Reviews & Analysis

Control of protein self-assembly and disassembly, which is central to metabolism and engineering applications, remains challenging. Here, a perspicacious redesign of interfaces in the multisubunit ferritin protein cage provides single, modifiable subunits that assemble with Cu²⁺ templating and give insights into the cage assembly code.

PUMA is a BCL-2 family protein that transmits stress signals to promote apoptosis. Upon DNA damage, a unique binding determinant within PUMA triggers partial unfolding of BCL-X_L, resulting in the release of sequestered p53 and commitment to p53-dependent cell death.

Beyond their canonical functions of charging tRNAs with amino acids for protein translation, tRNA synthetases have numerous nontranslational roles that regulate signaling, immunity and development.

There is a considerable amount of oxidized glutathione in living cells, yet it is virtually absent from the cytosol. The mystery of where it resides has now been solved. A study in baker's yeast revealed that oxidized glutathione is selectively stashed in vacuoles.

Cholic acid and 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol are oxysterols detected in the developing mesencephalic tissue and selectively regulate the production of either the red nucleus or dopaminergic neurons via activation of the liver X receptors.

Whole-organism screening is emerging as a promising alternative to cell-based assays, particularly for the study of processes that integrate information across cells and tissues. High-throughput screening of zebrafish larvae has enabled the discovery of small molecules that lower blood glucose levels and alleviate pathological symptoms in a mouse model of obesity and diabetes.

Metabolites and cofactors can be converted to unwanted compounds by promiscuous enzymes and spontaneous chemical reactions. The growing list of enzymes that correct or prevent these reactions, akin to those that combat DNA and protein damage, have important roles in maintaining homeostasis and preventing disease.