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Beyond classic stress signalling: how mitochondrial stress softens the cell nucleus and alters cellular identity

Researchers discovered that mitochondrial dysfunction triggers a sophisticated metabolic response in brown fat cells, rewiring key enzymes to produce D-2HG. This metabolite modifies the cell nucleus, changing gene expression and nuclear structure, promoting adaptation and altering cellular identity.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2025

“She loves me, she loves me not”: physical forces encouraged evolution of multicellular life, scientists propose

A study from the Marine Biological Laboratory proposes that physical forces, such as fluid dynamics, played a key role in the evolution of multicellular life. The researchers found that cooperative feeding among Stentor cells increased the flow rate of water into their mouths, allowing them to capture more prey. However, the benefits o...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

The fine control of cell mechanics

Researchers discovered that gamma-actin increases the rigidity of cell membranes while beta-actin filaments are less stiff. This mechanism may contribute to hearing loss by affecting the apical membrane's stiffness essential for auditory function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2025

Spirals and waves

Researchers Navdeep Rana and Ramin Golestanian investigated non-reciprocal interaction and defect formation in active systems, finding well-ordered wave patterns emerge when non-reciprocity exceeds a certain level. This property opens avenues for applications of non-reciprocal active matter systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

Complexity of tumors revealed in 3D

Researchers have created detailed 3D maps of multiple tumor types, revealing how cells are organized within the tumor and how it changes when spreading to other organs. These maps could lead to new approaches in therapy and transform the way cancer is understood and treated.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2024

A new target for anxiety disorders

Scientists have identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying brain cell communication, regulating excitatory synapse maturation and contributing to anxiety disorders. The study reveals the TrkC-PTPσ complex governs synaptic protein phosphorylation, leading to abnormal synapse organization and behavioral defects in mice.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 11, 2024

Big impacts from small changes in cell

Researchers at Göttingen and Warwick Universities studied the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal networks composed of actin isoforms. The study found that gamma actin forms rigid networks near the cell apex, while beta actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with distinct organizational patterns.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

How CAMSAP2 proteins organize microtubule networks

Researchers discovered that CAMSAP2 proteins utilize phase separation to form an 'aster' structure, which then organizes into a microtubule network. This process is crucial for the formation of specialized cell shapes, such as those found in heart muscle and nerve cells.

SourceKobe University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

Our cells take their ease in the curves

A UNIGE team discovered that cells in curved tissues swell by 50% before returning to normal, opening avenues for in vitro organ culture. This active phenomenon can be harnessed to control spontaneous growth of organoids and develop new materials with volume increase upon folding.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeNews article·DateMay 13, 2022

Genetic DJ: Growing cells remix their genes

A study by Babraham Institute and Weizmann Institute reveals genes are constantly rearranged in cells, changing their positions to fine-tune gene expression. Researchers collected data from over 4,000 individual cells using single-cell Hi-C technology, providing unique insights into genome organisation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

How to organize a cell: Novel insight from a fungus

Researchers have found that random distribution of organelles in cells is an energy-dependent activity, utilizing ATP to transport organelles along cytoskeleton fibers. This study has implications for understanding human disorders, such as Zellweger syndrome, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2016

EMBO Gold Medal 2014 awarded to Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin received the 2014 EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on cellular polarity, which has renewed interest in mechanisms of cell size regulation. Her work revealed a potential mechanism by which microtubules direct actin cytoskeleton-driven cell growth.

SourceEMBO·DateApr 23, 2014

The circadian clock: Understanding nature's timepiece

Researchers have discovered that the human circadian clock is organized in a complex network of groups performing different functions, contrary to previous beliefs. This new understanding has significant implications for health, safety, and economic benefits, particularly in addressing jet lag and sleep-related issues.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMar 7, 2005