Journal Club – April 2020

Chromosome Bridges, DNA Webs, and Tubulin Citrullination

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Mechanisms Generating Cancer Genome Complexity From A Single Cell Division Error

Umbreit, Zhang et al.  |  Pellman Lab  |  Science

Theories on the origin of cancer have historically centered on the gradual accumulation of deleterious genomic alterations over time. In recent years, however, researchers have discovered that a single cellular catastrophe can induce massive genomic remodeling capable of driving human cancers. One such catastrophic event is the chromosome breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle, which results in the formation of a chromosome bridge during anaphase. In this study, Umbreit et al. discover that actomyosin-dependent bridge stretching and subsequent breakage unleash a “storm of mutagenesis” encompassing chromothripsis, aberrant DNA replication, and DNA damage. The convergence of these major mutagenizing mechanisms explains how a single cell division error can trigger the rapid accrual of complex karyotypes found in cancer.

Corona Virus - renderingDid you see our Special Issue last month on the interplay between coronaviruses and the cytoskeleton?

Image Credit: Maria Voigt/RCSB PDB

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Journal Club – June 2023

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Makaros et al. Mol. Cell. 2023
A study by Makaros et al. explores the role of C-terminal degrons in ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation. The study suggests that this mechanism may be crucial in coping with aberrant proteins accumulated in response to cellular stress. The conservation of C-degron-mediated degradation from bacteria to humans is also discussed, highlighting its evolutionary significance.

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Journal Club – August 2020

WAVE-Deficient Autoimmune Disorders, Wandering Monopolar Spindles, and a Guide to Selecting Cellular Actin Probes Journal Club Picks Five patients with immunodeficiency harbor mutations in the WAVE regulatory complex.Cook et al.

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Journal Club – July 2020

Cytoskeleton Storms, Polarized Actin Cortex, and Protein Liquids Featured Membrane-Proximal F-Actin Restricts Local Membrane Protrusions and Directs Cell Migration Bisaria et al.  |  Meyer Lab  |  ScienceGlobal F-actin concentrations are

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Journal Club – May 2020

Spiraling Kinesins, Small Molecule Degraders, and Foldable Actin Networks Featured Kinesin-14 Motors Drive a Right-Handed Helical Motion of Antiparallel Microtubules Around Each Other Mitra et al.  |  Diez Lab  |

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