EMBO Reports - Table of Contents alert Volume 12 Issue 10, pp 981-1084

TABLE OF CONTENTS October 2011 | Volume 12, Issue 10 Upfront Science & Society Review Scientific Reports Also new AOP Sign up for e-alerts Recommend to your library Web feed Subscribe Advertisement The EMBO Journal Web Focus 2011 Our 2011 Focus issue comprises eight reviews united by a common interest in understanding how and why cells move cargo around. Access these papers FREE today!   Upfront Top Editorial These are your rights Science is a vocation, not a job, and requires a degree of dedication and sacrifice that does not apply in a standard workplace. Howy proposes that we should be more upfront about this brutal reality when advising prospective scientists about their career choices. Howy Jacobs EMBO reports (2011), 12, 981; 10.1038/embor.2011.180 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 30 September 2011 Subject Categories: Scientific Training & Careers Opinion Unended knights' tournaments Richard Dawkins introduced a generation of biologists to the influential idea of ‘selfish genes’. But the implicit genocentrism of his hypothesis is increasingly challenged. Ladislav Kováč EMBO reports (2011), 12, 982; 10.1038/embor.2011.181 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 09 September 2011 Subject Categories: Evolution, Environment & Agriculture Hot off the Press The structural diversity in α1-antitrypsin misfolding The structure of α1-antitrypsin polymers, which cause a devastating disease, is vigorously debated. Here, the state of the field is discussed in view of a paradigm-changing structure published in this issue of EMBO reports. Stephen P Bottomley EMBO reports (2011), 12, 983 - 984; 10.1038/embor.2011.187 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 16 September 2011 Subject Categories: Molecular Biology of Disease | Structural Biology | Proteins Metabolic signals regulate SIRT1 expression SIRT1 is a key metabolic regulator in response to nutrient availability. Here, Chalkiadaki and Guarente comment on a report published online this month in which J. Auwerx and colleagues show how SIRT1 transcription is controlled by the antagonistic actions of CREB and ChREBP in response to the energetic status of the cell. Angeliki Chalkiadaki and Leonard Guarente EMBO reports (2011), 12, 985 - 986; 10.1038/embor.2011.179 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 23 September 2011 Subject Categories: Cellular Metabolism Meeting Point Lineage commitments: emphasis on embryonic–extraembryonic interfaces The EMBO Workshop on ‘Lineage Commitments: Emphasis on Embryonic–Extraembryonic Interfaces’, held in May 2011, demonstrated that embryonic and extraembryonic tissues play early and significant interacting roles that mutually promote each other's further and correct deployment within the mammalian conceptus. Karen M Downs EMBO reports (2011), 12, 987 - 990; 10.1038/embor.2011.186 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 23 September 2011 Correspondence Of mice and men Thomas Erren and colleagues point out that studies on light and circadian rhythmicity in humans have their own interesting pitfalls, of which all researchers should be mindful. Thomas C Erren, J Valérie Groß, Melissa S Koch and V Benno Meyer-Rochow EMBO reports (2011), 12, 991; 10.1038/embor.2011.185 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 16 September 2011 Science & Society Top Outlook Stem-cell tourism and scientific responsibility Stem-cell tourism exploits the hope of patients desperate for therapies and cures. Scientists have both a special responsibility and a unique role to play in addressing this problem. Zubin Master and David B Resnik EMBO reports (2011), 12, 992 - 995; 10.1038/embor.2011.156 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 29 July 2011 Subject Categories: Ethics | Technology, Development & Applications Dismay with GM maize New discoveries often raise new problems or meet with public resistance. Rather than giving up on technologies such as genetically modified organisms, we should use science to develop them further and make them safer. Gerhart U Ryffel EMBO reports (2011), 12, 996 - 999; 10.1038/embor.2011.182 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 09 September 2011 Subject Categories: Genetically Modified Organisms | Philosophy & History of Science Feature The cost of living longer There is an ancient balance struck between immunity and fertility. The ongoing trend in developed societies to have fewer children and later in life, might influence human life expectancy and disease susceptibility. Philip Hunter EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1000 - 1002; 10.1038/embor.2011.183 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 16 September 2011 Subject Categories: Health & Disease | Evolution, Environment & Agriculture Review Top Review The interplay between morphogens and tissue growth Morphogens are long known diffusible molecules that regulate organ patterning and size in animals. The authors discuss in this review recent findings concerning the reciprocal interactions between tissue growth and morphogen signalling and how these interactions may help specify cellular fates, organ size and even organ shape. Andrés Dekanty and Marco Milán EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1003 - 1010; 10.1038/embor.2011.172 Abstract | Full text | PDF Published online: 02 September 2011 Subject Categories: Development Scientific Reports Top Molecular basis of α1-antitrypsin deficiency revealed by the structure of a domain-swapped trimer The structure of the toxic oligomeric species of α1-antitrypsin is unexpectedly different from what had been proposed and enabled by the domain swap of the carboxy-terminal 34 residues. Such oligomers react with an antibody that recognizes aggregates in patients and are shown to occur in vivo. Masayuki Yamasaki, Timothy J Sendall, Mary C Pearce, James C Whisstock and James A Huntington EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1011 - 1017; 10.1038/embor.2011.171 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 09 September 2011 Subject Categories: Molecular Biology of Disease | Structural Biology The transcription factor Krox20 is an E3 ligase that sumoylates its Nab coregulators Krox20—a key regulator of hindbrain development—is shown to have SUMO E3 ligase activity towards Nab proteins, which are Krox20 coregulators. Nab SUMOylation enhances the repression of endogenous targets by the Krox20:Nab complex. Pablo García-Gutiérrez, Francisco Juárez-Vicente, Francisco Gallardo-Chamizo, Patrick Charnay and Mario García-Domínguez EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1018 - 1023; 10.1038/embor.2011.152 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 12 August 2011 Subject Categories: Chromatin & Transcription | Proteins The mRNA export factor Npl3 mediates the nuclear export of large ribosomal subunits This study reports the discovery of a new function of the mRNA export factor Npl3 in mediating pre-60S ribosomal subunit export. Npl3 interacts with the 25S rRNA, ribosomal and ribosome-associated proteins, and with the nuclear pore complex. Alexandra Hackmann, Thomas Gross, Claudia Baierlein and Heike Krebber EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1024 - 1031; 10.1038/embor.2011.155 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 19 August 2011 Subject Categories: Membranes & Transport | Proteins Lac operator repeats generate a traceable fragile site in mammalian cells Endogenous fragile sites in chromosomes can only be detected after their breakage. In this report, the authors find that insertion of lac operator repeats generate fragile sites that can be followed throughout the cell cycle and show that oncogenes promote the formation of anaphase bridges and micronuclei containing fragile sites. Ariana Jacome and Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1032 - 1038; 10.1038/embor.2011.158 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 12 August 2011 Subject Categories: Genome Stability & Dynamics Drosophila syndecan regulates tracheal cell migration by stabilizing Robo levels Syndecans have crucial roles in cell adhesion, polarization and migration through their interaction with a range of extracellular ligands. The authors show in this report that Drosophila syndecan is required for the extension and fusion of the dorsal branches of the tracheal system, by reducing Slit/Robo signalling levels. Joachim G Schulz, Helga Ceulemans, Emmanuel Caussinus, Maria F Baietti, Markus Affolter, Bassem A Hassan and Guido David EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1039 - 1046; 10.1038/embor.2011.153 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 12 August 2011 Subject Categories: Cell & Tissue Architecture | Development Yan, an ETS-domain transcription factor, negatively modulates the Wingless pathway in the Drosophila eye Yan is a conserved ETS transcriptional repressor that regulates EGF receptor signalling in Drosophila. In this report, the authors show that in addition to its known function in the EGF receptor pathway, Yan also negatively regulates the Wingless pathway in the Drosophila eye, and that this regulation is required for proper retinal development. Emily R Olson, Raluca Pancratov, Sujash S Chatterjee, Binita Changkakoty, Zeeshan Pervaiz and Ramanuj DasGupta EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1047 - 1054; 10.1038/embor.2011.159 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 26 August 2011 Subject Categories: Cell & Tissue Architecture | Development LGR4 and LGR5 are R-spondin receptors mediating Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/PCP signalling R-spondins are secreted proteins known to synergize with Wnt signalling. The authors now show that R-spondins are ligands for LGR4 and LGR5 orphan G-protein-coupled receptors. Binding of R-spondins to LGRs positively regulates both Wnt/ -catenin and Wnt/PCP signalling pathways in vivo. Andrei Glinka, Christine Dolde, Nadine Kirsch, Ya-Lin Huang, Olga Kazanskaya, Dierk Ingelfinger, Michael Boutros, Cristina-Maria Cruciat and Christof Niehrs EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1055 - 1061; 10.1038/embor.2011.175 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 09 September 2011 Subject Categories: Signal Transduction | Development Sir2 histone deacetylase prevents programmed cell death caused by sustained activation of the Hog1 stress-activated protein kinase Sustained activation of Hog1 in yeast inhibits mitochondrial respiration and leads to ROS accumulation, which causes cell death. Activation of Sir2 in response to Hog1 activation relieves the Hog1- induced oxidative stress and prevents cell death. Alexandre Vendrell, Mar Martínez-Pastor, Alberto González-Novo, Amparo Pascual-Ahuir, David A Sinclair, Markus Proft and Francesc Posas EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1062 - 1068; 10.1038/embor.2011.154 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 12 August 2011 Subject Categories: Differentiation & Death | Signal Transduction CREB and ChREBP oppositely regulate SIRT1 expression in response to energy availability The deacetylase SIRT1 is a metabolic regulator that is activated in situations of energy stress. The authors connect energy-sensing to transcriptional programmes, demonstrating that SIRT1 expression is controlled by the positive effect of CREB under energy stress, and the negative effect of ChREBP under normal conditions. Lilia G Noriega, Jérôme N Feige, Carles Canto, Hiroyasu Yamamoto, Jiujiu Yu, Mark A Herman, Chikage Mataki, Barbara B Kahn and Johan Auwerx EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1069 - 1076; 10.1038/embor.2011.151 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 12 August 2011 Subject Categories: Cellular Metabolism Independent localization of MAP2, CaMKIIα and β-actin RNAs in low copy numbers mRNA subcellular localization in neurons involves the formation of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) that are transported through the cytoskeleton. The authors show that, unexpectedly, dendritic RNPs contain few molecules of mRNA and both the nature of these mRNAs and their number are tightly controlled. Martin Mikl, Georgia Vendra and Michael A Kiebler EMBO reports (2011), 12, 1077 - 1084; 10.1038/embor.2011.149 Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supp. info. | Review Process File Published online: 26 August 2011 Subject Categories: Neuroscience | RNA Please note that you need to be a subscriber or site-licence holder to enjoy full-text access to EMBO reports. In order to do so, please purchase a subscription. You have been sent this Table of Contents Alert because you have opted in to receive it. You can change or discontinue your e-mail alerts at any time, by modifying your preferences on your nature.com account at: www.nature.com/nams/svc/myaccount (You will need to log in to be recognised as a nature.com registrant). For further technical assistance, please contact our registration department. For print subscription enquiries, please contact our subscription department. For other enquiries, please contact our customer feedback department. 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