RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Cryo-EM of human Arp2/3 complexes provides structural insights into actin nucleation modulation by ARPC5 isoforms
Summary: The Arp2/3 complex stimulates formation of branched actin filament networks and exhibits isoform diversity in mammals. We show how different Arp2/3 subunit isoforms contribute to differences in complex function.
- Cell-extrinsic requirement for sulfate in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis
Summary Statement: Heterozygosity for the brain sulfate transporter Slc13a4 during postnatal development results in life-long abnormal hippocampal neurogenesis.
- HSP70 drives myoblast fusion during C2C12 myogenic differentiation
Summary: In C2C12 myoblasts, HSP70 overexpression does not alter proliferation or differentiation but enhances fusion to increase myotube size.
- The effects of temperature on the proxies of visual detection of Danio rerio larvae: observations from the optic tectum
Summary: During the assessment of the visual detection distance of transgenic Danio rerio larvae in response to a visual stimulus using selective plane illumination microscopy, we found that the distance is shorter at elevated temperatures.
- CTP synthase polymerization in germline cells of the developing Drosophila egg supports egg production
Summary: A point mutation in the nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme CTP synthase dominantly inhibits its polymerization and can be used to suppress CTPS assembly in a tissue-specific manner in vivo. Disrupting assembly in ovarian germline cells reduces egg production, demonstrating a functional role for CTPS assembly.
- Mechanical and energetic determinants of impaired gait following stroke: segmental work and pendular energy transduction during treadmill walking
Summary: Walking after a stroke may be energetically consuming. Here, we show how compensations and asymmetries may contribute to increasing the amount of work needed to walk following a stroke.
- Communication between Cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc2 and the Wis1-Spc1 MAPK pathway determines mitotic timing in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Summary: Modulation of Cdc2 activity can change the extent of Spc1 activation and preserve mitotic fidelity in Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells.
- Phospholipids containing ether-bound hydrocarbon-chains are essential for efficient phagocytosis and neutral lipids of the ester-type perturb development in Dictyostelium
Summary: Lean Dictyostelium mutants that fail to produce storage fat, survive starvation and succeed in spore formation, whereas cell strains impaired in ether-type membrane lipid production are perturbed in phagocytosis.
- Filament formation by the translation factor eIF2B regulates protein synthesis in starved cells
Summary: Filament formation by eIF2B is an adaptive mechanism that allows for efficient shutdown of translation in starved yeast cells.
- Responses to transient receptor potential (TRP) channel agonists in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Summary: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells lose motility and excise flagella upon application of pungent TRP channel agonists such as capsaicin and gingerol, likely through TRP channel activity, including ADF1.
- Downregulated brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein-1 inhibits osteogenesis of BMSCs through p53 in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Summary: This article reported for the first time that inhibition of BMSCs osteogenic differentiation by downregulated BMAL1 in T2DM was mediated by p53.
- Brain-encysting trematodes (Euhaplorchis californiensis) decrease raphe serotonergic activity in California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis)
Summary: Post-stress 5-HT signalling decrease with parasite density in killifish infected with brain-dwelling Euhaplorchis californiensis metacercariae, in a manner consistent with decreased impulse control and increased risk taking in infected fish.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES
- Going beyond conventional parameters to unveil sperm quality in fish: the use of fibre optic technology to assess mitochondrial respiratory performance
Summary: A novel technique to measure sperm mitochondrial respiratory efficiency, an overlooked parameter of sperm quality that might contribute in unveiling mechanisms driving the intraspecific variability in sperm performance.
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