{"title":"Outside Back Cover","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0955-0674(25)00013-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0955-0674(25)00013-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102475"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Opening the gate: Complexity and modularity of the nuclear pore scaffold and basket","authors":"Elisa Dultz , Valérie Doye","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are giant molecular assemblies that form the gateway between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and accommodate the bidirectional transport of a large variety of cargoes. Recent years have seen tremendous advances in our understanding of their building principles and have in particular called attention to the flexibility and variability of NPC composition and structure. Here, we review these recent advances and discuss how the newest technologies push the boundaries of nuclear pore research forward, with a specific highlight on the NPC scaffold and a prominent pore appendage, the nuclear basket, whose architecture has long been elusive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102461"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143015667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Organization of the chromosomal passenger complex clusters at inner centromeres in mitosis","authors":"Saho Matsui , Ryu-Suke Nozawa , Toru Hirota","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stable transmission of the genome during cell division is crucial for all life forms and is universally achieved by Aurora B-mediated error correction of the kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Aurora B is the enzymatic subunit of the tetrameric protein complex called the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), and its centromeric enrichment is required for Aurora B to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. How cells enrich the CPC at centromeres is therefore an outstanding question to be elucidated. We review our recent understanding of how CPCs are assembled at inner centromeres in mitosis, the mechanism depending on mitotic histone phosphorylations and beyond.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102462"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143015668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Regulation of actin dynamics by Twinfilin","authors":"Heidi Ulrichs, Shashank Shekhar","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Twinfilin is an evolutionarily conserved actin-binding protein initially mischaracterized as a tyrosine kinase but later recognized as a key regulator of cellular actin dynamics. As a member of the ADF-H family, twinfilin binds both actin monomers and filaments. Its role in sequestering G-actin is well-established, but its effects on actin filaments have been debated. While early studies suggested twinfilin caps filament barbed ends, later research demonstrated its role in nucleotide-specific barbed-end depolymerization. Further, it was initially thought to be a processive depolymerase. Recent structural and single-molecule studies have however challenged this view, indicating that twinfilin binding events result in the removal of only one or two actin subunits from the barbed end. Additionally, twinfilin directly binds capping protein (CP) and facilitates uncapping of CP-bound barbed ends. Here, we summarize twinfilin's cellular and tissue-specific localization, and examine its evolving role in regulating cellular actin dynamics in light of its known biochemical functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102459"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prolonged mitosis: A key indicator for detecting stressed and damaged cells","authors":"Carmen Sparr, Franz Meitinger","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During mitosis, chromosomes condense, align to form a metaphase plate and segregate to the two daughter cells. Mitosis is one of the most complex recurring transformations in the life of a cell and requires a high degree of reliability to ensure the error-free transmission of genetic information to the next cell generation. An abnormally prolonged mitosis indicates potential defects that compromise genomic integrity. The mitotic stopwatch pathway detects even moderately prolonged mitoses by integrating memories of mitotic durations, ultimately leading to p53-mediated cell cycle arrest or death. This mechanism competes with mitogen signaling to stop the proliferation of damaged and potentially dangerous cells at a pre-oncogenic stage. Mitosis is a highly vulnerable phase, which is affected by multiple types of cellular damages and diverse stresses. We discuss the hypothesis that the duration of mitosis serves as an indicator of cell health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102449"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142900160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Moving the fat: Emerging roles of rab GTPases in the regulation of lipid droplet contact sites","authors":"Mariano Alonso-Bivou , Albert Pol , Harriet P. Lo","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipid droplets (LDs) play crucial roles in lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cellular stress. Throughout their lifecycle, LDs establish membrane contact sites (MCSs) with the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, peroxisomes, endosomes, lysosomes, and phagosomes. LD MCSs are dynamically generated in response to metabolic or immune cues to ensure that LD lipids (and proteins) are timely delivered to optimize valuable substrates and avoid lipotoxicity. It is increasingly evident that many Rab GTPases are involved in LD dynamics. Here, we summarize our current understanding of how and when Rab proteins dynamically drive the generation of LD MCSs and regulate a variety of LD functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 102466"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143081993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topological epigenetics: The biophysics of DNA supercoiling and its relation to transcription and genome instability","authors":"Nick Gilbert , Davide Marenduzzo","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Whilst DNA encodes our genetic blueprint as individual nucleobases, as well as epigenetic annotations in the form of biochemical marks, it also carries an extra layer of topological information –, the local over or underwinding of the double helix, known as DNA supercoiling. Supercoiling is a fundamental property of DNA that can be viewed as “topological epigenetics”: it stores energy and structural information, and is tightly linked to fundamental processes; however, its quantification and study, by experiments and modelling alike, is challenging. We review experimental and simulation techniques to study supercoiling and its partition into twist and writhe, especially in the context of chromatin. We then discuss the dynamics of transcription-driven supercoiling in vitro and in vivo, and of supercoiling propagation along mammalian genomes. We finally provide evidence from the literature and potential mechanisms linking this ethereal topological mark to gene expression and chromosome instabilities in genetic diseases and cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 102448"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
John B. Linehan , Michael E. Werner , Amy Shaub Maddox
{"title":"Lessons on the force-form-function connection in cell biology from modeling a syncytial germline","authors":"John B. Linehan , Michael E. Werner , Amy Shaub Maddox","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Germline architecture plays a critical role in the production of functional gametes. Across species, oogenesis involves not only the preparation of the genome for sexual reproduction, but also the dramatic enlargement of a cell compartment to reach a volume sufficient to support embryogenesis. Creating exceptionally large cells is accomplished by a syncytial structure, in which many nucleus-containing compartments are interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges. Maintenance and function of the intricate multi-compartment architecture of syncytia requires cortical contractility, cytoplasmic flows, and germline extrinsic forces that deform and displace the germline and its constituent compartments. The dynamic interplay between local and global force production in shaping syncytial architecture makes the germline an excellent model to study the force-form-function connection in cell biology. Here, we highlight work that has combined physical modeling with cell biological measurements to define the force-form-function connection, using the <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em> oogenic germline as an archetype.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 102465"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sister chromatid cohesion through the lens of biochemical experiments","authors":"Yasuto Murayama","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Faithful chromosome segregation in eukaryotes relies on physical cohesion between newly duplicated sister chromatids. Cohesin is a ring-shaped ATPase assembly that mediates sister chromatid cohesion through its ability to topologically entrap DNA. Cohesin, assisted by several regulatory proteins, binds to DNA prior to DNA replication and then holds two sister DNAs together when it encounters the replication machinery. Cohesion establishment further requires cohesin acetylation, which confers near eternal stability on chromatin-bound cohesin until the onset of chromosome segregation. In addition to a wealth of experimental evidence from cellular studies, recent advances in reconstitution approaches are now beginning to unravel the biochemical properties of cohesin that underlie its function in sister chromatid cohesion. This review summarizes recent insights into the mechanism of cohesion establishment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 102464"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143069381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Autophagic flux measurement: Cargo degradation versus generation of degradation products","authors":"Noboru Mizushima","doi":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Autophagy is the cellular processes that transport cytoplasmic components to lysosomes for degradation. It plays essential physiological roles, including in adaptation to environmental changes such as starvation and maintaining intracellular quality control. Recently, its links to aging and disease have garnered substantial attention. Although various methods to measure autophagic activity (autophagic flux) have been developed, accurate measurement remains challenging and often contentious. This review presents a discussion of techniques to measure the flux of autophagy, particularly macroautophagy, utilizing two contrasting approaches—assaying cargo degradation versus assaying the generation of degradation products—with an emphasis on the advantages of the latter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50608,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Cell Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 102463"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}