This issue is currently being compiled. Articles in their final version of record are published here as soon as they are ready. The most recent articles appear at the top of the relevant section.
REVIEW
- Molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in the entorhinal cortex that underlie its selective vulnerability during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Summary: This review evaluated the molecular mechanisms that may explain the vulnerability and susceptibility of the entorhinal cortex to early neurodegeneration during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Interaction of INPP5E with ARL13B is essential for its ciliary membrane retention but dispensable for its ciliary entry
Summary: We here demonstrate that the interaction of INPP5E with ARL13B is crucial for its retention on the ciliary membrane but dispensable for its entry into cilia.
- Wound-induced polyploidization is dependent on Integrin-Yki signaling
Summary: Conserved focal adhesion genes, mys and Fak, enable efficient wound repair by inducing polyploid cell growth via cell fusion and Yki-dependent endoreplication.
- Drosophila model of anti-retroviral therapy induced peripheral neuropathy and nociceptive hypersensitivity
Summary: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that are important components of anti-retroviral therapies also cause peripheral sensory neuropathies (PSN). This article investigates ways in which NRTIs may cause PSN and outlines ways to better understand the mechanisms underlying it.
- Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1) overexpression reduces APP processing and increases alpha- versus beta-secretase activity, in vitro
Summary: Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1) overexpression skews APP processing towards the non-amyloidogenic pathway. Increasing ABCC1 expression or activity may prevent or attenuate Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
- A stem cell based in vitro model of NAFLD enables the analysis of patient specific individual metabolic adaptations in response to a high fat diet and AdipoRon interference
Summary: A stem cell based in vitro model of NAFLD recapitulates regulatory networks and suggests a steatosis associated phenotype. AdipoRon treatment influences metabolism, immune system, cell stress and signalling.
- Mutations in the splicing regulator Prp31 lead to retinal degeneration in Drosophila
Summary: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a human disease resulting in blindness, which affects 1 in 4.000 people worldwide. So far >90 genes have been identified that are causally related to RP. Mutations in the splicing factor PRPF31 are linked to RP11. We induced mutations in the Drosophila orthologue Prp31 and show that flies heterozygous for Prp31 undergo light-dependent retinal degeneration. Degeneration is associated with increased accumulation of the light-sensitive molecule, rhodopsin 1. In fact, reducing rhodopsin levels by dietary intervention modifies the extent of retinal degeneration. This model will further contribute to better understand the aetiology of the human disease.
- Giraffes and hominins: reductionist model predictions of compressive loads at the spine base for erect exponents of the animal kingdom
Summary: Using a simple biomechanical model, we predict the compressive stress on vertebrates’ intervertebral discs loaded by all cranial masses being held anywhere between fully upright and horizontal bow.
- The basal release of endothelium-derived catecholamines regulates the contractions of Chelonoidis carbonaria aorta caused by electrical-field stimulation
Summary: Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings release endothelium-derived catecholamines that modulate vascular smooth muscle reactivity.
- Bisphenol A promotes stress granule assembly and modulates the integrated stress response
Summary: Physiologically-relevant doses of the plasticizing agent BPA inhibit stress granule formation in response to a secondary acute stress, indicating BPA may affect the way human cells cope with cellular stress.
- Variation in alarm calls during different breeding stages of the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Summary: Our results clearly showed parental alarm calls varied as the breeding cycle progressed in the common kestrel, and further suggested offspring numbers influenced parental nest defense.
- Establishment of Etv5 gene knockout mice as a recipient model for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation
Summary: Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in mice with germline ablation by genetic modification of a specific gene.
- Ctdp1 deficiency leads to early embryonic lethality in mice and defects in cell cycle progression in MEFs
Summary: Knockout of Ctdp1 reveals its essential role in mammalian embryogenesis and regulation of the cell cycle.
This issue
Other journals from The Company of Biologists
Biology Open and COVID-19
We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on researchers worldwide. The Editors of all The Company of Biologists’ journals have been considering ways in which we can alleviate concerns that members of our community may have around publishing activities during this time. Read about the actions we are taking at this time.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Editorial Office if you have any questions or concerns.
2020 at The Company of Biologists
Despite 2020’s challenges, we achieved a lot at The Company of Biologists. In the midst of the pandemic, we have seen long-term projects and new ventures come to fruition. Read our full lowdown of 2020.
Interview- Sebastian Markert
Sebastian Markert is first author of a paper in BiO using C. elegans to model amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In an interview, he talks about the potential implications of his work and his future plans.
Three communities to support biologists to everywhere
Online communities have never been more important. If you’re looking for somewhere to meet fellow scientists, take part in topical discussions and find virtual events in your field, take a look at each of our community sites:
- The Node: the community site for and by developmental biologists
- preLights: the preprint highlights service run by the biological community
- FocalPlane: the community site for microscopists and biologists alike