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Blastoids (blastocyst-like structures) that accurately model human blastocyst development and are capable of implantation are generated, potentially opening up new avenues for basic and clinical research.
Kaneshige et al. show that skeletal muscle-resident mesenchymal progenitors relay the mechanical signal of muscle overload to muscle stem cells to induce their proliferation.
Bracken and Goodall discuss why epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has so many regulators, but also consider whether many of these may be ‘false positives’.
Mitochondrial permeability transition — mediated by the opening of the so-called mitochondrial permeability transition pore — causes abrupt flux of low molecular weight solutes across the generally impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane. Recent studies provide new insights into the molecular nature and mechanisms of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the physiological consequences of its opening.
DNA damage accumulation in zebrafish neurons during wakefulness is detected by Parp1, which induces a homeostatic drive to sleep and repair the damage.
Lengefeld et al. show that haematopoietic stem cell enlargement explains, at least in part, the reduction of tissue regenerative potential with ageing.
Zimmerli and Allegretti et al. show, in fission yeast, that nuclear pores constrict under energy deprivation or osmotic stress, which is linked to a reduction in nuclear membrane tension.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other coronaviruses rely on a cohort of specialized viral proteins to transcribe and replicate their RNA genomes. Recent studies have improved our understanding of coronavirus RNA translation, replication and transcription, and offer new therapeutic targets.
Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are recognized by designated cellular sensors to mount an immune response. Although dsRNAs are generally of viral origin, dysregulation of several cellular processes can lead to accumulation of endogenous dsRNAs. These self-derived dsRNAs are often associated with immune disorders, but their immunogenicity can also be exploited for immunotherapy.
Appreciation of intrinsically disordered regions of proteins is not a novel phenomenon: Frixione and Ruiz-Zamarripa recollect that they were discussed already in the mid-twentieth century.
Prachee Avasthi highlights how a 1969 study by Rosenbaum and colleagues on Chlamydomonas provided a framework for the understanding of the structure and function of cilia.
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.
Betti et al. show that plants can take up microRNAs generated by other plants, and that these exogenous miRNAs are active in silencing the expression of their target genes.
Small RNAs (microRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs and others) function as agents of intercellular communication, particularly in development, reproduction, immunity and inheritance. Chen and Rechavi discuss mechanisms and roles of plant and animal small RNAs in the exchange of information between cells, organisms and even species.
Christine Mummery and Eric Anthony discuss some key changes to the ISSCR Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, which concern, among other experimental procedures, the culturing of human embryos, genome editing and mitochondrial replacement techniques.
Satellite cells are skeletal muscle stem cells that are largely quiescent. They are activated upon muscle damage and differentiate into muscle cells or return to quiescence. These processes are controlled by cell-intrinsic mechanisms and by signals from the niche, and are deregulated in ageing, leading to impaired muscle regeneration.
