Pluripotent stem cells are being used to generate models of early embryogenesis that are promising for discovery and translational research. To be useful, these models require critical consideration of their level of efficiency and fidelity to natural embryos. Here we propose criteria with which to raise the standards of stem-cell-based embryo models of human embryogenesis.

Man and Kanneganti discuss how pattern-recognition sensors in innate immune cells recognize and respond to cell-death signatures, and highlight molecular targets for potential therapeutic development.

Gasdermins are a family of proteins that form membrane pores and elicit pyroptosis. This Review discusses recent work highlighting their regulation and emerging biological roles, including in non-lethal pore formation and host defence.

The subcellular localization of numerous mRNAs has been demonstrated. This Review presents the different means of mRNA localization described and discusses how they can account for the widespread occurrence of this phenomenon.

de Caestecker and Macara study apical sorting of proteins with varying cytoplasmic tail length in epithelial cells. They propose that a size filter at the Golgi facilitates apical sorting of proteins with small cytoplasmic domains.

Tamagawa, Fujii et al. demonstrate that squamous differentiation in human pancreatic cancer can be attributed to TP63-mediated lineage conversion and epigenetic reprogramming that depends upon a hypoxic and Wnt-defective niche.

Hockemeyer et al. demonstrate that HSF1 activation inhibits cytokine production and cytotoxic activity in NK cells to impair anti-tumour immune responses.

Eroglu et al. describe protein amyloid structures that are stably inherited across generations and transmit epigenetic memory in Caenorhabditis elegans. MSTR protein loss results in a transgenerational feminization phenotype through ectopic GLD-1 expression.

Dimitrov et al. present LIANA+, a framework that unifies and extends approaches to study inter- and intracellular signalling from diverse mediators, captured from single-cell, spatially resolved and multi-omics data.

Cao et al. describe the development and application of an engineered protein system (MARS) derived from PLEKHA5 that allows mitosis-specific recruitment of proteins to the plasma membrane to study protein function in cell division.

Pluripotent stem cells are being used to generate models of early embryogenesis that are promising for discovery and translational research. To be useful, these models require critical consideration of their level of efficiency and fidelity to natural embryos. Here we propose criteria with which to raise the standards of stem-cell-based embryo models of human embryogenesis.

Volume electron microscopy (vEM) generates large 3D volumes of cells or tissues at nanoscale resolutions, enabling analyses of organelles in their cellular environment. Here, we provide examples of vEM in cell biology and discuss community efforts to develop standards in sample preparation and image acquisition for enhanced reproducibility and data reuse.

Despite the constant renewal of their components, cellular actin networks maintain their overall appearance, through a subtle balance of filament assembly and disassembly. This balance is key to the remodelling of cellular architecture. We discuss the significance of in vitro reconstitutions in deciphering the complexity of actin regulation.

Scientists must actively advocate for infrastructure development and funding of emerging research directions through collective efforts. In India, this has been crucial to help reverse the brain drain and enable equitable contributions to research and development at the global level.

In this piece, I share a personal encounter that underscores the glaring gaps in conference accessibility and challenges faced by disabled academics. I reveal historical biases and resistance to change and propose ways to transform conferences into more inclusive spaces, ensuring that all scientists can fully participate in the scientific discourse.