Cell Biology
- Identification of FAM53C as a cytosolic-anchoring inhibitory binding protein of the kinase DYRK1A
A previously uncharacterized protein, FAM53C, is identified as a binding partner for the kinase DYRK1A involved in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. FAM53C anchors the DYRK1A-DCAF7 complex within the cell cytoplasm in a kinase-inactive state.
- Functional plasticity in chromosome–microtubule coupling on the evolutionary time scale
We identify a lethal mutation in a subunit of the Dam1 complex, a chromosome–microtubule coupler in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with point centromeres. However, this mutation is tolerated in organisms with longer regional centromeres, possibly by employing more microtubules to capture each chromosome.
- FAM111A regulates replication origin activation and cell fitness
Tight control of FAM111A is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis: FAM111A depletion impairs DNA replication, whereas its unrestrained expression leads to ssDNA formation and cell death.
- Peptide derived from SLAMF1 prevents TLR4-mediated inflammation in vitro and in vivo
SLAMF1-derived peptide P7 inhibits TLR4-mediated signaling and prevents animal death in mice subjected to LPS shock by blocking TIRAP–MyD88 interaction and TRAM recruitment to TLR4.
- Two domains of Tim50 coordinate translocation of proteins across the two mitochondrial membranes
Biochemical and genetic experiments identify distinct roles of the two domains of Tim50 in the intermembrane space during translocation of proteins into the mitochondria via the TOM and TIM23 complexes.
- SiR-DNA/SiR–Hoechst-induced chromosome entanglement generates severe anaphase bridges and DNA damage
Live-cell imaging-based study calls for caution when using SiR-DNA, as it induces chromosome entanglement that severely impairs sister chromatid segregation in mitosis, consequently causing DNA damage.
- MAST4 promotes primary ciliary resorption through phosphorylation of Tctex-1
The mechanism that underlies cilium resorption is not well understood. This study reveals the microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) is a novel kinase that promotes ciliary resorption by localizing ciliary base-phosphorylation of Tctex-1 at Thr94 and its downstream effectors.
- RB loss sensitizes cells to replication-associated DNA damage after PARP inhibition by trapping
After PARP inhibition by trapping, cells lacking the RB tumor suppressor experience persistent replication stress and genomic instability that compromise cell viability.
- KIF16B drives MT1-MMP recycling in macrophages and promotes co-invasion of cancer cells
Recycling of the metalloproteinase MT1-MMP by the motor KIF16B regulates 3D invasion of macrophages, and also co-invasion of cancer cells, pointing to a role of KIF16B in the tumor microenvironment.
- Control of Paneth cell function by HuR regulates gut mucosal growth by altering stem cell activity
HuR stimulates the activity of intestinal stem cells by enhancing Paneth cell function via activation of mitochondrial metabolism, thus promoting renewal of the intestinal mucosa.