Biology of the Cell最新文献

The endolysosomal system is a highly dynamic and versatile network of organelles essential for maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis. Its functional diversity relies on a high degree of plasticity, driven by tightly regulated membrane remodeling and intracellular trafficking events. In certain specialized cells, this plasticity enables the formation of lysosome-related organelles, like melanosomes in pigment cells, through the repurposing of ubiquitous membrane trafficking machineries. Disruption of these pathways can lead to pathological conditions, including genetic disorders. In this review, we explore how endolysosomal plasticity underlies key adaptive cellular strategies at the cellular and tissue levels. Focusing on melanocytes, which synthesize melanin, and keratinocytes, which receive and store it, we illustrate how trafficking and membrane dynamics events coordinate between these two cell types for skin pigmentation and photoprotection, and how mutations affecting these processes lead to genetic forms of albinism. By using skin pigmentation as a model of cell- and tissue-specific adaptation, this review highlights the broader physiological and pathological implications of endolysosomal membrane morphodynamics.

Cell junction proteins play a pivotal role in regulating key physiological processes, including proliferation and apoptosis. E-cadherin, a crucial component of adherens junctions, is essential for maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis by modulating cell adhesion and proliferation. In this study, we explored the function of E-cadherin in the intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings indicate that during colitis, E-cadherin remains associated with the cell membrane in colonocytes. Furthermore, using an in vitro system, we demonstrated that in colonocytes, E-cadherin inhibits cell proliferation and β-catenin signaling while simultaneously activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. These results suggest that E-cadherin may suppress cell proliferation while promoting PI3K/Akt signaling in colonocytes of colitic mice.

Deep learning methods using convolutional neural networks are very effective for automatic image segmentation tasks with no exception for cellular electron micrographs. However, the lack of dedicated easy-to-use tools largely reduces the widespread use of these techniques. Here we present DeepSCEM, a straightforward tool for fast and efficient segmentation of cellular electron microscopy images using deep learning with a special focus on efficient and user-friendly generation and training of models for organelle segmentation.

As master regulators of embryonic development, regulating homeobox genes is fundamental for developmental biology. Despite the growth of multiple topics regarding fine-tuning homeobox gene expression, the discussion on how the circadian rhythm affects their control and vice-versa still needs to be improved. Due to the intrinsic importance of the circadian clock and its impact on several molecular mechanisms, including development and pregnancy, the interplay between this mechanism and homeobox genes becomes a meaningful discussion. This work aims to review and critically discuss the crosstalk between homeobox genes and circadian regulation in multiple organisms, focusing on differentiation and developmental mechanisms. A considerable focus is given to new perspectives on the topic.

The French Society for Cell Biology (SBCF) gathers all researchers working in the broad field of cell biology and is actively involved in several missions. Indeed, from communicating about the latest breakthroughs to announcing upcoming events, the SBCF also identifies and nurtures emerging talents while financially supporting young researchers to help them attend scientific meetings. The society's mission is to promote the scientific area, to boost knowledge transmission, and be the reference for French research in cell biology on the international stage. In this context, the SBCF has woven networks of knowledge and expertise with global Societies of cell biology and continues to foster partnerships specifically through joint sessions at international meetings. In the same vein, since 2022, the SBCF has been organizing an annual themed international symposium called “Cell Biology of…” to spotlight specific topics of interest. Past editions have highlighted subjects such as the coronaviruses, neurons, and plants, showcasing the broad scope of the discipline. In addition to these scientific initiatives, the SBCF is also very much committed to supporting and regularly organizing a variety of events for raising the public awareness of science in general and cell biology in particular, and engaging it in the wonders of science.