Issues

Summary: This Review evaluates the recent contributions of cancer-on-a-chip models to our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its role in the onset of metastasis. The authors also provide an outlook for future applications of this emerging technology.

Summary: Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated neutrophil-specific knockout, a requirement for mitochondrial DNA polymerase, electron transportation chain and superoxide dismutases in neutrophil migration is demonstrated in zebrafish, providing genetic evidence of the immunodeficiency seen in mitochondrial disease patients.

Summary: The characterization of a novel Drosophila model of NDUFS4 mitochondrial disease revealed a pronounced defect in feeding abilities and recapitulated additional human disease features.

Summary: The identification of a patient-specific and non-invasive model is crucial in ALS research. Here, the authors present a reliable characterization of lymphoblastoid cell lines from both sporadic and mutated ALS patients.

Summary: The microRNA-146a–complement factor H–interleukin-1β loop circuit might initiate a cascade of inflammation, leading to the perpetuate inflammation in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Summary: Disruption of Vangl2-dependent planar-polarised processes in the posterior neuropore (PNP) neuroepithelium and surface ectoderm preclude zippering point biomechanical accommodation associated with Closure 5 formation at the completion of PNP closure.

Summary: We characterize the reactivation of a latent mycobacterial infection and identify DNA-based vaccine candidates against the reactivation of tuberculosis using the adult zebrafish Mycobacterium marinum infection model.

Summary: A mouse model for cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome caused by MEK1 Y130C mutant protein reveals the role of hyperactivation of the RAS/MAPK pathway in the development of the syndrome.

Editor's choice: By developing a comprehensive and quantitative metric for physiological age of Drosophila, we show that a neurodegeneration mutant produces its effects in part by accelerating the absolute rate of aging.

Summary: Using rat models of familial and inflammation-induced colon cancer, this study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency does not increase risk of developing disease, and that low dietary calcium might be protective.

Summary: This study suggests an important link between the early embryonic environment and later adult physiology and pathology. At least one process by which this might be coordinated is through the regulatory mechanisms mediated by Dnmt1.

Summary: Analyzing diverse disease data requires a comprehensive, robust disease ontology to integrate annotations and retrieve accurate, interpretable results. MGD, RGD and DO are working in collaboration to achieve this goal.