Development,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
150(14)
Published: July 15, 2023
During
embryogenesis,
cells
differentiate
and
organise
into
spatially
defined
regions
in
response
to
varying
patterns
of
signalling.
A
new
paper
Development
uses
an
optogenetic
system
(optoWnt)
investigate
how
distinct
domains
Wnt
signalling
two-dimensional
human
embryonic
stem
cell
cultures.
To
hear
more
about
the
story
behind
paper,
we
caught
up
with
first
author
Nicole
Repina
her
PhD
supervisor
David
Schaffer,
Professor
at
University
California,
Berkeley.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 17, 2023
Protein
clustering
is
a
powerful
form
of
optogenetic
control,
yet
there
currently
only
one
protein
-Cry2-whose
light-induced
has
been
harnessed
for
these
purposes.
Recently,
the
photoreceptor
BcLOV4
was
found
to
clusters
in
mammalian
cells
response
blue
light,
although
coincided
with
its
translocation
plasma
membrane,
potentially
constraining
application
as
an
module.
Herein
we
identify
key
amino
acids
that
couple
membrane
binding,
allowing
us
engineer
variant
cytoplasm
and
does
not
associate
light.
This
variant,
BcLOVclust,
clustered
over
many
cycles
dramatically
faster
de-clustering
kinetics
compared
Cry2.
The
magnitude
BcLOVclust
could
be
strengthened
by
appending
intrinsically
disordered
region
from
fused
sarcoma
(FUS)
protein,
or
optimizing
fluorescent
which
it
fused.
retained
temperature
sensitivity
such
light
induced
transient,
rate
spontaneous
declustering
increased
temperature.
At
low
temperatures,
Cry2
multiplexed
same
cells,
control
independent
condensates.
also
applied
signaling
proteins
stress
granules
cells.
Thus
provides
alternative
method
clustering.
While
usage
suited
organisms
can
cultured
below
~30
°C,
deeper
understanding
thermal
will
further
enable
use
at
physiological
temperatures.
Biophysics Reviews,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
4(2)
Published: May 11, 2023
The
integrity
of
epithelia
is
maintained
within
dynamic
mechanical
environments
during
tissue
development
and
homeostasis.
Understanding
how
epithelial
cells
mechanosignal
respond
collectively
or
individually
critical
to
providing
insight
into
developmental
(patho)physiological
processes.
Yet,
inferring
mimicking
forces
downstream
signaling
as
they
occur
in
presents
unique
challenges.
A
variety
vitro
approaches
have
been
used
dissect
the
role
mechanics
regulating
organization.
Here,
we
review
results
from
research
communicate
through
cues
maintain
organization
integrity.
We
summarize
advantages
disadvantages
various
reduced-order
model
systems
guide
researchers
choosing
appropriate
experimental
systems.
These
include
3D,
2D,
1D
micromanipulation
methods,
single
cell
studies,
noninvasive
force
inference
measurement
techniques.
also
highlight
a
number
silico
biophysical
models
that
are
informed
by
vivo
observations.
Together,
combination
theoretical
will
aid
future
experiment
designs
provide
predictive
mechanically
driven
behaviors
dynamics.
Development,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
150(14)
Published: July 15, 2023
During
embryogenesis,
cells
differentiate
and
organise
into
spatially
defined
regions
in
response
to
varying
patterns
of
signalling.
A
new
paper
Development
uses
an
optogenetic
system
(optoWnt)
investigate
how
distinct
domains
Wnt
signalling
two-dimensional
human
embryonic
stem
cell
cultures.
To
hear
more
about
the
story
behind
paper,
we
caught
up
with
first
author
Nicole
Repina
her
PhD
supervisor
David
Schaffer,
Professor
at
University
California,
Berkeley.
