Opening the black box: Stem cell-based modeling of human post-implantation development
Proper development of the human embryo following its implantation into the uterine wall is critical for the successful continuation of pregnancy. However, the complex cellular and molecular changes that occur during this post-implantation period of human development are not amenable to study in vivo. Recently, several new embryo-like human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–based platforms have emerged, which are beginning to illuminate the current black box state of early human post-implantation biology. In this review, we will discuss how these experimental models are carving a way for understanding novel molecular and c...
Source: Journal of Cell Biology - February 4, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Taniguchi, K., Heemskerk, I., Gumucio, D. L. Tags: Development Review Source Type: research
Protein phosphatases in the regulation of mitosis
The accurate segregation of genetic material to daughter cells during mitosis depends on the precise coordination and regulation of hundreds of proteins by dynamic phosphorylation. Mitotic kinases are major regulators of protein function, but equally important are protein phosphatases that balance their actions, their coordinated activity being essential for accurate chromosome segregation. Phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPPs) that dephosphorylate phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues are increasingly understood as essential regulators of mitosis. In contrast to kinases, the lack of a pronounced peptide-binding cleft o...
Source: Journal of Cell Biology - February 4, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Nilsson, J. Tags: Cell Cycle and Division Review Source Type: research
Saccharopine, a lysine degradation intermediate, is a mitochondrial toxin
Saccharopine, a nonproteinogenic amino acid originally isolated from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is an intermediate in lysine metabolism. In this issue, Zhou et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org./10.1083/jcb.201807204) show that abnormal accumulation of saccharopine results in defective mitochondrial dynamics and function in worm and mouse models. (Source: Journal of Cell Biology)
Source: Journal of Cell Biology - February 4, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Leandro, J., Houten, S. M. Tags: Spotlight Source Type: research
Detaching the tether: Remodeling mitochondrial localization during meiosis
During meiosis, many organelles including mitochondria undergo dramatic remodeling to be inherited in gametes. In this issue, new work from Sawyer et al. (2019. J. Cell. Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201807097) demonstrates that the developmentally programmed destruction of a tether releases mitochondria from the cell cortex during meiosis in budding yeast. (Source: Journal of Cell Biology)
Source: Journal of Cell Biology - February 4, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Lacefield, S. Tags: Spotlight Source Type: research
Dendritic cells mature to resist lamin degradation and herpes virus release
Herpes simplex viruses bud into the nuclear membrane of infected cells. Turan et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201801151) demonstrate that mature dendritic cells control the peripheral location of lysosomes, reducing autophagic degradation of lamins and inhibiting viral release. (Source: Journal of Cell Biology)
Source: Journal of Cell Biology - February 4, 2019 Category: Cytology Authors: Niedergang, F. Tags: Virology, Trafficking Spotlight Source Type: research
