Trends in Cell BiologyPub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-03-03DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.01.008
Amber Q Rock, Mansi Srivastava
{"title":"The gain and loss of plasticity during development and evolution.","authors":"Amber Q Rock, Mansi Srivastava","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Studies of embryonic plasticity, which were foundational for developmental biology, revealed variation across species and patterns of association with cleavage programs and adult regenerative capacity. Modern molecular and genetic tools now enable a reexamination of these classical experiments in diverse species and have the potential to reveal mechanisms that regulate plasticity over developmental time. This review synthesizes previous work on plasticity in embryos and adults and associated genetic mechanisms, providing a framework to organize data from a wide range of species. Mechanisms that explain how plasticity is lost in mammalian embryos are highlighted and crystallize a proposal for future studies in new research organisms that could identify shared principles for embryonic plasticity and, potentially, its maintenance into adulthood.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"823-839"},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143558863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimality as a framework for understanding developmental robustness.","authors":"Prachiti Moghe, Edouard Hannezo, Takashi Hiiragi","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Embryo growth, morphogenesis, and patterning are complex processes that coordinate between cellular dynamics, fate specification, and multiscale physical forces. Understanding how robustness in embryo development is achieved despite inherent heterogeneities in gene expression, cell properties, and tissue growth is a fundamental question. Although various feedback between gene expression, signaling, and cell and tissue mechanics have been uncovered to confer robustness on developmental systems, measuring variability and robustness from a quantitative perspective often remains challenging. Furthermore, cell fate plasticity, a key mechanism that can confer robustness, is lacking in many developing tissues. This review highlights how recent technological and conceptual advances in quantitative approaches to biology help to overcome these bottlenecks, with a particular focus on how mechanochemical feedback, or alternatively, selectively tuned control parameters, ensure developmental robustness.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeting the cell-cycle machinery for cancer therapy.","authors":"Yunhua Peng, Jiejing Liu, Hiroyuki Inuzuka, Jing Liu, Wenyi Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cell cycle is governed by tightly regulated checkpoints and proteogenomic oscillations that ensure genomic fidelity during cell proliferation. Dysregulation of the cell cycle can drive oncogenic transformation, and this positions it as a pivotal target in precision oncology. Recent advances reveal how proteomic and post-translational dynamics orchestrate cell-cycle phase transitions that are aberrantly disrupted in cancers. Therapeutic targeting of the CDK4/6 represents a cornerstone of cancer therapy, but resistance mechanisms limit its clinical efficacy. Emerging strategies such as targeted protein degradation, synthetic lethality, and combination immunotherapies further expand the therapeutic window. These innovations, coupled with biomarker-driven precision medicine, exploit cell-cycle vulnerabilities and transform them into an active tool to combat human cancers more effectively. This review highlights emerging mechanistic insights underlying tumorigenesis driven by an aberrant cell cycle and proposes potential therapeutics aimed at cell-cycle machinery-relevant targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145179983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Organelle-specific signaling of cGAS-STING.","authors":"Shengduo Liu, Ailian Wang, Chen Chen, Pinglong Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Innate immune sensing through cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) surveils cytosolic DNA from invading pathogens or damaged organelles and initiates a spectrum of immune responses. It is well established that upon 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) binding, STING exits the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), traverses the Golgi to trigger interferon programs, and finally reaches lysosomes for signal resolution through degradation, revealing a tightly choreographed itinerary for cytokine-driven immunity. However, emerging studies reveal additional layers of spatiotemporal complexity: ER-resident STING tunes in messenger RNA translation and Ca<sup>2+</sup> efflux, Golgi-localized STING functions as a proton channel that initiates H<sup>+</sup>-dependent autophagy and transcription factor EB-directed programs for organelle homeostasis, and various mechanisms for metabolic remodeling and cell fate determination. This review synthesizes emerging organelle-specific mechanisms of cGAS-STING, delineates their roles in physiology and disease, and discusses how an organelle-centric perspective may inform selective, context-sensitive immunotherapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145102705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What makes genes burst.","authors":"Varun Sood, Tom Misteli","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genes burst. Instead of being monotonously transcribed by a steady stream of RNA polymerases, active genes undergo transient and random pulses of transcription that are referred to as gene bursting. This property is ubiquitous and evolutionarily conserved from bacteria to humans, and reflects the inherent stochastic nature of most biological processes. The frequency and duration of gene busting events varies greatly between genes and is now recognized to be controlled by an intricate interplay between transcription factors, chromatin features, and the transcription machinery. Recent findings also point to proximal regulation of bursting by epigenetic chromatin states, a novel role of non-histone modifications, and of distal control of bursting patterns by enhancers. Uncovering the regulatory mechanisms of gene bursting sheds light on how cells maintain a diverse range of gene-specific expression by modulating the different kinetic parameters of bursting.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carly Guiltinan, Gerrald A Lodewijk, Sayaka Kozuki, S Ali Shariati
{"title":"Understanding human embryogenesis by building programmable stem cell-based models.","authors":"Carly Guiltinan, Gerrald A Lodewijk, Sayaka Kozuki, S Ali Shariati","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stem cell-based embryo models provide an alternative system to study an elusive period of development. Programmed mouse embryo models have recently been generated by activating two endogenous regulatory elements via epigenome editing. In this forum article, we discuss this achievement along with the potential of translating it to engineering models of human embryogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Cell BiologyPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-03-11DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.02.007
Jingyue Jia, Suttinee Poolsup, Jay E Salinas
{"title":"Cellular homeostatic responses to lysosomal damage.","authors":"Jingyue Jia, Suttinee Poolsup, Jay E Salinas","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.02.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.02.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lysosomes are essential membrane-bound organelles that control cellular homeostasis by integrating intracellular functions with external signals. Their critical roles make lysosomal membranes vulnerable to rupture under various stressors, leading to cellular dysfunction. However, the mechanisms by which cells respond to lysosomal damage have only recently begun to be explored. In this review, we summarize the cellular mechanisms activated by lysosomal damage, emphasizing those that restore lysosomal integrity and sustain homeostasis, including recognition, repair, removal, replacement, and remodeling. Drawing on our expertise, we provide an in-depth focus on the remodeling process involved in these responses, including metabolic signaling and stress granule formation. Finally, we discuss the implications of lysosomal damage in human diseases, underscoring potential therapeutic strategies to preserve lysosomal function and alleviate related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"761-772"},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143607294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Cell BiologyPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-18DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.06.007
María Chávez-Canales, Lorena Aguilar-Arnal
{"title":"Unlocking Latin America´s scientific potential: challenges and opportunities in a globalized world.","authors":"María Chávez-Canales, Lorena Aguilar-Arnal","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Latin America shows increasing scientific potential, with a dedicated and creative research community, driven by resilience and adaptability. However, limited funding, restricted access to cutting-edge technology, bureaucratic barriers, and constantly changing scientific policies continue to hinder its full integration into the international scientific ecosystem. Latin American scientists also suffer from limitations in their visibility on the global stage, often leading to exclusion. Despite these challenges, many success cases in the region highlight how strategic actions based on planned and sustained investments, international collaborations, and a relevant scientific policy positively impact scientific progress. Through this path, Latin America may not only overcome existing barriers but also position itself as a fundamental player in the scientific stage.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"723-728"},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144669089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Cell BiologyPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-24DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.001
Mayra Furlan-Magaril, Víctor Julián Valdés
{"title":"Science in Mexico: a rising force amid adversity.","authors":"Mayra Furlan-Magaril, Víctor Julián Valdés","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite its economic and population status, Mexico's scientific output remains under 1% of global production because of low spending on science. Yet, additional challenges, including over-reliance on expensive imported technology, brain drain, and limited private sector investment, further hinder its progress. Nonetheless, significant opportunities exist, such as fostering local biotechnology, enhancing policy continuity, and leveraging new leadership to boost scientific growth. Although focused on Mexico, these insights hold relevance for the broader region of Latin America, a region that shares vast untapped scientific potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"720-722"},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144719166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in Cell BiologyPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-22DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.002
Mengnan Xu, Pingping Wang, Xian-Ping Dong
{"title":"Endosome-ER contact sites in phagophore formation.","authors":"Mengnan Xu, Pingping Wang, Xian-Ping Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcb.2025.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autophagy is a crucial 'self-eating' mechanism used by eukaryotic cells to degrade and recycle cytosolic materials. A recent study by Da Graça et al. reports that the dynamic mobilization of endosome-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (EERCS) in response to starvation creates a confined environment that facilitates Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent phagophore biogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"729-731"},"PeriodicalIF":18.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}