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Stem cells. This multi-scale, single-cell study reveals that human haematopoietic stem cells continuously commit to individual blood cell lineages without passing through discrete progenitor stages. [article p271]
Data sharing is an inherent principle of research publication, and information on how data may be accessed is key for the replication and furthering of scientific findings. Here we revisit the policies of Nature Cell Biology on data availability.
Determining the differentiation potential of stem and progenitor cells is essential for understanding their function, yet our ability to do so is limited by the restrictions of experimental assays. Based on single-cell functional and molecular profiling experiments, a new computational approach shows how lineage commitment may occur in human haematopoiesis.
Although the mitochondrial inner membrane rhomboid peptidase PARL is known to participate in critical signalling cascades, its role in apoptosis has remained unclear. PARL is now shown to process the mitochondrial pro-apoptotic protein Smac (also known as DIABLO) for its subsequent release into the cytosol where it antagonizes XIAP-mediated caspase inhibition to promote apoptosis.
Genetic mutations in the SHANK family of proteins are linked to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders. A study now elucidates critical roles for SHANK in regulating integrin-mediated cell–extracellular matrix adhesion, by sequestering integrin activators.
The Hippo pathway responds to environmental factors including nutrient availability, cell density and substrate stiffness to regulate organ size. This pathway is now shown to also regulate antiviral defence by modulating the TBK1-mediated control of interferon production.
Velten et al. use single-cell transcriptomics and functional data to map the early lineage commitment of human haematopoietic stem cells as a continuous process of cells passing through transitory states rather than demarcating discrete progenitors.
Chia et al. show that developmental arrest after human nuclear transfer is associated with genetic instability, including DNA damage, which occurs during DNA replication and is influenced by the developmental origin of the transferred nucleus.
Lilja et al. find that SHANK proteins inhibit the signalling of Ras and Rap G-proteins by restricting their availability at the plasma membrane. This leads to restricted integrin activation, affecting cell spreading, migration and invasion.
Zebrafish neuroectoderm morphogenesis is influenced by the mesoderm germ layer. Smutny et al. now show that friction forces between cells moving in opposite directions, mediated by E-cadherin adhesion, determine the position of the neural anlage.
Saita et al. show that PARL cleaves Smac (also known as DIABLO) to generate an IAP-binding motif required for its apoptotic activity, identifying PARL-mediated Smac processing as a pro-apoptotic mitochondrial pathway.
Miao et al. show through imaging and mathematical simulations that changing the activation thresholds in an excitable PIP2–Ras–Rap signal transduction network can alter the types of protrusions formed in migrating Dictyostelium cells.
Donato et al. show that Fbxo15 targets acetylated KBP for degradation to limit mitochondrial expansion, whereas KBP accumulation promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in a Kif1Bα-dependent manner.
Using large-scale, super-resolution microscopy, Sochacki et al. define the spatial organization of 19 proteins within clathrin-coated pits during distinct stages of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Zhang et al. show that YAP and TAZ suppress nucleic acid sensing and antiviral responses by inhibiting the TBK1 kinase. Conversely, Hippo pathway activity inactivates YAP/TAZ to relieve TBK1 suppression and enhance antiviral defence in zebrafish.
Sun et al. show that during Drosophila germ-band extension basolateral rosette formation does not depend on apical contractility, but is driven by Rac1-mediated protrusion and active cell migration and requires Src42A as a regulator.
Decarreau and colleagues demonstrate that the minus-directed kinesin Kif25 acts to prevent both premature centrosome separation and mis-positioning of the nucleus and mitotic spindle.
Acetylation of α-tubulin on lysine 40 is associated with microtubule stability. In vitro experiments by Portran et al. show that tubulin acetylation reduces lateral interactions, increasing microtubule flexibility and resistance to mechanical stress.
Through imaging and theoretical modelling, Kimura et al. discover that endoplasmic reticulum flow determines microtubule alignment to promote cytoplasmic streaming of yolk granules in Caenorhabditis elegans zygotes.
