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The canonical transcription factor ERG promotes degradation of a subset of mRNAs linked to mitotic progression by recruiting the CCR4–NOT deadenylation complex, thus revealing a new regulatory interplay between mRNA synthesis and degradation.

In biological systems, large pH-induced conformational changes can be observed in certain proteins, a phenomenon poorly understood at the molecular level. Here the authors describe a peptide with the ability to self-organize into either small or large nanotubes in a pH-dependent manner and detail the mechanism driving the transition.

Prokaryotic translation initiation involves mRNA-ribosomal RNA base pairing interactions. Here, the authors provide evidence for a similar base pairing interactions occurring between the human h4 mRNA and helix 16 of the small subunit rRNA to position the correct AUG codon in the decoding site.

Garofano et al. use single-cell RNA-sequencing data to classify glioblastomas along a metabolic axis of mitochondrial and glycolytic/plurimetabolic states and a neurodevelopmental axis of proliferative/progenitor and neuronal states.

In yeast, TFIP11 and DHX15 promote the disassembly of spliceosome complex after splicing is completed. Here the authors show that human TFIP11 functions independently of DHX15 and is required for U6 snRNA 2’-O-methylation and U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP assembly.

Adding electron-withdrawing groups to the backbone of the polymer PBDTTT is shown to increase the open-circuit voltage of photovoltaic cells, resulting in a polymer solar-cell that has a certified power-conversion efficiency of 6.77%.

Here the authors present results from a randomized, double-blinded Phase 1 clinical trial, testing a thermostable presentation of a clinical-stage adjuvanted subunit tuberculosis vaccine candidate. The vaccine candidate is safe and well tolerated, and elicits comparable or improved immune responses compared to the non-thermostable presentation.

Electroceuticals apply electrical or electrochemical signals to regulate physiological functions. This Review explores (photo)electrochemical modulation in implantable electroceuticals, highlighting energy conversion principles and device designs for the remote control of biological systems.

The early events in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes remain incompletely understood. Julien Diana et al. now show that in response to physiological beta cell death, innate immune cells including neutrophils and B1-a cells are recruited early on to pancreatic islets. These cells promote interferon-α production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the pancreas, promoting autoreactive T cell responses and autoimmunity.

Post-translational modifications (PTM) of histones are important for epigenetic regulation in mammals. Here, Cheeseman et al. report dynamic changes in H3K18 PTM during the differentiation stages of Theileria parasites and they identify a SET-domain methyltransferase (TaSETup1) as the relevant enzyme promoting this modification.

Direct utilization of CO₂ is important in organic synthesis but purification of CO₂ gas expensive and energy intensive. Here the authors described a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of γ-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using impure CO₂ stream as the carbon source.

Large protein complexes and ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) such as pre-ribosomes are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Here the authors use ultrafast freezing and electron tomography to catch snapshots of native RNPs crossing the NPC and estimate their transit time using a probabilistic model.

Favipiravir (T-705) is an inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerases (RdRp) and clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 are ongoing. Here, the authors show that SARS-CoV nsp12 is the fastest known viral RdRp and they provide insights into the mechanism of action of Favipiravir, demonstrating that its antiviral effect on SARS-CoV-2 is primarily mediated through lethal mutagenesis.

An unusual new material, NiTTFtt, is reported that is structurally amorphous, precluding a classical band structure, but detailed characterization reveals high conductivity and a metallic character.

Joyce and colleagues analyse tumour–stroma interactions in distinct metastatic microenvironments, and show that cathepsin S promotes brain metastasis by cleaving the JAM-B junctional protein, allowing cancer cells to traverse the blood–brain barrier.

Loss of excitatory synapses occur prior to the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Here the authors show in an animal model that the loss of synapses induced by amyloid-beta oligomers requires over-activation of a stress-response pathway inducing structural remodelling of mitochondria in dendrites of cortical and hippocampal neurons.

Iavarone and colleagues develop a computational approach called SPINKS to identify master kinases for functional subtypes of human glioblastoma defined using integrated multi-omics data, which show potential as subtype-specific therapeutic targets.

The human-specific gene duplication SRGAP2C is identified as a modifier of structural and functional features of cortical circuits leading to improved behavioural performance that may have allowed the emergence of cognitive properties characterizing the human brain.

An on-chip nano-bolometer integrated with a Josephson junction quantitatively measures the Josephson radiation up to about 100 GHz frequency. This wide-band, thermal detection scheme of microwave photons provides a sensitive detector of Josephson dynamics beyond the standard conductance measurements.

Understanding the consequences of the interplay of defects and local curvature in crystals is far from complete despite the considerable influence that a defect has on the crystal’s local properties. It is now found that interstitials inserted in curved crystals at oil/glycerol interfaces can fractionate into two dislocations, which glide through the lattice in opposite directions until they get absorbed into existing dislocations, scars or pleats.

