Ciliated protozoa display a nuclear dualism, with germinal micronuciei and a somatic macronucleus. During mitosis, which proceeds without disruption of the nuclear envelope, a spindle is organized within the micronucleus from, presumably, intranuclear microtubule-organizing centres (MTOCs). In order to characterize these MTOCs, monoclonal antibodies generated against human centrosomes were screened on several ciliates and particularly on Paramecium tetraurelia. In this ciliate, the monoclonal antibody CTR 532, which decorates centrosomal and spindle-associated components in mammalian cells, specifically labelled the micronuclei during interphase. At the electron-microscope level, it stained a fibrous material surrounding microtubules localized on the inner face of the nuclear envelope. During mitosis this decoration extended all over the metaphase spindle. At all stages of the cell cycle, the decoration remained specific to the micronucleus and was absent not only from all of the various cytoplasmic and cortical microtubule arrays but also from the macronuclei, even at early stages of their development from the zygotic nucleus. CTR 532 recognizes a single 170x103 Mr polypeptide in the cytoskeletal fraction that contains micronuclei and this polypeptide is absent in the cytoskeletal fraction of amicronucleate cells.
Special Issue: Cell Biology of Lipids
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Lipids are the main component of cellular membranes, but have key roles in many essential cellular processes, as well as structural and signalling functions. Our 2022 special issue showcases the diversity of current research in lipid cell biology.
The special issue includes an interview with Guest Editor James Olzmann. James has also contributed to this lipid droplet wall poster from our sponsor, Cayman Chemical.
Propose a new Workshop
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Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
We’re hiring: Community Manager, preLights
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We are seeking to appoint a new Community Manager to run our preprint highlighting service, preLights. Launched in 2018, this initiative has gained significant attention from researchers and the publishing industry. We are now looking for the right person to join us for the next phase of community building and the site’s growth and development. Please see the full job description for further details.
The application deadline is 20 May 2022.
Essay series: Equity, diversity and inclusion in cell biology
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The JCS Essay Series is an initiative to help showcase and provide a platform for voices in the field of cell biology. The first topic we covered was 'Equity, diversity and inclusion in cell biology', and the winning and runner up essays are now available to read.
FocalPlane Network launched
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We are excited to announce the launch of the FocalPlane Network, an international directory of microscopists. The idea behind the FocalPlane Network is to facilitate promotion and networking as well as assist those seeking conference speakers, committee members, reviewers or collaborators. We hope that it will help promote diversity in the community. Find out more and join the Network here.
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