scholarly journals Guided by curvature: shaping cells by coupling curved membrane proteins and cytoskeletal forces

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1747) ◽  
pp. 20170115 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. S. Gov
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Cellular Motility ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Curved Membrane ◽  
Shape Changes

Eukaryote cells have flexible membranes that allow them to have a variety of dynamical shapes. The shapes of the cells serve important biological functions, both for cells within an intact tissue, and during embryogenesis and cellular motility. How cells control their shapes and the structures that they form on their surface has been a subject of intensive biological research, exposing the building blocks that cells use to deform their membranes. These processes have also drawn the interest of theoretical physicists, aiming to develop models based on physics, chemistry and nonlinear dynamics. Such models explore quantitatively different possible mechanisms that the cells can employ to initiate the spontaneous formation of shapes and patterns on their membranes. We review here theoretical work where one such class of mechanisms was investigated: the coupling between curved membrane proteins, and the cytoskeletal forces that they recruit. Theory indicates that this coupling gives rise to a rich variety of membrane shapes and dynamics, while experiments indicate that this mechanism appears to drive many cellular shape changes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.

scholarly journals Fundamental functional differences between gyri and sulci: implications for brain function, cognition, and behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-41
Author(s):  
Xi Jiang ◽  
Tuo Zhang ◽  
Shu Zhang ◽  
Keith M Kendrick ◽  
Tianming Liu
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Cortical Folding ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Structural Architecture ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Folding of the cerebral cortex is a prominent characteristic of mammalian brains. Alterations or deficits in cortical folding are strongly correlated with abnormal brain function, cognition, and behavior. Therefore, a precise mapping between the anatomy and function of the brain is critical to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain structural architecture in both health and diseases. Gyri and sulci, the standard nomenclature for cortical anatomy, serve as building blocks to make up complex folding patterns, providing a window to decipher cortical anatomy and its relation with brain functions. Huge efforts have been devoted to this research topic from a variety of disciplines including genetics, cell biology, anatomy, neuroimaging, and neurology, as well as involving computational approaches based on machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. However, despite increasing progress, our understanding of the functional anatomy of gyro-sulcal patterns is still in its infancy. In this review, we present the current state of this field and provide our perspectives of the methodologies and conclusions concerning functional differentiation between gyri and sulci, as well as the supporting information from genetic, cell biology, and brain structure research. In particular, we will further present a proposed framework for attempting to interpret the dynamic mechanisms of the functional interplay between gyri and sulci. Hopefully, this review will provide a comprehensive summary of anatomo-functional relationships in the cortical gyro-sulcal system together with a consideration of how these contribute to brain function, cognition, and behavior, as well as to mental disorders.

PI(4,5)P2 Clustering and Its Impact on Biological Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wen ◽  
Volker M. Vogt ◽  
Gerald W. Feigenson
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Dynamic Distribution ◽  
Multivalent Cation ◽  
Lipid Environment

Located at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] comprises only 1–2 mol% of total PM lipids. With its synthesis and turnover both spatially and temporally regulated, PI(4,5)P2 recruits and interacts with hundreds of cellular proteins to support a broad spectrum of cellular functions. Several factors contribute to the versatile and dynamic distribution of PI(4,5)P2 in membranes. Physiological multivalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ can bridge between PI(4,5)P2 headgroups, forming nanoscopic PI(4,5)P2–cation clusters. The distinct lipid environment surrounding PI(4,5)P2 affects the degree of PI(4,5)P2 clustering. In addition, diverse cellular proteins interacting with PI(4,5)P2 can further regulate PI(4,5)P2 lateral distribution and accessibility. This review summarizes the current understanding of PI(4,5)P2 behavior in both cells and model membranes, with emphasis on both multivalent cation– and protein-induced PI(4,5)P2 clustering. Understanding the nature of spatially separated pools of PI(4,5)P2 is fundamental to cell biology. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 90 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals The organisation and functions of local Ca2+ signals

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (12) ◽  
pp. 2213-2222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin D. Bootman ◽  
Peter Lipp ◽  
Michael J. Berridge
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Intracellular Messenger ◽  
Sensory Mechanisms

Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger, controlling a diverse range of cellular processes, such as gene transcription, muscle contraction and cell proliferation. The ability of a simple ion such as Ca2+ to play a pivotal role in cell biology results from the facility that cells have to shape Ca2+ signals in space, time and amplitude. To generate and interpret the variety of observed Ca2+ signals, different cell types employ components selected from a Ca2+ signalling ‘toolkit’, which comprises an array of homeostatic and sensory mechanisms. By mixing and matching components from the toolkit, cells can obtain Ca2+ signals that suit their physiology. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of local Ca2+ signals in defining the specificity of the interaction of Ca2+ with its targets. Furthermore, local Ca2+ signals are the triggers and building blocks for larger global signals that propagate throughout cells.

scholarly journals Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2238
Author(s):  
Sarmad Al-Marsoummi ◽  
Emilie E. Vomhof-DeKrey ◽  
Marc D. Basson
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Human And Mouse

Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. This review will briefly summarize the history, structure, and non-malignant biological functions of Schlafens. The roles of human and mouse Schlafens in different cancer types will then be outlined. Finally, we will discuss the implication of Schlafens in the anti-tumor effect of interferons and the use of Schlafens as predictors of chemosensitivity.

