New immunolocalization data put the role of the lens MP26 (MIP) protein in a new perspective. During maturation of lens fibre cells, MIP is found to associate specifically with two structures, gap junctions and cell interlocking processes (known as ball and socket domains). It is significant that the zone in which these associations are most striking is discrete, coinciding with the zone of rapidly enlarging junctional plaques and newly forming ball and socket domains. Observation of domain-specific interactions of MIP with forming gap junctions and ball and socket domains suggests that MIP may be involved in the formation of close membrane appositions. Furthermore, previous ambiguities in the literature over the presence of MIP in gap junctions are clarified by the knowledge that, in situ, MIP associates strongly with gap junctions for only a brief period (with less than about 5% of all lens gap junctions at any one time) during the assembly of junctional plaques.
Cell Scientists to Watch
Talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs talk about their lives in and out of the lab, the journeys that led them to where they are now, the current state of science funding, and give advice on how to navigate the transition to independence.
'FocalPlane features...' webinar series
We’re excited to announce the new 'FocalPlane features…' webinar series. Covering all aspects of microscopy, join us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about the latest research and take part in a virtual networking session with the speaker afterwards.
The Corona Files
“In the past year we have called out inequality and injustice, we have forged a public awareness of the value of science, and we have found new ways to interact around the world."
Our resident insectivore, Mole, continues his latest series – The Corona Files. Catch up on Mole’s weekly musings on how COVID-19 is changing the landscape for researchers.
Read & Publish voices: Chris MacDonald
JCS joins the Preprint Reviewer Recruitment Network
Journal of Cell Science, along with its sister journals Development and Biology Open, joins ASAPbio's Preprint Reviewer Recruitment Network, a new initiative aiming to help researchers, journals and publishers, by enabling willing researchers to share preprint feedback as work samples for review by participating journals.
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