Browse Articles

Phospholipids are asymmetrically distributed between membrane leaflets but change their location in various biological processes, which requires designated proteins — flippases and scramblases. Recent insights into the functional mechanisms of these proteins pave the way for better understanding of the roles of membrane asymmetry and the (patho)physiological consequences of its disruption.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Benjamin Jackson (at the Finley lab) describes the use of genetic co-essentiality analysis to interrogate the assembly of metabolic networks, fuelling discovery of new aspects of metabolism.

Cold temperature prolongs lifespan in nematodes by inducing ubiquitin-independent proteasome activity, which prevents protein aggregation and neuronal degeneration. The pathway is conserved in humans.

Shelby et al. demonstrate the existence of discrete domains in plasma membranes of B cells that selectively partition membrane-associated proteins.

In this Viewpoint article, experts provide their current opinions on heterochromatin definition, types and functional mechanisms.

Thoru Pederson recalls the impact that a 1968 paper from Dan Brown’s lab had on his career.

McCarthy et al. identify distinct populations of smooth muscle cells in the intestine that support the establishment of the intestinal stem cell niche during postnatal development by supplying trophic signals to enable niche expansion.

Self-assembly of replication protein A (RPA) into dynamic condensates after binding of single-stranded DNA promotes telomere maintenance in cancer cells.

Spindle assembly during cell division requires self-organization of microtubules into a complex, bipolar structure that directs the movement of chromosomes. Recent advances reveal the emergent properties of the spindle, most importantly its mechanical features, that facilitate robust assembly and chromosome segregation.

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures correct chromosome segregation during mitosis by inhibiting anaphase until all kinetochores are attached to microtubules. Recent studies highlight the dynamic properties of SAC signalling and begin to explain signal integration at mammalian kinetochores, which feature multiple attachment points.

Stable introns were serendipitously discovered just over a decade ago.

The lab of C. David Allis was among the pioneers of developing histone-PTM-specific antibodies to unlock the mysteries of chromatin.

Despite the crucial roles of Hedgehog signalling in development and tissue regeneration, aspects of the Hedgehog signalling mechanism have been uncovered only recently. These studies reveal a central role for lipids in the Hedgehog signal activity, and provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of modulating Hedgehog signalling in tissue regeneration.

Pools of quiescent adult stem cells support tissue turnover and regeneration in mammals. Recent studies shed new light on the roles of post-transcriptional mechanisms in controlling entry into, maintenance of and exit from the quiescent state, with important implications for regenerative medicine.

Weems et al. show that sustained membrane blebbing promotes pro-survival signalling in extracellular matrix-detached cells.

Scott et al. describe a mechanism based on C-degron mimicry by which an E3 ubiquitin ligase discriminates bona fide substrates from non-physiological substrates.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Laura Capolupo (at D’Angelo lab) describes the approach to study cell-to-cell heterogeneity in lipid content and its correspondence to cell identity.

Tyrosine sulfation is a novel histone post-translational modification, which facilitates transcription.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Patrik Risteski (at Tolić lab) describes high-throughput fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) based on a cell-permeable dye that allows to study dynamics of individual microtubules in human cells.

In this Comment, the authors draw attention to non-apoptotic roles of BCL-2 proteins in the regulation of cellular senescence and voice the need for caution in using BCL-2 inhibitors as senolytics.