Biology

  1. Biology

Stairway to the Golgi: Two paths VPS13B can go by

VPS13 proteins mediate lipid transfer across membranes. Among them, VPS13B is associated with Golgi membranes, and VPS13B mutations cause Cohen syndrome. In this issue, Ugur et al. (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202311189) and Du et al. (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202402083) reveal new VPS13B interactors and their functions in Golgi organization and trafficking.
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  1. Biology

PI(3,5)P 2 asymmetry during mitosis is essential for asymmetric vacuolar inheritance

Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2) is a low-abundance signaling lipid that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes, including endolysosomal system structure/function, stress response, and cell cycle regulation. PI(3,5)P2 synthesis increases in response to environmental stimuli, yet its behavior in cycling cells under basal conditions remains elusive. Here, we analyzed spatiotemporal changes in PI(3,5)P2 levels during the […]
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  1. Biology

BEACH domain proteins function as cargo-sorting adaptors in secretory and endocytic pathways

We identify BEACH domain–containing proteins (BDCPs) as novel membrane coat proteins involved in the sorting of transmembrane proteins (TMPs) on the trans-Golgi network and tubular sorting endosomes. The seven typical mammalian BDCPs share a predicted alpha-solenoid-beta propeller structure, suggesting they have a protocoatomer origin and function. We map the subcellular localization of seven BDCPs based […]
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  1. Biology

eIF5A controls mitoprotein import by relieving ribosome stalling at TIM50 translocase mRNA

Efficient import of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria is crucial for proper mitochondrial function. The conserved translation factor eIF5A binds ribosomes, alleviating stalling at polyproline-encoding sequences. eIF5A impacts mitochondrial function across species, though the precise molecular mechanism is unclear. We found that eIF5A depletion in yeast reduces the translation and levels of the TCA cycle and […]
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  1. Biology

Activation of lysosomal Ca 2+ channels mitigates mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress

Elevated levels of plasma-free fatty acids and oxidative stress have been identified as putative primary pathogenic factors in endothelial dysfunction etiology, though their roles are unclear. In human endothelial cells, we found that saturated fatty acids (SFAs)—including the plasma-predominant palmitic acid (PA)—cause mitochondrial fragmentation and elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. TRPML1 is […]
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  1. Biology

Detailing organelle division and segregation in Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria-causing parasite, P. falciparum, replicates through schizogony, a tightly orchestrated process where numerous daughter parasites are formed simultaneously. Proper division and segregation of one-per-cell organelles, like the mitochondrion and apicoplast, are essential, yet remain poorly understood. We developed a new reporter parasite line that allows visualization of the mitochondrion in blood and mosquito stages. […]
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  1. Biology

Kinetochores grip microtubules with directionally asymmetric strength

For accurate mitosis, all chromosomes must achieve “biorientation,” with replicated sister chromatids coupled via kinetochores to the plus ends of opposing microtubules. However, kinetochores first bind the sides of microtubules and subsequently find plus ends through a trial-and-error process; accurate biorientation depends on the selective release of erroneous attachments. Proposed mechanisms for error-correction have focused […]
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  1. Biology

Postsynaptic BMP signaling regulates myonuclear properties in Drosophila larval muscles

The syncytial mammalian muscle fiber contains a heterogeneous population of (myo)nuclei. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), myonuclei have specialized positioning and gene expression. However, it remains unclear how myonuclei are recruited and what regulates myonuclear output at the NMJ. Here, we identify specific properties of myonuclei located near the Drosophila larval NMJ. These synaptic myonuclei […]
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  1. Biology

Racing through C. elegans mitosis using cyclin B3

Racecar drivers use left-foot braking, i.e., simultaneously engaging brake and throttle, to carefully balance acceleration and traction when navigating chicanes. In this issue, Lara-Gonzalez et al. (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202308034) show that C. elegans embryos employ the molecular equivalent of left-foot braking to faithfully speed through mitosis.
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  1. Biology

CYRI controls epidermal wound closure and cohesion of invasive border cell cluster in Drosophila

Cell motility is crucial for many biological processes including morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion. The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) is a central Arp2/3 regulator driving cell motility downstream of activation by Rac GTPase. CYFIP-related Rac1 interactor (CYRI) proteins are thought to compete with WRC for interaction with Rac1 in a feedback loop regulating lamellipodia […]
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Scientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria

Researchers outline new approach for better understanding animal consciousness

A team of researchers has outlined a new approach for better understanding the depths of animal consciousness, a method that may yield new insights into the similarities and differences among living organisms. The essay, which appears in the journal Science, describes a “marker method” that scientists can use to assess animal consciousness. It involves identifying […]
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Unveiling the Elasticity Secrets of Flexible Crystals

Unveiling the Elasticity Secrets of Flexible Crystals

Australian researchers have achieved significant breakthroughs in understanding the intrinsic properties of flexible crystalline materials, paving the way for potential advancements in the fields of building materials, electronics, and various technologies. The research team, which includes experts from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), focused their investigation on the elastic […]
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Worlwide

Scientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria

Researchers outline new approach for better understanding animal consciousness

A team of researchers has outlined a new approach for better understanding the depths of animal consciousness, a method that may yield new insights into the similarities and differences among living organisms. The essay, which appears in the journal Science, describes a “marker method” that scientists can use to assess animal consciousness. It involves identifying […]
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Unveiling the Elasticity Secrets of Flexible Crystals

Unveiling the Elasticity Secrets of Flexible Crystals

Australian researchers have achieved significant breakthroughs in understanding the intrinsic properties of flexible crystalline materials, paving the way for potential advancements in the fields of building materials, electronics, and various technologies. The research team, which includes experts from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), focused their investigation on the elastic […]
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Scientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria

Urban environments promote adaptation to multiple stressors

Animal populations from urban areas show significantly higher resilience to stressful environmental conditions. This was found by an international team of researchers led by Dr Elizabeta Briski from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany. The mussel and crustacean species studied were able to adapt to disturbed environments, making them more resistant to […]
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