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Quantum computing is a promising technology to solve complex challenges that would take classical computers an impractical amount of time. This Perspective discusses the current state of quantum computing and possible applications in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis.

With the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies for cancer, the authors use single-cell sequencing to assess exhausted T cell content in human glioma samples and leverage these findings in mouse models to define the mechanisms by which exhausted T cells regulate low-grade glioma growth.

Genome-wide association analyses identify new risk loci for heart failure and its subtypes, extending understanding of the underlying biological pathways and disease mechanisms.

Mouse models of NF1-associated optic pathway glioma show that tumour initiation and growth are driven by aberrantly high levels of NLGN3 shedding in the optic nerve in response to retinal neuron activity.

Liquid−liquid transitions (LLTs) have been reported for some molecular systems but are difficult to observe under high pressure conditions. Here the authors report and characterize a first-order LLT in a series of ionic liquids containing the trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium cation and anions of different sizes and shapes, using calorimetric and dielectric measurements.

Activity-dependent oligodendroglial plasticity contributes to neuronal functions. Here the authors show that adaptive oligodendrocyte progenitor cell responses are disrupted in neurofibromatosis 1, impairing oligodendroglial dynamics and resulting in motor learning deficits in Nf1-deficient and Nf1-mutant mice.

Heart failure is a complex syndrome that is associated with many different underlying risk factors. Here, to increase power, the authors jointly analyse cases of heart failure of different aetiologies in a genome-wide association study and identify 11 loci of which ten had not been previously reported.

Here, Li et al. perform a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify host dependency factors for influenza A virus infection and show that the host mRNA cap methyltransferase CMTR1 is important for viral cap snatching and that it affects expression of antiviral genes.

Myeloid cells are the predominant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of human and murine glioblastoma (GBM). By generating a mouse model deficient for all monocyte chemoattractant proteins, here the authors show that blocking monocyte recruitment promotes a compensatory neutrophil influx and that concomitant neutrophil inhibition is required to improve survival in GBM preclinical models.

Clinical studies have suggested a reduced incidence of brain tumors, including optic gliomas, in children with asthma. Here, in a mouse model of Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated low grade optic glioma, the authors show that experimental asthma induction decreases glioma formation and growth, resulting from T cell-dependent inhibition of microglia-mediated tumor support.

Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant childhood brain tumours and are thought to arise from the cerebellum. There is substantial heterogeneity among medulloblastomas and some are thought to arise following aberrant Sonic Hedgehog pathway activation. It is now shown that a distinct subtype of medulloblastoma arises from the dorsal brainstem and is associated with altered WNT signalling. Distinct molecular and clinical profiles of the subtypes have implications for future treatment.

Neuronal activity is emerging as a driver of nervous system tumors. Here, the authors show in mouse models of Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) that Nf1 mutations differentially drive both central and peripheral nervous system tumor growth in mice through reduced hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel function.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is caused by inactivation of the NF2 gene, which encodes merlin. NF2 patients develop peripheral neuropathies. The authors show that NF2 inactivation decreases axonal integrity in mice and NF2 patient tissue. Their data suggest that merlin activates RhoA and promotes neurofilament heavy chain phosphorylation to maintain axonal integrity.

This large, multi-ethnic genome-wide association study identifies 97 loci significantly associated with atrial fibrillation. These loci are enriched for genes involved in cardiac development, electrophysiology, structure and contractile function.

Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, has efficacy in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type I and has clinical activity in reducing plexiform neurofibroma volume in a phase II trial of patients with NF1.

The role of neurons and T cells in glioma progression remains poorly understood. Here the authors show that midkine-dependent activation of a neuron-T cell-microglia axis promotes the growth of optic pathway gliomas.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by mutations in the NF1 tumour suppressor gene. This Primer by Gutmann and colleagues discusses the genetics underlying the development of this disease, and describes the diagnosis and treatment of the widespread clinical manifestations.

Certain bacterial enzymes are packaged within protein chambers that provide a confined environment for their reactions to take place. Ban and colleagues now identify a family of proteins that form nanocompartments, similar to bacterial microcompartments such as the carboxysome, and show that the enzymes within are anchored by their C-terminal extensions to binding sites on the inner surface of the chamber.

The adhesion class of G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) is essential for peripheral nervous system myelination, but functions in central nervous system myelination are less understood. Here the authors show that the aGPCR Gpr56 plays a role in the development of myelinating oligodendrocytes and that this function is mediated by Gα12/13 proteins and Rho activation.

Biallelic mutations in the sorbitol dehydrogenase gene SORD are identified as a common cause of hereditary neuropathy. Functional studies suggest that SORD deficiency may be treatable with aldose reductase inhibitors.

Perovskite solar cells could be a game-changing energy technology. However, the solvents involved during fabrication pose sustainability concerns. Here, the authors provide an analysis of human health toxicity and environmental implications of handling solvents, recommending dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the green choice for large-scale production.

Brain cancer encompasses a diverse range of complex malignancies, many of which are associated with a poor prognosis and require more effective treatments. In this Position Paper, an international panel of clinicians and laboratory-based scientists convened by Cancer Research UK identify and discuss seven challenges that must be overcome if we are to cure all patients with a brain tumour.

Isakson et al. report a genetically engineered minipig model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) that exhibits clinical hallmarks of the disease, including neurofibromas and optic pathway glioma. This model may expedite the development of imaging methods, biomarkers, and therapies for NF1 patients.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and type 2 (NF2) are distinct genetic disorders that are characterized by an increased incidence of tumour development, predominantly affecting the nervous system. The authors discuss the clinical features, genetic aetiologies, and pathogenesis of NF1 and NF2, the current treatment options as well as advances in clinical and preclinical research that will impact on the future treatment of these tumours.