Review
Cell Biology
Margarida Dantas, Joana T. Lima, Jorge G. Ferreira
Summary: Cells undergo extensive reorganization of the cytoskeleton and nucleus in preparation for mitosis, coordinated by Cyclin-CDK activity. Recent studies suggest that physical forces are also involved in spindle assembly. The crosstalk of physical forces and biochemical signals ensures efficient spindle assembly and chromosome segregation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nejma Belaadi, Lydia Pernet, Julien Aureille, Gilliane Chadeuf, Marc Rio, Nathalie Vaillant, Elisa Vitiello, Laurence Lafanechere, Gervaise Loirand, Christophe Guilluy
Summary: The rigidity of the extracellular matrix affects cell division, with cells dividing more rapidly on rigid substrates. Changes in matrix stiffness impact mitosis progression, potentially through the regulation of SUN2 expression.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Fabiola Mascanzoni, Roberta Iannitti, Antonino Colanzi
Summary: The dynamic association between the Golgi complex and the centrosome plays a crucial role in cellular processes such as cell polarization and division.
Article
Oncology
Jose Thaiparambil, Chandra S. Amara, Subrata Sen, Nagireddy Putluri, Randa El-Zein
Summary: The exposure to cigarette smoke can induce centrosome amplification and clustering in lung epithelial cells, which may contribute to lung carcinogenesis. The cyclin D2-mediated centrosome clustering pathway is critical for mitosis and its inhibition can lead to cell death.
Article
Microbiology
Ramiro Tomasina, Fabiana C. Gonzalez, Erica S. Martins-Duarte, Philippe Bastin, Mathieu Gissot, Maria E. Francia
Summary: Centrosomes are crucial for cell division and formation of the mitotic spindle. This study reveals the important role of the inner core protein TgCep250L1 in Toxoplasma gondii cell division, as its absence leads to nuclear segregation defects and failure to assemble the mitotic spindle.
Article
Cell Biology
Sylvia Fenosoa Rasamizafy, Claude Delsert, Gabriel Rabeharivelo, Julien Cau, Nathalie Morin, Juliette van Dijk
Summary: Tubulin post-translational modifications play a crucial role in regulating microtubule properties and functions, with depletion of the acetyltransferase ATAT1 causing defects in mitotic progression. This study highlights the importance of tubulin acetylation in maintaining spindle bipolarity and proper recruitment of proteins essential for mitosis.
Review
Cell Biology
Jocelynda Salvador, M. Luisa Iruela-Arispe
Summary: Vascular cells are constantly influenced by physical forces associated with heart activities and vessel geometry, which regulate the transcriptional program and phenotype of these cells in different regions of the vascular tree. The nucleus plays a critical role as a mechanosensor, and maintaining nuclear integrity is essential for proper vascular function and stability.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhenzhen Chu, Oliver J. Gruss
Summary: Centrosomes play a crucial role in animal cell division. In this study, the researchers investigated the roles of centriolar satellite proteins SSX2IP and WDR8, as well as centriolar protein CEP135, in centrosome assembly and function. They found that the loss of SSX2IP and WDR8 could be compensated for, but the loss of CEP135 resulted in compromised centrosome function.
Review
Cell Biology
Bhavna Rani, Deepesh K. K. Gupta, Staffan Johansson, Siamak A. A. Kamranvar
Summary: Recent research indicates that integrin-mediated adhesion plays a role in regulating cell division at two crucial steps. This review examines the involvement of integrin signals in different stages of the cell cycle under normal conditions and the safety mechanisms that counteract the generation of aneuploid cells in cases of defective integrin signals.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Danyuan Huang, Shuo Chen, Ding Xiong, Han Wang, Li Zhu, Yuanyuan Wei, Yuyu Li, Shujuan Zou
Summary: Cells need to sense and adapt to mechanical changes in their environment. Mitochondrial dynamics and the cytoskeleton play crucial roles in this process. However, the mechanisms underlying the integration of mechanosensing, mechanotransduction, and metabolic reprogramming remain poorly understood.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mark Colasurdo, Elisa B. Nieves, Marc A. Fernandez-Yague, Christian Franck, Andres J. Garcia
Summary: Cell-extracellular matrix forces play a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. However, the study of mechanobiology in three-dimensional systems is still limited. In this study, a platform integrating a synthetic hydrogel system with 3D traction force microscopy was developed to evaluate deformation and force responses within synthetic microenvironments. The findings shed light on the contributions of adhesive peptide density and polymer density, as well as matrix stiffness, to 3D force generation by fibroblasts. Rho-kinase-dependent contractility and vinculin expression were also found to be essential for significant 3D force generation. This research provides valuable insights into mechanobiology and how cells sense and transmit forces in three dimensions.
