RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Contrast thresholds reveal different visual masking functions in humans and praying mantises
Summary: We investigate alternative explanations for a reported difference between human and insect responses to masked moving gratings, and demonstrate that it is a genuine feature of their visual systems.
- Functional characterization of DYRK1A missense variants associated with a syndromic form of intellectual deficiency and autism
Summary: We have analyzed the functional consequences of amino acid substitutions in the protein kinase DYRK1A that have been identified as pathogenic in patients with microcephaly, intellectual disability and autism.
- Functional domains of the FSHD-associated DUX4 protein
Summary: Aberrant expression of DUX4 underlies facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. This study identified functional domains of DUX4 and demonstrated that multiple pathological changes are related to DUX4-mediated transcriptional activation.
- The Drosophila TGF-beta/Activin-like ligands Dawdle and Myoglianin appear to modulate adult lifespan through regulation of 26S proteasome function in adult muscle
Summary: This article has, for the first time, demonstrated that fruit fly TGF-beta, or Activin-type ligand Daw, or Myo-initiated Activin signaling in adult fruit fly muscle tissues works as an anti-ageing factor by regulating 26S proteasome activities in those tissues.
- Juvenile hormone reveals mosaic developmental programs in the metamorphosing optic lobe of Drosophila melanogaster
Summary: Developmental gradients and steroid surges interact during optic lobe development. Early, ectopic juvenile hormone treatment alters steroid receptor levels, suppresses late events but not early events linked to developmental gradients.
- Biosynthesis and assembly of the Collagen IV-like protein Pericardin in Drosophila melanogaster
Summary: We identified two new pericardin alleles. Both mutants could be rescued with a genomic duplication of a fosmid coding for the pericardin locus. Biochemical analysis revealed that Pericardin is highly glycosylated and forms redox-dependent multimers.
- Suppression of miR-26a attenuates physiological disturbances arising from exposure of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to ammonia
Summary: Our work increases the available information about the regulation of miR-26a and indicates that miR-26a may be involved in the remission of physiological disorders upon ammonia stress in tilapia.
- Fank1 and Jazf1 promote multiciliated cell differentiation in the mouse airway epithelium
Summary: Transcription factors controlling ciliated cell differentiation are still being determined. Here, we show that Fank1 and Jazf1 are necessary and sufficient for ciliated cell differentiation in the mouse airways.
- Food supply and size class depending variations in phytodetritus intake in the benthic foraminifer Ammonia tepida
Summary: The food intake of Ammonia tepida (marine Protist) is strongly related to food supply and individual size. Specifically, juveniles play a major role in coastal phytodetritus processing.
- The hidden function of egg white antimicrobials: egg weight-dependent effects of avidin on avian embryo survival and hatchling phenotype
Summary: This is the first experimental study to evaluate the effects of increased concentration of egg white antimicrobial protein avidin on embryo viability, hatchling morphology and immune phenotype in birds.
- Concerted evolution of body mass and cell size: similar patterns among species of birds (Galliformes) and mammals (Rodentia)
Summary: In Galliformes birds and Rodentia mammals, larger species evolved larger cells of different cell types; in Galliformes birds, large-cell species evolved lower metabolic rates per unit mass.
- Maternal immunization increases nestling energy expenditure, immune function, and fledging success in a passerine bird
Summary: Exposure of female birds to a simulated pathogen prior to egg laying increases the metabolic rate, immune function, and fledging success of her nestlings.
- Lithobates catesbeianus (American Bullfrog) oocytes: a novel heterologous expression system for aquaporins
Summary: A unique and highly available heterologous expression system using Lithobates catesbeianus oocytes has been developed for researchers who have restricted or prohibited access to Xenopus laevis frogs and/or oocytes.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES
- An optimised pipeline for parallel image-based quantification of gene expression and genotyping after in situ hybridisation
Summary: Our optimised protocol to genotype zebrafish mutant embryos after in situ hybridisation and digitally quantify the in situ signal will help to standardise existing experimental designs and methods of analysis.
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