Issues
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Cover image
Cover Image
Cover: Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) cultured on glass coverslips were fixed and stained for actin filaments (green), microtubules (red), and nuclear DNA (DAPI, blue). See article by Kim et al. (pp. 3375–3385).
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IN THIS ISSUE
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CELL SCIENTISTS TO WATCH
COMMENTARY
Building an integrated model of chromosome congression
Summary: This Commentary documents recent advances concerning the two kinetochore-based force-generating mechanisms that drive mitotic chromosome congression in vertebrate cells.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Volume regulation and shape bifurcation in the cell nucleus
Highlighted Article: Depending on the physical environment of the cell, the nuclear volume can change dramatically. Cytoskeletal filaments and motors are involved in regulating nuclear volume.
Binding partners of the kinase domains in Drosophila obscurin and their effect on the structure of the flight muscle
Summary: Obscurin is a titin-like protein in Drosophila muscle, which has two pseudokinase domains. These bind ligands essential for the correct assembly of the filament lattice.
mRNA encoding Sec61β, a tail-anchored protein, is localized on the endoplasmic reticulum
Highlighted Article: The mRNA encoding certain tail-anchored proteins is directly localized to the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, facilitating the insertion of newly synthesized proteins into the membrane.
KCNK1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by blocking the Ca2+ oscillation and JNK–NFATc1 signaling axis
Summary: The inwardly rectifying K+ channel KCNK1 negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation.
A Chlamydia effector recruits CEP170 to reprogram host microtubule organization
Highlighted Article: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen. Here, we describe how the Chlamydia virulence protein IPAM interacts with the host protein CEP170 to reprogram host MT organization.
Vinculin phosphorylation at residues Y100 and Y1065 is required for cellular force transmission
Summary: Src-mediated phosphorylation on Y100 and Y1065 is a prerequisite for vinculin activation, and controls cytoskeletal mechanics by regulating force transmission between the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion proteins.
Induction of lateral lumens through disruption of a monoleucine-based basolateral-sorting motif in betacellulin
Highlighted Article: The EGFR ligand betacellulin contains a cytoplasmic basolateral-sorting motif. Mistrafficking of betacellulin, but not other EGFR ligands, induces EGFR-dependent lateral lumens in polarized MDCK cells.
Endomembrane PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 activates the PI3K–Akt pathway
Summary: It had previously been understood that Akt activation occurs solely at the plasma membrane. We show that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-dependent in situ activation of Akt can occur in subcellular compartments.
The lysine demethylase LSD1 is required for nuclear envelope formation at the end of mitosis
Highlighted Article: Interfering with lysine demethylase LSD1 function severely affects nuclear envelope and pore complex reformation at the end of mitosis, indicating that changes on the chromatin landscape regulate these processes.
The NMDA receptor functions independently and as an LRP1 co-receptor to promote Schwann cell survival and migration
Summary: The NMDA receptor and LRP1 function as co-receptors in Schwann cells, activating cell signaling in response to protein ligands and promoting cell survival and migration.
Regulation of the neuronal KCNQ2 channel by Src – a dual rearrangement of the cytosolic termini underlies bidirectional regulation of gating
Summary: Src regulates the KCNQ2 channel through a dual rearrangement of cytosolic termini that underlies upregulation of single-channel gating and a reduction in the number of functional channels.
The caspase-3–p120-RasGAP module generates a NF-κB repressor in response to cellular stress
Summary: Mild caspase activation in cells subjected to non-lethal doses of stress generates an N-terminal p120 RasGAP fragment that inhibits NF-κB activity.
CORRECTION
A local VE-cadherin and Trio-based signaling complex stabilizes endothelial junctions through Rac1
ARTICLES OF INTEREST IN OTHER COB JOURNALS
From Development
Call for papers - Cilia and Flagella: from Basic Biology to Disease
We are welcoming submissions for our upcoming special issue: Cilia and Flagella: from Basic Biology to Disease. This issue will be coordinated by two Guest Editors: Pleasantine Mill (University of Edinburgh) and Lotte Pedersen (University of Copenhagen). Submission deadline: 1 March 2025.
Biologists @ 100 - join us in Liverpool in March 2025
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Principles and regulation of mechanosensing
Mechanics play a fundamental role in cell physiology and represent physical mechanisms which cells use to influence function from the molecular to tissue scale. In this Review, Stefano Sala and colleagues clearly define mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, illustrate various mechanosensing mechanisms and discuss methods that cells use to regulate these processes.
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).
HIV-1 assembly – when virology meets biophysics
Claire Lacouture and colleagues review mechanisms of assembly of the HIV-1 structural protein Gag from biophysical and biological perspectives. The researchers highlight how HIV-1 Gag hijacks host cell factors associated with cortical actin machinery to make new viral particles.