Review
Oncology
Valentina Lodde, Rodrigo Garcia Barros, Laura Terzaghi, Federica Franciosi, Alberto Maria Luciano
Summary: This review highlights the emerging role of PGRMC1 in cell division, particularly in mitosis. Due to limited research on PGRMC1, there is still much to be explored regarding its function and mechanisms in cell division.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agata Gluszek-Kustusz, Benjamin Craske, Thibault Legal, Toni McHugh, Julie P. Welburn
Summary: During mitosis, the microtubule crosslinker protein PRC1 recruits motor proteins CENP-E and Kif4A to the central spindle to coordinate chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. This recruitment is mediated by a conserved hydrophobic motif and is spatially and temporally regulated by CENP-E. The interaction between PRC1 and microtubule motor proteins is essential for controlling chromosome partitioning, maintaining central spindle integrity, and ensuring cytokinesis during anaphase.
Article
Cell Biology
Amanda Guerreiro, Filipe De Sousa, Nicolas Liaudet, Daria Ivanova, Anja Eskat, Patrick Meraldi
Summary: In cells, WDR62 localizes at spindle poles, promoting the recruitment of the microtubule-severing enzyme katanin. This protein helps in efficient poleward microtubule flux during chromosome segregation, ultimately preventing lagging chromosomes during anaphase.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincent Cutillas, Christopher A. Johnston
Summary: Maintenance of proper mitotic spindle structure is crucial for error-free chromosome segregation and cell division. The interaction between Mud and Ncd may play a critical role in regulating the activity of minus-end motor proteins at mitotic spindle poles.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luisa T. Ferreira, Elsa Logarinho, Joana C. Macedo, Ana Rita R. Maia, Helder Maiato
Summary: Soga1 and Soga2/MTCL1 are proteins that interact with CLASPs during mitosis and are crucial for faithful chromosome segregation in human cells. They exhibit phosphorylation regulation by CDK1, co-localize with different structures during mitosis, and are independently required for distinct aspects of chromosome segregation.
CHROMOSOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Bernardo Orr, Filipe De Sousa, Ana Margarida Gomes, Olga Afonso, Luisa T. Ferreira, Ana C. Figueiredo, Helder Maiato
Summary: Aurora B kinase plays a crucial role in human cell division by actively monitoring and correcting frequent chromosome segregation errors to prevent micronuclei formation.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Soares-de-Oliveira, Helder Maiato
Summary: This study proposes a new perspective that chromosome biorientation is driven by microtubule self-organization at kinetochores, challenging the previous stochastic models.
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. Almeida, Joana Soares-de-Oliveira, Danica Drpic, Liam P. Cheeseman, Joana Damas, Harris A. Lewin, Denis M. Larkin, Paulo Aguiar, Antonio J. Pereira, Helder Maiato
Summary: Chromosome segregation in mammals relies on the maturation of K-fibers, and augmin plays a key role in this process. Our study reveals that augmin promotes turnover and poleward flux of kinetochore and interpolar microtubules and increases the frequency of microtubule growth through branched microtubule nucleation. These findings are important for understanding the self-organization and maturation of K-fibers in mammals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Margarida Gomes, Bernardo Orr, Marco Novais-Cruz, Filipe De Sousa, Joana Macario-Monteiro, Carolina Lemos, Cristina Ferras, Helder Maiato
Summary: Defects in chromosome alignment may lead to chromosomal/genomic instability, further driving the division of cancer cells. This study uncovers the distinct mechanism of misaligned chromosomes and reveals genetic conditions predisposing to these events.
Article
Cell Biology
Margarida Dantas, Andreia Oliveira, Paulo Aguiar, Helder Maiato, Jorge G. Ferreira
Summary: Mitotic entry is regulated by the activity of cyclin B1-CDK1 complexes. This study demonstrates that actomyosin-dependent nuclear tension during prophase regulates the nuclear translocation of cyclin B1 and has implications for chromosome segregation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Talia Feijao, Bruno Marques, Rui D. Silva, Celia Carvalho, Daniel Sobral, Ricardo Matos, Tian Tan, Antonio Pereira, Eurico Morais-de-Sa, Helder Maiato, Steven Z. DeLuca, Rui Goncalo Martinho
Summary: The timely expression of synaptonemal complex (SC) coding genes is essential for successful meiosis, but SC components have a tendency to self-organize into abnormal structures. This study reveals that the Polycomb group protein Sfmbt plays a crucial role in preventing excessive expression of SC genes during prophase I. Depletion of Sfmbt leads to abnormal SC disassembly and the formation of multiple synaptonemal complexes (polycomplexes). Further investigation suggests that other Polycomb group proteins and the overexpression of the SC gene corona are also associated with polycomplex formation during SC disassembly.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Danilo Lopes, Alexandre L. Seabra, Bernardo Orr, Helder Maiato
Summary: This study identifies high alpha-tubulin acetylation as a potential biomarker for cancer cell response to taxol and uncovers a mechanistic link between alpha-tubulin detyrosination and the suppression of MCAK activity in taxol-induced cytotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wangxi Luo, Vladimir Demidov, Qi Shen, Hugo Girao, Manas Chakraborty, Aleksandr Maiorov, Fazly I. Ataullakhanov, Chenxiang Lin, Helder Maiato, Ekaterina L. Grishchuk
Summary: CLASPs are universal stabilizers of microtubule dynamics, and this study reveals that clusters of human CLASP2 form a load-bearing bond with terminal non-GTP tubulins at the stabilized microtubule tip. This activity relies on the TOG2 domain of CLASP2, which releases its high-affinity bond with non-GTP tubulins when they convert into polymerization-competent GTP-tubulins. The recognition of nucleotide-specific tubulin conformation by CLASP2 and its ability to stabilize non-GTP tubulins contribute to the suppression of catastrophe at freely assembling microtubule ends and the promotion of persistent tubulin assembly at load-bearing tethered ends.
Review
Cell Biology
Helder Maiato, Sonia Silva
Summary: This article discusses the origin and fate of chromosome segregation errors that satisfy the spindle assembly checkpoint, focusing on anaphase surveillance/correction mechanisms and post-mitotic clearance pathways.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Marco Novais-Cruz, Antonio Pombinho, Mafalda Sousa, Andre F. Maia, Helder Maiato, Cristina Ferras
Summary: DNA damage in mitosis leads to misalignment of chromosomes and causes mitotic delay and micronuclei formation. Chromokinesin-mediated missegregation of polar chromosomes contributes to genomic instability induced by therapeutic DNA damage regimens in cancer cells.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria P. Silva, Luisa T. Ferreira, Natercia F. Bras, Lurdes Torres, Andreia Brandao, Manuela Pinheiro, Marta Cardoso, Joana Vieira, Carlos M. Palmeira, Gabriela Martins, Sofia Maia, Helder Maiato, Manuel R. Teixeira, Paula Paulo
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
H. Maiato, A. Almeida, J. Soares de-Oliveira, D. Drpic, L. Cheeseman, P. Aguiar, A. Pereira
Review
Cell Biology
Alyssa Kearly, Andrew D. L. Nelson, Aleksandra Skirycz, Monika Chodasiewicz
Summary: Stress Granules (SGs) and Processing-bodies (P-bodies) are important biomolecular condensates that play crucial roles in maintaining mRNA balance and regulating stress responses. They are composed of proteins and RNAs involved in translation, protein folding, and energy metabolism.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
P. Lemonnier, T. Lawson
Summary: Stomatal conductance plays a crucial role in determining CO2 uptake and water loss in plants, affecting overall water status and productivity. However, the signals coordinating mesophyll demands for CO2, the role of chloroplasts in stomatal function, and other GC metabolic processes in stomatal function remain poorly understood.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Matteo Gionfriddo, Timothy Rhodes, Spencer M. Whitney
Summary: Rubisco is a key enzyme that facilitates the entry of CO2 into the biosphere, but its catalytic properties are slow and error-prone. More effective Rubisco variants have been discovered in certain algae, offering the potential to significantly improve crop productivity. However, incompatibilities in protein folding have hindered the transplantation of these variants into plants. Directed evolution is now being explored to enhance Rubisco catalysis.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Vittoria Clapero, Stephanie Arrivault, Mark Stitt
Summary: The Calvin-Benson cycle has undergone massive selection and co-evolution with carbon-concentrating mechanisms due to changing environmental factors. Metabolite profiling reveals species-specific variations in the operation of the cycle, indicating the influence of different modes of photosynthesis. Connectivity analysis identifies constraints and driving factors for cross-species diversity in the cycle.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Sukhbir Kaur, David D. Roberts
