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Factors that are involved in different post-transcriptional processes, including mRNA degradation, translational repression, mRNA surveillance and RNA interference, colocalize in discrete cytoplasmic sites known as mRNA-processing (P) bodies. The physiological roles of P bodies and the regulation of their assembly are being elucidated.
To clarify the mechanisms by which RNA molecules silence genes, the structural and functional characteristics of various RNA triggers, such as small interfering RNAs and microRNAs, must be determined. This knowledge will also help us to optimize the efficiency of RNA interference.
Membrane-binding and membrane-deforming proteins have emerged as binding partners of the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP-family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) family proteins that regulate the actin cytoskeleton. Membrane deformation and cytoskeletal reorganization might be coupled in processes that require alteration of membrane shapes, including endocytosis and membrane protrusion.
Rather than functioning in isolation, the activities of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK) proteins are integrated with diverse cell-signalling pathways, including the JNK, p53 and nuclear-receptor pathways. This crosstalk determines the consequences of NF-κB and IKK activation and, ultimately, cell fate.
Many cellular processes are regulated by cyclic nucleotides through their binding to and activation of protein kinase A, protein kinase G, ion channels and Epac. Recent structural insights have advanced our understanding of how cyclic nucleotides might regulate these proteins.
Palmitate modifies both peripheral and integral membrane proteins and its addition can be permanent or transient, which makes it unique among the lipid modifications of proteins. Recent studies have provided insights into the mechanisms that mediate the functional consequences of this versatile modification.
The chromatoid body, a unique cloud-like structure of male germ cells, has puzzled scientists for years. Recent findings indicate that microRNA and RNA-decay pathways converge at the chromatoid body, which might function as a germ-cell-specific RNA-processing centre.