Analyses of primary and relapse samples of embryonal tumours with multilayered rosettes provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and opportunities for the treatment of this deadly disease.

Fast oxide ion conductors are the key materials for some technological devices. Here the authors report the creation and stabilization of oxygen vacancies in BiVO₄ Scheelite with isolated tetrahedral anion structures for improved ionic conducting performance and understanding of the conduction mechanism.

A decrease in the fraction of non-classical monocytes is a hallmark of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. Taking advantage of this abnormal situation, the authors identify a mechanistic link between miR-150 and TET3 as being involved in monocyte subset generation.

Microfabrication has an essential role in device fabrication but is accompanied by unfavourable environmental footprint. This study presents a bioinspired permeable junction approach for sustainable microfabrication, which eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals and minimizes energy consumption.

Fabrication of semiconductor heterojunctions typically involves a complex process and often leads to bioincompatibility. Here, the authors propose a porous heterojunction in p-type silicon via simple stain etching at ambient conditions, and apply it in optically induced biomodulation.

A silicon-based electrode system is described that allows tunable spatiotemporal photostimulation of cardiac systems, with the optoelectronic capabilities of these devices being demonstrated in mouse, rat and pig heart models.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCCs/PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours with a significant genetic component. Here, the authors carry out a multi-omic integrative characterization of PCC/PGL and reveal potential genomic alterations and regulatory mechanisms involved in the disease.

Mutations in the splicing factor SF3B1 are found in uveal melanoma. Here, Alsafadi et al. use RNA-sequencing data from these cancers and experimental models, and show that mutant SF3B1 promotes alternative branchpoints in a specific gene subset and that the mutant protein gains a new function.

The mechanism by which PTEN mutation is melanomagenic is complicated by different PTEN functions in different cellular locations. Here, the authors identify an alternative to membrane PI3K–AKT signalling, a caveolin-1-dependent PTEN pathway that induces nuclear localization and activation of β-catenin.

The benefits of designing and constructing organic solar cells featuring more than a single donor and single acceptor material are discussed.

Placement of charge centres with atomic precision on graphene allows exploration of new types of confinement of charge carriers. Here, the authors fabricate atomically precise arrays of point charges on graphene and observe the onset of a frustrated supercritical regime.

A highly porous carbon-based electrode with optimal mechanical and electrochemical properties is implemented in a bioelectronics device for the modulation of cardiomyocyte contraction in vitro, the excitation of heart and retina ex vivo and the stimulation of sciatic nerve in vivo.

This Resource combines amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to provide a global view of microbial–metabolite associations across Earth’s environments.

The genome sequences of the neglected human-infective malaria species Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale provide new insights into their biology that are pertinent to understanding their epidemiology and to the broader agenda of malaria elimination.

Functionalizing two-dimensional transition-metal carbide (MXene) surfaces can alter their properties, but covalent functionalization has been synthetically challenging. Now, it has been shown that various organic groups can be covalently attached to MXene surfaces through amido and imido bonds. The resulting hybrid organic–inorganic structures exhibit Fano resonances and superior stability compared with traditional MXenes with a mixture of –F, –O and –OH surface terminations.

Two-dimensional, self-assembled heteromolecular networks often lack functionality. Here the authors study the photoresponse of self-assembled heteromolecular networks, while controlling their positions and interfaces at an atomic level, suggesting bottom-up assembly of optoelectronics devices.

Organic electrode materials could enable novelty chemistry required by the new generation of batteries. Here the authors show the synthesis and electrochemical performance of Mg(Li₂)-p-DHT as a lithiated cathode material that cycles at 3.4 V due to the presence of a spectator cation in the host structure.

It is unclear how and why axonal mitochondria are kept so small in axons. Authors show here that MFF-mediated fission is required for determining the size of mitochondria both entering and along the axon, and this is critical for mitochondrial calcium uptake capacity, neurotransmitter release properties and axon branching.

Nuak1 is an autism spectrum disorder candidate gene. Here the authors report behavioral and cortical development in mice heterozygous for Nuak1, suggesting loss of function mutations in one copy of Nuak1 may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

The fission yeast cytokinetic ring assembles by Search-Capture-Pull-Release from precursor nodes that include formin Cdc12 and myosin Myo2. The authors reconstitute Search-Capture-Pull in vitro and find that Myo2 pulling on Cdc12-associated actin filaments mechano-inhibits Cdc12-mediated assembly, which enables proper ring assembly in vivo.

Genome-wide methylome sequencing of serial samples obtained from patients with acute myeloid leukemia reveals that epigenetic alleles and genetic alleles follow independent courses during disease evolution.

Extremely anisotropic thermal conductors based on large-area van der Waals thin films with random interlayer rotations are reported here.