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RIPK1 can inhibit apoptosis and necroptosis through a kinase-independent scaffolding function, which is important for maintaining epithelial homeostasis.
A PRE/TRE is shown to alter gene expression by transcribing two mutually exclusive ncRNAs from opposing DNA strands in different tissues during development. The transcription activating ncRNA was shown to bind PcGin vivoand to inhibit its function.
The substrate specificity of the histone Lys demethylase KDM2A was elucidated by solving its crystal structure in complex with methylated peptides. Follow-up structure-guided mutant analyses substantiated its roles in suppressing cellular transformation.
The size reduction ofXenopus laevisnuclei during development is controlled by increased nuclear localization and activity of conventional protein kinase C (cPKC).
Mitochondria contain a genome that is inherited maternally; this complicates their segregation during cell division, oogenesis and development. Mechanisms that ensure mitochondrial integrity include fusion and fission processes, organelle transport, mitophagy and genetic selection. Defects in these processes can lead to cell and tissue pathologies.
Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques have increased our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that drive epithelial tissue development, the genetic regulation of cell behaviours in epithelial tissues and the role of microenvironmental factors in normal development and disease. 3D culture can be used to build complex organs and to advance therapeutic approaches.
Recent studies suggest that mechanisms ofde novo lumen formation in different systems — such as the zebrafish vasculature, C. elegans excretory cells, the D. melanogastertrachea and three-dimensional cultures of endothelial and MDCK cells — share some common features. They all involve expansion of the apical plasma membrane, vesicle transport and regulation of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons.
The actin capping activity of capping protein (CP) is indirectly regulated by competing with other factors for filament binding, or directly by factors that bind CP and sterically inhibit its interactions with filaments. Other proteins interact with CP through their 'capping protein interaction' (CPI) motif and modulate its activity via allosteric effects.
To achieve effective visual communication of complex data, it is important that biologists identify the needs of their audience — whether they are peers or an outreach audience. This guide to the available wealth of resources, ranging from software tools to professional illustrators, should help researchers to generate better figures and presentations tailored to the needs of any audience.
