Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100323
Dongwook Kim , Byeongchan Kim , Ji Won Um , Jaewon Ko
{"title":"A decade of progress in understanding LRRTM and Slitrk synaptic cell-adhesion molecules","authors":"Dongwook Kim , Byeongchan Kim , Ji Won Um , Jaewon Ko","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For over a decade, synaptic cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) have been recognized as fundamental determinants of neural circuit specificity and diversity. Among the CAMs, leucine-rich repeat-containing transmembrane proteins have been established as crucial regulators of synaptic properties across diverse cell types and brain regions. This minireview focuses on two families of leucine-rich repeat-containing CAMs: leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins and the Slit and Trk-like family. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of significant findings on leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins and Slit and Trk-like family since their initial characterization more than 15 years ago. Furthermore, we outline key unresolved questions to stimulate future studies on their functional mechanisms in neural circuit assembly and their pathophysiological roles in various neurological disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 3","pages":"Article 100323"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146097290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100321
Shira Zelikman, Sun-Ju Yi, Kyunghwan Kim
{"title":"Reprogramming host histone modifications by bacterial pathogens","authors":"Shira Zelikman, Sun-Ju Yi, Kyunghwan Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100321","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate host cellular processes, ensuring survival, replication, and long-term persistence. Beyond classical immune signaling, emerging evidence highlights the central role of epigenetic regulation in host-pathogen interactions. Pathogens exploit host chromatin through 2 principal mechanisms: (1) direct modification of histones by bacterial effector proteins with intrinsic enzymatic activities and (2) indirect modulation of host epigenetic states through alterations in signaling pathways or cellular metabolism. These interventions alter post-translational histone modifications—acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and lactylation—thereby reshaping transcriptional programs to suppress antimicrobial responses, promote immune tolerance, or establish persistent infection. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the dynamic interplay between bacterial virulence and host chromatin regulation, highlighting epigenetic reprogramming as a key determinant of infection outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 3","pages":"Article 100321"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146046854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100319
Ying Han , Xiaoyan Dai , Bo Zhang
{"title":"Orchestrating synaptic strength by neuroligin-confined nanoscale organization","authors":"Ying Han , Xiaoyan Dai , Bo Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synaptic nanocluster refers to the nanoscale accumulation of synaptic proteins that ensures the fidelity of synaptic transmission. These nanoclusters align pre- and post-synaptic machineries across the synaptic cleft, enabling neurotransmitter release to occur precisely opposite postsynaptic receptors. In vertebrates, neuroligins are key postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that help maintain synaptic function. Recent superresolution microscopy studies have shown that neuroligins themselves form nanoclusters and regulate the nanoscale distribution of synaptic proteins, suggesting a role in orchestrating synaptic strength through nanocluster organization. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding how neuroligin subtype specificity influences the organization of postsynaptic receptors and how neuroligin-ligand interactions modulate nanoscale architecture. We also discuss how disruption in those nanoclusters can disturb synaptic strength.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 3","pages":"Article 100319"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100328
Shane Watson, Richard C. Sando
{"title":"The expanding roles of adhesion GPCRs in neural circuit assembly","authors":"Shane Watson, Richard C. Sando","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100328","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bidirectional trans-synaptic signaling directs synapse formation and neural circuit assembly. Increasing evidence supports that several subfamilies of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) control important mechanistic aspects of synapse assembly and neural circuit wiring by combining trans-synaptic adhesion with G protein-coupled receptor signaling. These subfamilies include Latrophilins (ADGRL), CELSRs (cadherin EGF LAG 7-transmembrane receptors/ADGRC), and BAIs (brain angiogenesis inhibitors/ADGRB). Recently, aGPCRs have been linked to neurological disorders, further emphasizing the important roles of these receptors for proper neurological functions. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the functions of several aGPCRs in synaptic circuits and their links to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 3","pages":"Article 100328"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/S1016-8478(26)00015-4
{"title":"Cover and caption","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1016-8478(26)00015-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1016-8478(26)00015-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 2","pages":"Article 100324"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-04DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100311
Yikhyeon Seo , Jimin Pak , Jiyun Han , Joonbeom Bae , Soo Seok Hwang
{"title":"Viral transduction for T cell engineering in immunotherapy","authors":"Yikhyeon Seo , Jimin Pak , Jiyun Han , Joonbeom Bae , Soo Seok Hwang","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Viral transduction of primary T cells enables stable genetic engineering for research and immunotherapy, supporting both transgene overexpression and gene deletion. Although the overall workflow can be similar to transduction in other mammalian cell lines, primary T cell culture imposes distinct requirements such as cell-state-dependent nuances shaped by T cell activation and proliferation, which can make it challenging to obtain a sufficient number of genetically engineered T cells. This article provides practical guidance for researchers new to T cells but familiar with basic mammalian cell culture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 2","pages":"Article 100311"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145912427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100309
Yujing Wang , Zhixiang Le , Rujie Shi , Kun Li
{"title":"Roles of Exosome–Derived Noncoding RNA in Fibrosis","authors":"Yujing Wang , Zhixiang Le , Rujie Shi , Kun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2025.100309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues and organs during damage-repair responses. This pathological process can involve almost any tissue or organ and may eventually lead to organ failure, posing a major threat to human health. ECM production is closely related to intercellular communication. As one of the biologically active substances participating in intercellular communication, exosomes have attracted increasing attention in recent years. In particular, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) enriched in exosomes regulate gene expression at multiple levels and influence the fibrosis process. Common ncRNAs include miRNA, long ncRNAs, circRNA, and tRNA, which can be selectively loaded into exosomes by various cells to modulate receptor cell functions. In fibrosis-related diseases, the primary sources of exosome-derived ncRNAs (Exo-ncRNAs) include mesenchymal stem cells, macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. These Exo-ncRNAs regulate macrophage polarization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation within the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the regulatory roles and molecular mechanisms of these ncRNAs in the fibrosis process, and discuss Exo-ncRNAs with potential therapeutic effects. Understanding Exo-ncRNAs from different cell sources may provide new research directions for pathological intervention and the treatment of multiorgan fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 2","pages":"Article 100309"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Molecules and CellsPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100310
Eun-Ji Lee , Jae-Geun Lee , Jeong-Soo Lee
{"title":"A brief guide to the in vivo chemogenetic cell ablation approach in zebrafish","authors":"Eun-Ji Lee , Jae-Geun Lee , Jeong-Soo Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In vivo cell ablation technologies are essential tools for understanding biological processes within living animal models. The nitroreductase (NTR)/metronidazole system enables highly effective spatiotemporal cell ablation. Using transgenic zebrafish that combine NTR2.0 with the QF3/QUAS binary gene expression system, conditions to achieve efficient cell type–specific chemogenetic ablation were optimized. This approach provides a versatile in vivo platform for investigating developmental processes and regeneration, as well as for disease modeling and drug discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18795,"journal":{"name":"Molecules and Cells","volume":"49 2","pages":"Article 100310"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}