Aneuploidy affects organisms from early development through to aging and is a cause of pregnancy loss and cancer. Recent studies have increased our understanding of its mechanisms and how it can be both beneficial and detrimental to cells and organisms, depending on the karyotype and external cues. These insights shed light on its roles in human pathogenesis and on genome evolution.

Cells in the embryo are subject to autonomous and external mechanical forces that help steer embryonic tissue patterning. Technical developments, such as in vitro models of early embryos, allow probing of the roles of mechanical forces in animal and human embryonic development.

Dietary restriction in rodents and non-human primates affects key nutrient-sensing signalling pathways to increase healthspan and lifespan. This Review discusses these geroprotective mechanisms and recent insights suggesting that dietary restriction results in similar molecular and metabolic changes in humans, contributing to the prevention of ageing-associated diseases.

Myopathies are genetically inherited diseases that affect the structure and/or function of skeletal muscles and often result in muscle degeneration (muscular dystrophy). This Review discusses our current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the most common of these pathologies, which provide key insights into muscle biology.

Stable introns were serendipitously discovered just over a decade ago.

The lab of C. David Allis was among the pioneers of developing histone-PTM-specific antibodies to unlock the mysteries of chromatin.

Weems et al. show that sustained membrane blebbing promotes pro-survival signalling in extracellular matrix-detached cells.

Scott et al. describe a mechanism based on C-degron mimicry by which an E3 ubiquitin ligase discriminates bona fide substrates from non-physiological substrates.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Laura Capolupo (at D’Angelo lab) describes the approach to study cell-to-cell heterogeneity in lipid content and its correspondence to cell identity.

Tyrosine sulfation is a novel histone post-translational modification, which facilitates transcription.