Homeostasis and function of neurons rely on long-distance, bidirectional microtubule-based transport along the axon, which is driven by both dynein and kinesin motors. How these motors are regulated by a plethora of adaptors and effectors to ensure appropriate and robust distribution of cargos is an area of intense study.

Nuclear transcription of a wide variety of RNA species is conducted mainly by three RNA polymerases, which are large and dynamic protein complexes. Recent structural studies have provided important insights into the activities at different transcription stages and the commonalities and differences between these transcription machineries.

Cheng, Mittnenzweig et al. demonstrate the cellular role of the major DNA demethylation machinery, ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases, in early mammalian development.

Rashmi Sasidharan highlights the work by Musgrave et al. (1972) demonstrating that ethylene drives shoot elongation in plants submerged in water, allowing the plant to outgrow the floodwaters.

Kirova et al. demonstrate that reactive oxygen species signals are integrated into cell cycle control through a direct interaction with cyclin-dependent kinase 2.

Marta Shahbazi recounts the work by Lewis and Rossant (1982) that pioneered research on size regulation in mammalian embryos.

Luciano Marcon discusses the revolutionary work by Alan Turing proposing that embryogenesis could be entirely a self-organizing process.

Sladitschek-Martens show that reduced activity of key cellular mechanosensors, transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ, is an important driver of ageing of stromal and contractile cells, leading to cell senescence.