Insights into biological functions across species: examining the role of Rab proteins in YIP1 family function

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.Z. Chen ◽  
R.N. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Evolutionary Conservation ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Rab Proteins ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Human Homologue ◽  
Family Function ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

The YIP1 family comprises an evolutionarily conserved group of membrane proteins, which share the ability to bind di-prenylated Rab proteins. The biochemical capability of YIP1 family proteins suggests a possible role in the cycle of physical localization of Rab proteins between their cognate membranes and the cytosol. YIP1 is essential for viability in yeast and a deletion of YIP1 can be rescued with the human homologue YIP1A. We have made use of this evolutionary conservation of function to generate a series of mutant alleles of YIP1 to investigate the biological role of Yip1p. Our findings indicate evidence for the participation of Yip1p in both Rab and COPII protein function; at present, we are not able to distinguish between the models that these roles represent, i.e. independent or dependent activities of Yip1p.

Metaphors and other slippery creatures

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-352
Author(s):  
James E. Strick
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
State University ◽  
Arizona State University ◽  
Living Things ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dialectical Relationship ◽  
Rich Material ◽  
And Function

What are cells? How are they related to each other and to the organism as a whole? These questions have exercised biology since Schleiden and Schwann (1838–1839) first proposed cells as the key units of structure and function of all living things. But how do we try to understand them? Through new technologies like the achromatic microscope and the electron microscope. But just as importantly, through the metaphors our culture has made available to biologists in different periods and places. These two new volumes provide interesting history and philosophy of the development of cell biology. Reynolds surveys the field's changing conceptual structure by examining the varied panoply of changing metaphors used to conceptualize and explain cells – from cells as empty boxes, as building blocks, to individual organisms, to chemical factories, and through many succeeding metaphors up to one with great currency today: cells as social creatures in communication with others in their community. There is some of this approach in the Visions edited collection as well. But this collection also includes rich material on the technologies used to visualize cells and their dialectical relationship with the epistemology of the emerging distinct discipline of cell biology. This volume centres on, but is not limited to, ‘reflections inspired by [E.V.] Cowdry's [1924 volume] General Cytology’; it benefits from a conference on the Cowdry volume as well as a 2011 Marine Biological Lab/Arizona State University workshop on the history of cell biology.

scholarly journals Health system resilience: a literature review of empirical research

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1084-1109
Author(s):  
Louise Biddle ◽  
Katharina Wahedi ◽  
Kayvan Bozorgmehr
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
System Resilience

Abstract The concept of health system resilience has gained popularity in the global health discourse, featuring in UN policies, academic articles and conferences. While substantial effort has gone into the conceptualization of health system resilience, there has been no review of how the concept has been operationalized in empirical studies. We conducted an empirical review in three databases using systematic methods. Findings were synthesized using descriptive quantitative analysis and by mapping aims, findings, underlying concepts and measurement approaches according to the resilience definition by Blanchet et al. We identified 71 empirical studies on health system resilience from 2008 to 2019, with an increase in literature in recent years (62% of studies published since 2017). Most studies addressed a specific crisis or challenge (82%), most notably infectious disease outbreaks (20%), natural disasters (15%) and climate change (11%). A large proportion of studies focused on service delivery (48%), while other health system building blocks were side-lined. The studies differed in terms of their disciplinary tradition and conceptual background, which was reflected in the variety of concepts and measurement approaches used. Despite extensive theoretical work on the domains which constitute health system resilience, we found that most of the empirical literature only addressed particular aspects related to absorptive and adaptive capacities, with legitimacy of institutions and transformative resilience seldom addressed. Qualitative and mixed methods research captured a broader range of resilience domains than quantitative research. The review shows that the way in which resilience is currently applied in the empirical literature does not match its theoretical foundations. In order to do justice to the complexities of the resilience concept, knowledge from both quantitative and qualitative research traditions should be integrated in a comprehensive assessment framework. Only then will the theoretical ‘resilience idea’ be able to prove its usefulness for the research community.

scholarly journals Joining forces: crosstalk between biochemical signalling and physical forces orchestrates cellular polarity and dynamics

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1747) ◽  
pp. 20170145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suvrajit Saha ◽  
Tamas L. Nagy ◽  
Orion D. Weiner
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Cellular Motility ◽  
Cellular Polarity ◽  
Self Organized ◽  
Cytoskeletal Dynamics ◽  
Physical Forces ◽  
Cytoskeletal Rearrangements

Dynamic processes like cell migration and morphogenesis emerge from the self-organized interaction between signalling and cytoskeletal rearrangements. How are these molecular to sub-cellular scale processes integrated to enable cell-wide responses? A growing body of recent studies suggest that forces generated by cytoskeletal dynamics and motor activity at the cellular or tissue scale can organize processes ranging from cell movement, polarity and division to the coordination of responses across fields of cells. To do so, forces not only act mechanically but also engage with biochemical signalling. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of this dynamic crosstalk between biochemical signalling, self-organized cortical actomyosin dynamics and physical forces with a special focus on the role of membrane tension in integrating cellular motility. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.

scholarly journals Automated glycan assembly using the Glyconeer 2.1 synthesizer

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (17) ◽  
pp. E3385-E3389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heung Sik Hahm ◽  
Mark K. Schlegel ◽  
Mattan Hurevich ◽  
Steffen Eller ◽  
Frank Schuhmacher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Peptide Synthesis ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Solid Support ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Structure Activity Relationships ◽  
Rapid Access ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
Control Protocols

Reliable and rapid access to defined biopolymers by automated DNA and peptide synthesis has fundamentally altered biological research and medical practice. Similarly, the procurement of defined glycans is key to establishing structure–activity relationships and thereby progress in the glycosciences. Here, we describe the rapid assembly of oligosaccharides using the commercially available Glyconeer 2.1 automated glycan synthesizer, monosaccharide building blocks, and a linker-functionalized polystyrene solid support. Purification and quality-control protocols for the oligosaccharide products have been standardized. Synthetic glycans prepared in this way are useful reagents as the basis for glycan arrays, diagnostics, and carbohydrate-based vaccines.

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