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Cell Biology

The study of cell structure, function, and behavior, including organelles, cell division, signaling, metabolism, differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms governing cellular processes in health and disease

12 papers

Papers

Stretch regulation of ẞ2-Adrenoceptor signalling in cardiomyocytes requires caveolae

This study, conducted on isolated rat heart cells and mouse heart tissue, found that mechanical stretch increases the activity of a specific signaling pathway (β2-Adrenoceptor) within heart cells, which in turn boosts their contractility. This stretch-induced boost relies on tiny cell structures called caveolae, as disrupting them prevented the effect. However, these findings are based on non-human, isolated models and their direct applicability to complex human heart conditions remains to be fully explored.

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Cell Biology Sep 29, 03:11 PM

TMEM135 links peroxisomes to the regulation of brown fat mitochondrial fission and energy homeostasis

This study, primarily conducted on mice, suggests that TMEM135, a protein found in brown fat, plays a vital role in mitochondrial fission (a process where mitochondria divide) and thermogenesis (heat production). TMEM135's action is linked to peroxisomes, another cellular component involved in fat metabolism, and it influences how brown fat responds to cold and processes energy, potentially impacting obesity and diabetes.

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Cell Biology Sep 19, 11:13 AM

Bipartite Genetically Encoded Biosensors to Sense Calcium Ion Dynamics at Membrane-Membrane Contact Sites

This paper describes the development and characterization of novel self-complementing, bipartite fluorescent protein-based calcium biosensors. Researchers used these biosensors to visualize changes in calcium concentrations at membrane-membrane contact sites within living cells, specifically at the interface between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, providing insights into the localized dynamics of calcium signaling.

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Cell Biology Sep 01, 05:51 PM

Bipartite Genetically Encoded Biosensors to Sense Calcium Ion Dynamics at Membrane-Membrane Contact Sites

This study developed new self-complementing bipartite fluorescent proteins and calcium biosensors that can be used to visualize calcium dynamics at membrane-membrane contact sites in living cells. These biosensors demonstrated successful monitoring of calcium transfer between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, highlighting their potential for studying organelle communication. Further in vivo validation and investigation of long-term effects are needed.

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Cell Biology Sep 01, 05:51 PM

Clearance of protein aggregates during cell division

This study reveals a new mechanism for clearing protein aggregates during cell division in human cells. The process, dependent on the chaperone BiP and endoplasmic reticulum reorganization, occurs as cells exit mitosis and is linked to Cdk1 inactivation but not the APC/C protein complex. Further research is needed to explore the full molecular details and the relevance of this process to naturally occurring protein aggregates and disease.

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Cell Biology Aug 25, 06:57 PM

Seeing around corners: Cells solve mazes and respond at a distance using attractant breakdown.

This study reveals how cells can navigate complex environments, like mazes, by creating their own chemical gradients through local degradation of attractants. Using both computational models and experiments with Dictyostelium cells and mouse pancreatic cancer cells, the researchers show that cells efficiently find their way through mazes, with accuracy depending on factors like attractant diffusivity, cell speed, and path complexity. The findings suggest that self-generated gradients are crucial for successful navigation during long-range migratory processes like inflammation and germ cell migration.

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Cell Biology Aug 21, 02:56 PM

Edge curvature drives endoplasmic reticulum reorganization and dictates epithelial migration mode

This study reveals that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a network-like structure inside cells, changes shape depending on the curve of a wound edge, influencing how cells move to close it. At outward-curving edges, ER forms tubes and promotes crawling, while at inward-curving edges, it forms sheets and encourages tightening. This shape-shifting ER guides the orientation of cell-substrate attachments, thus controlling the migration mode.

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Cell Biology Aug 20, 04:41 AM

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) elicits concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory effects on microglial cells which are reversible by blocking its monocarboxylate (MCT) importer

This in vitro study found that beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a molecule produced during ketosis, reduces inflammation in mouse microglia cells in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a possible mechanism for the ketogenic diet's benefits. The effects were partly reversed by blocking a transporter that BHB uses to enter cells, indicating BHB may act both inside and outside the cells. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in living organisms.

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Cell Biology Aug 14, 04:51 PM

ROS transfer at peroxisome-mitochondria contact regulates mitochondrial redox

This study demonstrates that peroxisomes play a direct role in maintaining mitochondrial health by acting as sinks for mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) through a contact site mediated by proteins ACBD5 and PTPIP51. The study was conducted using immortalized cell lines and further research is needed to confirm these findings in vivo. This contact increases during mitochondrial oxidative stress, helping to maintain mitochondrial function by transferring excess ROS from the mitochondria to the peroxisome lumen.

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Cell Biology Jul 19, 04:22 PM

Specificities of exosome versus small ectosome secretion revealed by live intracellular tracking of CD63 and CD9

This study demonstrates that in HeLa cells, small ectosomes (EVs budding directly from the plasma membrane) are more prominent than exosomes (EVs formed within endosomes). They identify new protein markers to distinguish these two EV populations and show that the endosomal pH affects exosome secretion but not ectosome secretion, confirming their different origins.

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Cell Biology Jul 14, 05:08 PM

Natural skin-whitening compounds for the treatment of melanogenesis (Review)

This review explores natural compounds that interfere with melanogenesis, the process of melanin production. These compounds work through various mechanisms, including inhibiting tyrosinase activity, suppressing MITF expression, and affecting melanosome transfer. The review highlights the potential of these compounds as safer alternatives to traditional skin-whitening agents but acknowledges the need for more in vivo research.

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Cell Biology Jul 14, 06:53 AM