Summary: Thrombospondin-1 modulates cell behavior by interacting with components of the extracellular matrix and cell surface receptors. Its release and expression are influenced by injuries and various diseases, while its sustained presence in the extracellular space is regulated by receptor-mediated clearance. Thrombospondin-1 plays important roles in immune responses.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Richard P. Tucker, Josephine C. Adams
Summary: Thrombospondins (TSPs) play diverse roles in animals and have been found to belong to a superfamily that includes different subgroups such as mega-TSPs, sushi-TSPs, and poriferan-TSPs. Invertebrates encode a greater diversity of TSP superfamily members than vertebrates.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
James Petrik, Sylvia Lauks, Bianca Garlisi, Jack Lawler
Summary: Many cancers start with a small nest of transformed cells that can remain dormant. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) initially promotes dormancy by suppressing angiogenesis, but over time, factors promoting angiogenesis become dominant and recruit various cells to form a complex tumor microenvironment. TSPs play a role in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells in the tumor microenvironment, as well as influencing the immune characteristics and phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Hana Fakim, Christine Vande Velde
Summary: There has been increasing attention to the role of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, specifically stress granules, in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. ALS-associated mutations in genes involved in stress granule assembly have been found, and stress granule proteins have been detected in pathological inclusions in ALS patient neurons. However, protein components of stress granules are also present in other physiological biomolecular condensates, which have not been adequately discussed in relation to ALS. This review explores the functions of TDP-43 and FUS in physiological condensates occurring in the nucleus and neurites beyond stress granules, and discusses the impact of ALS-linked mutations on their ability to phase separate and perform their functions in stress-independent biomolecular condensates.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Alexander Lin, Yogambha Ramaswamy, Ashish Misra
Summary: Smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages in blood vessels display remarkable heterogeneity, and their developmental origins may influence their plasticity. Unbiased single cell whole transcriptome analysis techniques are revolutionizing the understanding of cellular diversity and plasticity, providing insights for therapeutic research.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Elton P. Hudson
Summary: The Calvin Benson cycle plays a crucial role in the ecological and biotechnological aspects of bacteria. Recent studies have shed light on the regulation of this cycle in bacteria, with post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation being important in phototrophic bacteria, and transcriptional regulation being prominent in chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. Understanding the regulation of the Calvin Benson cycle has implications for enhancing CO2 fixation and improving the synthesis of desired products. Non-canonical cycles may offer potential benefits for industrial applications.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Xin-Guang Zhu, Haim Treves, Honglong Zhao
Summary: This paper discusses the major regulatory mechanisms over the Calvin Benson Cycle (CBC) that maintain homeostasis of metabolite levels. These mechanisms include redox regulation of enzymes, metabolite regulations (especially allosteric regulations), and balanced activities of enzymes. These regulatory mechanisms are crucial for maintaining high flux and photosynthetic efficiency in CBC.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Hunter C. Herriage, Yi-Ting Huang, Brian R. Calvi
Summary: Apoptosis prevents the inappropriate acquisition of extra copies of the genome, known as polyploidy, but the polyploid state can suppress apoptosis. The mechanisms linking apoptosis and polyploid cell cycles are still largely unknown, and studying the regulation of apoptosis in development and cancer could lead to more effective therapies.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Daniel Campbell, Steven Zuryn
Summary: Mitochondrial dynamics play a crucial role in regulating cellular and organismal homeostasis, impacting various aspects of an organism's healthspan. By studying the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of mitochondrial dynamics on homeostasis over a lifetime can be obtained.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Diba Borgmann, Henning Fenselau
Summary: Maintaining blood glucose at an appropriate physiological level requires coordination of multiple organs and tissues, with the vagus nerve playing a key role in central control. Recent studies have revealed the cellular identity, neuroanatomical organization, and functional contributions of vagal neurons in the regulation of systemic glucose metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the precise roles of vagal neurons in coordinating glucose levels and offer potential avenues for treating glucose metabolism disorders.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Tatiana C. Coverdell, Stephen B. G. Abbott, John N. Campbell
Summary: In this article, we review how genetic technology and single-cell genomics are revealing the organizational principles of the efferent vagus in unprecedented detail.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
