT1-MMP and cellular matrix-degrading activity.
- β1 integrin is a sensor of blood flow direction
Summary: By using flow systems, magnetic tweezers and knockout mice, we show that β1 integrin is activated by unidirectional hemodynamic shear force leading to Ca2+ signalling and cell alignment, but it is not activated by bidirectional force.
- LRRK1 phosphorylation of Rab7 at S72 links trafficking of EGFR-containing endosomes to its effector RILP
Summary: LRRK1 phosphorylates Rab7 at S72. This increases the association of Rab7 with its effector RILP, resulting in enhanced minus-end transport of EGFR-containing endosomes through a dynein-dependent mechanism.
- GemC1 governs multiciliogenesis through direct interaction with and transcriptional regulation of p73
Highlighted Article: GemC1 within the trimeric GemC1–E2F5–p73 complex regulates transcriptional activation of p73 and modifies the chromatin organization of the p73 locus in order to generate multiciliated cells.
- DnaJB6 is a RanGTP-regulated protein required for microtubule organization during mitosis
Summary: DnaJB6 is a novel RanGTP-regulated protein that appears to play an important role in dynein-dependent spindle organization and spindle assembly.
- The cancer-associated meprin β variant G32R provides an additional activation site and promotes cancer cell invasion
Summary: A single amino acid change renders meprin β more active at the cell surface and reduces its ADAM17-mediated shedding.
- Peroxisomes control mitochondrial dynamics and the mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis pathway
Summary: Peroxisomes regulate mitochondrial morphology through a Drp1-dependent mechanism and suppress the execution of stress-induced mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis.
- Migration through physical constraints is enabled by MAPK-induced cell softening via actin cytoskeleton re-organization
Highlighted Article: Selection for tumour cells that efficiently pass through narrow diameter microporous membranes reveals a prominent role for MAPK signalling in regulating cell elasticity.
- STIM1-dependent membrane insertion of heteromeric TRPC1–TRPC4 channels in response to muscarinic receptor stimulation
Summary: Muscarinic receptor stimulation in adrenal medullary cells induces excitation and catecholamine secretion, in part due to insertion of TRPC1–TRPC4 channels into the cell membrane.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
- Targeting specificity of nuclear-encoded organelle proteins with a self-assembling split-fluorescent protein toolkit
Summary: Optimization of the self-assembling split-GFP system and the assessment of protein-targeting specificity to endosymbiotic organelles in plant cells, utilizing a Golden Gate-based vector toolkit.
- Proximity-dependent biotinylation mediated by TurboID to identify protein–protein interaction networks in yeast
Summary: This work describes a simple and effective assay to screen for protein-protein interactions in yeast by using proximity-dependent biotinylation.
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.