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Preosteoclasts give rise to bone-resorbing osteoclasts, which are crucial for skeletal homeostasis. A study now shows that preosteoclasts also contribute to bone formation by releasing platelet-derived growth factor-BB, which promotes bone vascularization and osteogenesis.
Truncation of tau contributes to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease. A new study finds a direct role for a lysosomal cysteine protease, asparagine endopeptidase, in cleaving tau into neurotoxic fragments.
A recent study reports that de novo fatty acid synthesis is important for differentiation of T helper 17 (TH17) cells. Suppression of this pathway through inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) with soraphen A prevents TH17 cell differentiation and consequently enforces a regulatory T cell phenotype.
The international response to the ongoing Ebola epidemic has in many respects been more reactive than proactive. But there are changes that, if made, may shift the balance toward future readiness.
Mesenchymal stromal cells are key components of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches in the bone marrow. Two studies now show that hematopoietic-derived megakaryocytes also contribute to the HSC niche, regulating HSC quiescence and function.
Increasing evidence points to a role for the immune system in the regulation of metabolism. Two new studies in mice indicate treatment with interleukin-22 restores mucosal immunity in diabetes and alleviates metabolic disease, resulting in improved glycemic control.
Alternative splicing of the gene encoding VEGF-A under ischemic conditions generates an antiangiogenic isoform of the protein that impairs revascularization under conditions of metabolic dysfunction in mice, and this isoform is found at elevated levels in patients with peripheral artery disease.