Protein 4.1R stabilizes the red-blood-cell membrane by anchoring integral membrane proteins to the spectrin-actin skeleton below. It is also present in nonerythroid cells at various subcellular locations. Isabel Correas and co-workers now reveal that here it regulates a very different component of the cytoskeleton: microtubules (see ). They find that expressing 4.1R in fibroblasts alters interphase microtubule architecture rather than the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, it disrupts centrosomes, causing the microtubule motor dynein to become displaced from these organelles. The authors then use confocal microscopy and western blotting to demonstrate that endogenous 4.1R can be identified in isolated centrosomes. Moreover, they show recombinant 4.1R localizes to the centre of microtubule asters produced in vitro and can promote their assembly. Correas and co-workers conclude that 4.1R plays a role at centrosomes in maintenance of the radial microtubule arrays that these organelles control. One possibility is that it also has an anchoring role in this part of the cell - tethering microtubules to centrosomes.
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December 2004
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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