RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Telomerase reverse transcriptase coordinates with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through a feedback loop to define properties of breast cancer stem cells
Summary: This study describe a reciprocal, bi-directional feedback loop between hTERT and EMT to regulate properties of CSCs, suggesting that targeting hTERT may eliminate CSCs, thereby preventing cancer progression.
- Cell tracking in vitro reveals that the extracellular matrix glycoprotein Tenascin-C modulates cell cycle length and differentiation in neural stem/progenitor cells of the developing mouse spinal cord
Summary: We have shown, using digital video microscopy based cell lineage tracing, that the glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix tenascin-C modulates growth factor responsiveness and cell cycle length of embryonic spinal cord progenitor cells in vitro.
- Coagulation factor 9-deficient mice are protected against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis
Summary: Since IBD incidence is less frequent in patients with inherited bleeding disorders, we explored and demonstrated that F9-deficiency is protective against DSS-induced acute colitis in a hemophilia B mouse model.
- Formation of the sacrum requires down-regulation of sonic hedgehog signaling in the sacral intervertebral discs
Summary: Loss of SHH signaling is associated with the collapse of the sacral discs and formation of the sacrum. Conditional reactivation of SHH re-awakens the sacral disc, suggesting its potential for disc regeneration.
- Dynamic nuclear envelope phenotype in rats overexpressing mutated human torsinA protein
Summary: A novel transgenic rat model displaying dystonia-like phenotypes and dynamic processes in NE pathology can become a useful tool for therapy development for dystonia and other related diseases.
- Extending chemical perturbations of the ubiquitin fitness landscape in a classroom setting reveals new constraints on sequence tolerance
Summary: We organized a project-based course that used deep mutational scanning of ubiquitin to resolve the inconsistencies between tolerance to mutations in laboratory conditions and sequence conservation over evolutionary timescales.
- Location and functions of Inebriated in the Drosophila eye
Summary: Inebriated isoforms express in alternating glial layers of the Drosophila visual system, consistent with a role in histamine recycling in the eye, and its mutants exhibit blue light phototaxis defects.
- Impact of ambient temperature on energy cost and economical speed during level walking in healthy young males
Summary: Energy cost of walking in a hot environment was greater than in a comfortable environment. Thus, to prevent heat related injury, walking speed should be reduced in a hot environment.
- Effect of initial body orientation on escape probability of prey fish escaping from predators
Summary: Our predator-prey experiments reveal that prey's initial body orientation relative to a predator affects the flight initiation distance and turn duration of prey and consequently affects escape probability.
- Simultaneous recordings of action potentials and calcium transients from human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Summary: We performed simultaneous recordings of action potentials and calcium transients from the same cardiomyocytes to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and the correlation between these two parameters.
- PRP-19, a conserved pre-mRNA processing factor and E3 ubiquitin ligase, inhibits the nuclear accumulation of GLP-1/Notch intracellular domain
Summary: GFP tagging of endogenous GLP-1/Notch revealed life stage-specific differences in the nuclear accumulation of GLP-1 intracellular domain, which are mediated by the ubiquitin-proteolytic system and the splicing factor/E3 ubiquitin ligase PRP-19.
- Characterisation of cellular effects of Burkholderia pseudomallei cycle inhibiting factor (Cif)
Summary: Cycle inhibiting factor (Cif) is a Burkholderia pseudomallei virulence factor and is shown to exert both Cullin RING E3 ligase dependent and independent effects on host cells.
- Prednisolone induces osteoporosis-like phenotypes via focal adhesion signaling pathway in zebrafish larvae
Summary: Glucocorticoids may contribute to osteoporosis through effects on the extracellular region, the extracellular matrix and collagen trimer, and focal adhesion signaling pathway genes (itga10 and itgbl1).
- Characterization of a cdc14 null allele in Drosophila melanogaster
Summary: The Cdc14 phosphatase has been implicated in cell cycle regulation in S. cerevisiae. We show that Drosophila cdc14 mutants are viable, but exhibit defects in sperm competition, chemosensation, and mechanosensation.
- Non-invasive assessment of liver disease in rats using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study
Summary: Multiparametric liver MRI was feasible in experimental rat models and imaging parameters correlated with gold standard histopathological assessments, especially characteristics of fatty liver disease.
- Exposure of zebra mussels to extracorporeal shock waves demonstrates formation of new mineralized tissue inside and outside the focus zone
Summary: The use of zebra mussels in research on extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) therapy for fracture nonunions allows new insights into the complex process of induction of biomineralization by ESWs.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES
- High-throughput live-imaging of embryos in microwell arrays using a modular specimen mounting system
Summary: This Methods & Techniques article describes a customizable device for mounting and live-imaging a wide range of tissues and species; complete design files and instructions for assembly are included.
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