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Homologous recombination maintains genome stability in mammalian mitotic cells through precise repair of DNA double-strand breaks and other lesions that occur during normal cellular metabolism and through exogenous insults. Deficiencies in genes that encode proteins involved in homologous recombination are associated with developmental abnormalities and tumorigenesis.
Genomic architecture can be markedly affected during meiosis by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), which generates chromosomal rearrangements that can lead to genome instability. Studies in yeast have provided insights into the mechanisms of NAHR and the strategies used to restrain it.
An unstable genome is a hallmark of many cancer cells. Telomeres prevent the ends of linear chromosomes from being recognized as damaged DNA, thus protecting them from DNA repair mechanisms and inhibiting the breakage–fusion–bridge cycles that cause genome instability.
The swinging lever arm model of myosin movement was challenged by myosin VI, which takes larger steps along actin filaments than its structure seems to allow. Myosin VI achieves this by using a 180° lever arm swing and special structural features in its tail.
The protein kinase C (PKC) family has been increasingly implicated in the organization of signal propagation, particularly in the spatial distribution of signals. Examples of where and how various PKC isoforms direct this tier of signal organization are becoming more evident.
A contractile ring of actin filaments and myosin II generates the force that constricts the cleavage furrow of animal cells, leading to cytokinesis. Studies in fission yeast have increased our understanding of the mechanisms of cytokinesis, which are likely to be conserved in other organisms.
Protein synthesis is regulated at the initiation stage. Determining the structures and activities of initiation factors, and mapping their interactions in ribosomal initiation complexes, has advanced our understanding of translation initiation and provided a foundation for studying its regulation.
During mitosis, cells distribute their genetic material to two daughter cells. The attachment of chromosomes to the spindle, and their ensuing congression to the spindle equator, are emerging as the most important aspects for maintaining genomic fidelity during mitosis.
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) arise far from the somatic cells of the developing gonad and have to migrate across the embryo to reach their site of function. Studies of different model organisms reveal that, despite important differences, several features of PGC migration are conserved.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolysis by binding the extracellular protease uPA and also activates many intracellular signalling pathways. Coordination of ECM proteolysis and intracellular cell signalling by uPAR is important for cell migration, proliferation and survival.
The cytoskeleton is a dynamic fibrous network that has essential roles in the generation and regulation of cell architecture. It has also evolved as a scaffold that anchors various biochemical pathways, and might participate in the spatial organization and regulation of translation.
The AGC kinase subfamily of protein kinases contains 60 members, including PKA, PKG and PKC. Research has shed light onto the architecture and regulatory mechanisms of these kinases, which mediate important cellular functions and are dysregulated in many human diseases.
