Co-evolution of a broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibody and founder virus

Liao, H.-X. et al. Nature http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12053 (3 April).

The authors track the coevolution of a broadly neutralizing antibody and the HIV-1 virus in one patient over the course of infection. This study provides new information about how broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1 evolve, which might be useful for understanding how to elicit similar antibodies through vaccination strategies.

Transcription factor–mediated reprogramming of fibroblasts to expandable, myelinogenic oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Najm, F.J. et al. Nat. Biotechnol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nbt.2561 (14 April).

Generation of oligodendroglial cells by direct lineage conversion

Yang, N. et al. Nat. Biotechnol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nbt.2564 (14 April).

Mouse and rat fibroblasts are directly converted to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) through transcription factor–mediated reprogramming. These progenitors can generate mature myelinating oligodendrocytes in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Direct lineage conversion may therefore be a potential alternative to reprogramming embryonic stem cells for the production of OPCs.

Whole-genome sequencing identifies genetic alterations in pediatric low-grade gliomas

Zhang, J. et al. Nat. Genet. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2611 (14 April).

The authors use whole-genome sequencing to identify a number of new genetic alterations in 39 low-grade pediatric gliomas and glioneuronal tumors. Of these changes, there were recurrent duplications of FGFR1 and rearrangements of MYB, which were mutually exclusive in tumors.

A combinatorial F box protein directed pathway controls TRAF adaptor stability to regulate inflammation

Chen, B.B. et al. Nat. Immunol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ni.2565 (31 March).

The authors show that interactions between two F box proteins, Fbxl2 and Fbxo3, regulate proinflammatory signaling by degrading TRAF adaptor proteins. They identify a positive correlation between the amounts of Fbxo3 and TRAF in the circulation and cytokine responses in people with sepsis.