Virus kept on a leash

Annexin keeps tau on a short leash

Sphingolipid imbalance can take out an eye Y onamine et al. report that the relative amounts of two sphingolipids control the breakdown of light-sensing proteins and determine whether eye cells survive. Sphingolipids aren’t just building blocks of membranes. Some of the molecules, such as sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) and dihydrosphingosine 1 phosphate (DHS1P), take part in signaling pathways t...

Neurodegeneration: Keeping ATF4 on a Tight Leash

Activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and ER stress response, also known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is common to various degenerative disorders. Therefore, signaling components of the UPR are currently emerging as potential targets for intervention and treatment of human diseases. One UPR signaling member, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), has been found up-re...

Cell Biology: Actin Keeps Endocytosis on a Short Leash

High-resolution structural analysis of branched actin networks at the sites of clathrin-mediated endocytosis sheds light on the role of actin in endocytosis and mechanisms controlling actin assembly.

Membrane Fusion: HAP2 Protein on a Short Leash

Localized membrane fusion in the Tetrahymena conjugation junction generates pores that provide transient cytoplasmic continuity between the two partner cells. Without male gamete-specific fusion protein HAP2/GSC1, pores fail to form, fertilization is blocked, and pair stability is compromised.

Who holds the leash?