Reviews & Analysis

Septins are highly conserved, GTP-binding proteins that form hetero-oligomeric complexes and higher-order structures, such as filaments and rings. By acting as scaffolds or diffusion barriers, they have roles in numerous biological processes, including cell division and host–pathogen interactions.

Stem cells reside in discrete microenvironments called niches, which regulate stem cell activity. The stem cell progeny appear to constitute an indispensable component of the niche in a wide range of stem cell systems. These unexpected niche inhabitants provide versatile feedback signals to their parent stem cells.

Methylation of Lys36 at histone H3 is important for transcription and has also been implicated in diverse processes, including splicing and DNA replication and repair. Understanding the dynamic control of this modification is crucial for understanding the numerous diseases that its dysfunction are linked with.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) buffers protein-folding stress at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Research has provided insight into the regulatory mechanisms of UPR branches initiated by the stress sensors protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and into outcomes of the UPR that are not directly related to protein misfolding.

The dynamin GTPase mediates membrane remodelling during endocytosis. Through complementary approaches, including structural and genetic studies, the mechanisms by which dynamin regulates membrane fission events, and the unique physiological roles of its three isoforms, are becoming clear.