Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles involved in lipid storage, maintenance of energy homeostasis, protein sequestration, signaling events and inter-organelle interactions. Recently, LDs have been shown to favor the replication of members from different viral families, such as the Flaviviridae and Coronaviridae. In this work, we found that LDs are essential organelles for members of the Arenaviridae family. A virus-driven reduction of LDs number was observed in cultures infected with Junín mammarenavirus (JUNV), caused in part by action of the viral nucleoprotein. To note, we identified a new pool of nucleoprotein and viral RNA that localize in the vicinity of LDs, suggesting that LDs play a role during the viral replication cycle. Regarding the mechanism behind LDs exhaustion, we found evidence that lipophagy is involved in LD degradation with the resulting fatty acids being substrates of fatty acid β-oxidation which fuels viral multiplication. This work highlights the importance of LDs during the replication cycle of JUNV, contributing to the knowledge of the metabolic changes these mammarenaviruses cause in their hosts.
Intracellular lipid droplets are exploited by Junín virus: a nucleoprotein-dependent process
These authors contributed equally to the work
Call for papers: Cell Biology of Mitochondria
We are welcoming submissions for our upcoming special issue: Cell Biology of Mitochondria. This issue will be coordinated by two Guest Editors: Ana J. Garcia-Saez (University of Cologne, Germany) and Heidi McBride (McGill University, Canada). Submission deadline: 1 November 2024.
Biologists @ 100 - join us in Liverpool in March 2025
We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the Spring Meetings of the BSCB and the BSDB, the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and a DMM programme on antimicrobial resistance. Find out more and register your interest to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK.
Intermediate filaments at a glance
Although intermediate filaments are known for their structural support, emerging evidence reveals their involvement in various cellular processes, underscoring their significance in disease development and progression. In this Cell Science at a Glance article, Leila Coelho-Rato and colleagues discuss the established classes of intermediate filaments and their general features, their functions beyond structural support and recent advances in the field.
JCS-FocalPlane Training Grants
Early-career researchers - working in an area covered by JCS - who would like to attend a microscopy training course, please apply. Deadline dates for 2024 applications: 7 September (decision by week commencing 8 October 2024); 22 November (decision by week commencing 16 December).
Immune Cell Interactions in Development, Homeostasis and Immunity
Early-career researchers interested in immune cell interactions, apply now for one of the ten funded places at this Workshop, which will take place 23-26 February 2025. Application deadline: 23 September.
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