Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New understanding of the inner world of lysosomes

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a protein called Spns1 that transports broken-down phospholipids out of lysosomes and into the cytoplasm, where they can be recycled. This finding further understanding of the role of lysosomes in lipid metabolism and disease, particularly in rare genetic disorders.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

To cell surface and beyond: Tracing subcellular glycoprotein transport using modified cholera toxin

Scientists at Okayama University designed and tested a modified cholera toxin to study glycosylation in eukaryotic cells. They tracked the toxin's movement through organelles using bioluminescence, gaining insights into protein modification. This method may lead to new treatments for diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies.

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Inside the jellyfish’s sting: Exploring the micro-architecture of a cellular weapon

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have developed a precise model for the stinging organelle of the starlet sea anemone, revealing its complex architecture and firing mechanism. The findings could lead to beneficial applications in medicine, including microscopic therapeutic delivery devices.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2022

Hungry yeast are tiny, living thermometers

Researchers discovered that yeast cells can actively regulate temperature-dependent phase separation in their membranes. This process is crucial for membrane function and cell division. By adjusting the temperature, yeast cells can maintain a consistent state of phase separation, which may be essential for optimal cellular performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

First detailed look at how molecular Ferris wheel delivers protons to cellular factories

Researchers have figured out a key step in how molecular Ferris wheels work in yeast proton pumps, providing insight into a fundamental process that could be harnessed to thwart disease. The study uses high-resolution images and computer simulations to confirm the role of water molecules in conveying protons through the membrane.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Lane change in the cytoskeleton

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism for communication between microtubule and actin networks, enabling color change in amphibians and fish. A theoretical model supports the findings, highlighting the regulatory efficiency of cytoskeletal interactions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2020

Novel 3D microscopy technique reveals new phenomena in living cells

A novel 3D microscopy technique allows researchers to quantify previously unseen or unexplained cell behavior. The technique has been applied to study the dynamics of organelles and fat droplets within living cells, revealing new aspects of their behavior such as synchronization of swelling among droplets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 19, 2019

Fine-tuning gene expression during stress recovery

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that nuclear stress bodies help cells recover from stress by regulating intron retention, a process essential for gene expression. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious organelles' role in stress response and has implications for understanding various biological functions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 29, 2019

Mechanism to form influenza A virus discovered

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have identified a new mechanism for assembling influenza A virus genomes within infected cells. The study reveals that viral-induced compartments called 'viral inclusions' use liquid-liquid phase separation to segregate and assemble the eight distinct parts of the genetic material.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2019

Researchers imitate molecular crowding in cells

Chemists from the University of Basel have successfully simulated molecular crowding in artificial vesicles, offering insights into the development of nanoreactors and artificial organelles. The study reveals that the crowding effect influences enzymatic kinetics, enabling specific control over chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateMar 1, 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

Controller in the cell

Researchers identify a new autophagy receptor, FAM134B, which ensures proper breakdown and disposal of dysfunctional endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in FAM134B cause rare hereditary disease HSAN II, highlighting the importance of autophagy in cellular quality control.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2015

Discovery of hair-cell roots suggests the brain modulates sound sensitivity

The discovery of a previously unknown root extension in hair cells suggests the brain regulates sound sensitivity and head position. This finding challenges current understanding of how hair cells work, with the striated organelle connecting the rootlets to the cell membrane enabling feedback from the cell to the detectors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2012

Researchers discover new shapes of microcompartments

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered new shapes of microcompartment shells, including dodecahedra and octahedra, which can be used to create containers or microreactors with specific functions. These designed shells could efficiently deliver therapeutic materials to cells at targeted locations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2011

'Birth control' for centrioles

Researchers at Rockefeller University Press have uncovered a mechanism that limits centriole duplication, allowing cells to fashion extra centrioles only once per cell cycle. This discovery could lead to the development of new cancer treatments by restricting tumor cells' ability to replicate centrioles.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 26, 2009