Ohairwe et al. demonstrate that an intrinsic mechanical instability in the convergent mechanism of “inflationary” cell growth shared by diverse tip-growing cells leads to a bifurcation (branching) of their fitness landscape. This bifurcation strictly constrains natural tip-growing cell shapes.
Author: bioelectric
The soil microbiome modulates the sorghum root metabolome and cellular traits with a concomitant reduction of Striga infection
The soil microbiome protects sorghum, and likely other crops, from infection with the root parasite Striga hermonthica. Kawa et al. show that soil-borne bacteria modify sorghum root development and root exudate content, likely preventing Striga from penetrating sorghum. This study provides […]
Genomic deletions explain the generation of alternative BRAF isoforms conferring resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma
Aya et al. show that the production of alternative BRAF mRNA isoforms (altBRAFs), associated with resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma, is caused by genomic deletions rather than by alternative splicing, as previously thought. They also find that altBRAFs are present […]
The nociceptive activity of peripheral sensory neurons is modulated by the neuronal membrane proteasome
Proteasomes are critical for sensory neuron function. Villalón Landeros et al. uncover a specialized proteasome in somatosensory neurons called the neuronal membrane proteasome (NMP). The NMP mediates crosstalk between somatosensory neurons to modulate sensitivity to stimulation. Inhibition of the NMP reduces […]
Distributed X chromosome inactivation in brain circuitry is associated with X-linked disease penetrance of behavior
Szelenyi et al. demonstrate that adult brain XCI is systematically biased toward maternal X-active cells, which is sufficient for disease penetrance of the X-linked Fmr1-KO allele. Furthermore, local XCI mosaicism distinguishes phenotypic outcomes of individuals based on mutant X-active cells populating […]
Environmentally dependent and independent control of 3D cell shape
Using high-throughput light-sheet microscopy, Dent et al. study 3D cancer cell morphogenesis. Environmental cues modulate the opposing roles of non-muscle myosin II (myosin) and microtubules, with varied impacts on RhoGEFs FARP1 and TIAM2. The study underscores the critical interplay between cytoskeletal […]
Antibodies targeting the shared cytokine receptor IL-1 receptor accessory protein invoke distinct mechanisms to block all cytokine signaling
Fields et al. demonstrate the viability of targeting a shared cytokine receptor for comprehensive signaling blockade of all associated cytokines. CAN10 and 3G5, two anti-IL-1RAcP antibodies, target distinct epitopes on this shared receptor and potently block IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-33, IL-36α, IL-36β, […]
LXR/CD38 activation drives cholesterol-induced macrophage senescence and neurodegeneration via NAD+ depletion
Terao et al. demonstrated how dysregulated cholesterol metabolism drives macrophage senescence and the development of subretinal drusenoid deposits in mice. LXR/CD38 signaling activated by cholesterol reduces NAD+ availability and promotes macrophage senescence. Senolytic agents targeting NAD+ decline and senescent macrophages are […]
Why Your Doc Says “No Evidence” for Vitamin Supplements…
We’ve all heard the mantra: “Eat a balanced diet and you’ll be healthy.” It sounds simple, right? But the reality is, with our modern, often depleted food sources, achieving an “optimal” intake of all the nutrients our bodies need through […]