Cytoskeleton articles from across Nature Portfolio

Subcellular mRNA localization relies on the recognition of cis-regulatory elements by trans-acting complexes, which mediate mRNA recruitment to the transport machineries. A study now defines the previously unclear rules that govern mRNA recognition by the Egalitarian–BicaudalD complex, a trigger for dynein-dependent transport.

SAPCD2, a microtubule-associated protein, promotes astral microtubule stability, whereas mitotic phosphorylation at S157/S276 reduces its association with microtubules and destabilizes astral microtubules, thereby ensuring proper spindle orientation.

Contrary to previous reports, zebrafish paralogs pcdh15a /15b both contribute to ear and eye development but display isoform expression bias. Double mutants have the most severe phenotypes, including retinal cell death consistent with USH1F patients.

PfMyoF is a unique, plus-end-directed Plasmodium falciparum myosin motor with WD40 and Rab-like tail domains. It binds PfCaM, associates with perinuclear membranes and trafficking proteins, and is likely important for blood-stage parasite growth.

TBC1D19 and KIAA1841 are subunits of the tubulin poly-glutamylase complex and essential for assembly of an active holo-enzyme. TBC1D19 also promotes assembly/stability of primary cilia and phosphoinositide homeostasis.

This study reveals that the divergent Plasmodium NEK4 kinase acts as a central regulator of early post-zygotic meiosis. It couples crucial cytoskeletal reorganisation, such as MTOC duplication and nuclear migration, with chromosomal dynamics to drive meiotic entry and parasite development.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Mercey and Lemaitre (Hamel and Guichard lab) present an actin-labelling probe compatible with ultrastructure expansion microscopy, enabling high-resolution mapping of cellular actin architecture.

Subcellular mRNA localization relies on the recognition of cis-regulatory elements by trans-acting complexes, which mediate mRNA recruitment to the transport machineries. A study now defines the previously unclear rules that govern mRNA recognition by the Egalitarian–BicaudalD complex, a trigger for dynein-dependent transport.

Quadrupolar topological defects act as organization centres for material failure in a biomimetic active nematic solid.

Cytoplasmic partitioning in early embryos depends on microtubule asters. A study reveals that different species use distinct mechanisms to stabilize these inherently unstable structures and preserve robust cytoplasmic compartments.

In this study, we applied single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to native samples isolated from the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii, determining multiple structures of key components of the conoid, a cone-shaped organelle essential for host-cell invasion. We assigned 40 distinct proteins to the cryo-EM densities and uncovered their spatial organization and interactions.

A study finds that mechanical activation leads to microtubule rearrangement, facilitating the proteasomal degradation of an inhibitor of YAP/TAZ, thus promoting YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation.